How to Get an EIN Number in 2026: Fast, Free Ways to Apply with the IRS

Table of Contents

• What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
• Do You Need an EIN? Key Triggers by Business Type
• What to Do Before You Apply: Business Name, Legal Structure, and Documents
• How to Get an EIN Online (Fastest Method)
• Other Ways to Apply: Fax, Mail, and International Phone
• Information You Must Provide on the EIN Application
• When You Need a New EIN vs. When You Keep the Same EIN
• How to Find, Recover, or Correct an Existing EIN
• What to Do After You Get Your EIN
• Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
• How Tax Professionals Can Use EIN Knowledge to Serve Clients Better
• Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an EIN
• Why Choose Our Tax Training and Tools When You Work with EINs
• Next Steps: Get Your EIN and Build a Compliant Tax-Smart Business

Introduction: Why Your Business Probably Needs an EIN Right Now

An employer identification number is essentially a Social Security number for your business. It’s a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS that lets the federal government identify your business entity for tax purposes. Most businesses need an EIN to operate legally, whether that means opening a business bank account, hiring your first employee, working as a paid tax preparer, or forming an LLC or corporation.

The good news is that the IRS issues EINs for free, and the fastest method to get one is the online application, which takes about 10 minutes and often delivers your number immediately. There is no reason to pay a third-party service for something you can do yourself at no cost.

This article walks you step-by-step through how to get an EIN number online, by fax, and by mail. You will also learn when you need a new EIN, when you can keep the same EIN, and how tax professionals can turn this knowledge into better client service.

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An employer identification number EIN is a unique nine-digit federal tax identification number that the IRS assigns to businesses, trusts, estates, nonprofits, and other entities. You may also hear it called a Federal Tax ID Number, FEIN, or Federal Employer Identification Number. A TIN, or taxpayer identification number, can refer to various tax identification numbers including EINs, so don’t let the terminology confuse you. They are all part of the same system the IRS uses to track who owes what.

Think of the EIN like a Social Security number, but for a business. It appears on tax returns, payroll forms, bank applications, business licenses, and official contracts. EINs are used for federal tax identification purposes across every interaction your business has with the IRS.

One critical detail: an EIN is tied to the legal name of the business entity, not the DBA or trade name. The responsible party listed on the EIN record is the individual who owns, controls, or exercises ultimate authority over the entity’s funds and assets. Using a nominee is not permitted. If you plan to start a tax preparation business, an EIN is one of the first items on your checklist.

Do You Need an EIN? Key Triggers by Business Type

Not every business owner is legally required to have an employer identification number, but most are, and the rest usually benefit from having one for banking, privacy, and credibility. Businesses usually need an EIN when hiring employees or operating as a corporation or partnership. An EIN is also required if your business has employees, files excise or employment tax returns, or withholds taxes on income paid to nonresident aliens. An EIN is necessary for filing federal taxes as an entity.

Most banks, payment processors, and payroll providers require an EIN even when the IRS technically allows a sole proprietor to use a Social Security number. EINs also help reduce the risk of identity theft for business owners because the number replaces the SSN on most business documents.

Here is a quick decision guide by entity type:

• Sole proprietorship with no employees and no excise taxes: SSN may be sufficient, but an EIN is still recommended for banking and vendor W-9 forms.
• Single-member LLC with no employees: the IRS may allow the owner’s SSN, but single-member LLCs should get an EIN for separation of finances and future growth.
• Multi-member LLC or partnership: EIN required. Any LLC with more than one member must have its own tax ID number.
• Corporation (C-corp or S corp): EIN required, no exceptions.
• Trusts and estates: generally require an EIN, with limited exceptions for certain grantor trusts.

What to Do Before You Apply: Business Name, Legal Structure, and Documents

The IRS requires the business to exist as a legal entity before issuing an EIN, so forming a legal business entity is necessary before applying for an EIN. If your chosen business structure is an LLC, corporation, or partnership, file your formation documents with your state first. Sole proprietors do not need state-level entity formation but should still have their business’s legal details organized.

Applicants should ensure their business name matches state formation documents when applying for an EIN. The EIN application uses the legal name from your articles of organization or incorporation, not your DBA or trade name. If there is a mismatch, expect problems with bank applications, licensing, and tax filings. The IRS explains how to apply for EIN for tax business owners and other entities on its free online page.

Gather the following information before starting:

• Legal name and physical address of the business
• Formation date and state of organization
• Description of primary business activity
• Responsible party’s legal name, Social Security number or ITIN, and contact information
• Any prior EINs for related entities
• Your operating agreement or formation documents for reference

The IRS limits each responsible party to one EIN application per calendar day, so plan your timing if you are forming multiple entities.

How to Get an EIN Online (Fastest Method)

Applying for an EIN online at the IRS website is the fastest method for U.S.-based applicants with a valid SSN or ITIN. The IRS issues EINs immediately for online applications, and getting an EIN is free and takes about 10 minutes online.

Here is how the process works:

1. Navigate to the IRS EIN online assistant on IRS.gov.
2. Select the correct entity type: sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, trust, estate, or other.
3. Enter the responsible party’s name and tax ID.
4. Provide the business’s legal name, mailing address, physical address, and additional details about primary activity.
5. Review your entries and submit.

The online application session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you cannot save your progress. Have everything ready before you start. The system is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

When the application completes, you will receive your EIN instantly along with a confirmation page. Download or print this EIN confirmation letter (also called CP 575) before closing your browser. Store it alongside your formation documents, operating agreement, and tax records. This confirmation letter is what banks and licensing agencies will ask to see.

Other Ways to Apply: Fax, Mail, and International Phone

If you cannot apply online-for example, if you are among international applicants without an SSN or ITIN, or you have a complex entity situation-you can still apply by fax, U.S. mail, or international phone. Applicants can submit Form SS-4 to apply for an EIN by fax, mail, or online. Tax pros who prepare returns for pay also need a PTIN, which is separate from a business EIN.

Fax: Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the appropriate IRS number (855-641-6935 for domestic entities). Include a return fax number. Fax applications are processed within four business days.

Mail: Submit the completed SS-4 by mail. Mail applications can take up to 30 days to process. Mailing Form SS-4 for an EIN typically results in longer processing times compared to fax or online methods.

International phone: International applicants can apply by phone at 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The EIN is often issued during the call after identity verification.

All of these methods are free when you apply directly through the IRS. The IRS discourages using third-party services for obtaining an EIN due to associated fees. Those services simply fill out and submit the same form on your behalf.

Information You Must Provide on the EIN Application

Every EIN application requires accurate information about the entity and the responsible party. Incorrect details-like a misspelled business name or wrong entity type-can delay approval or create headaches with banks and tax filings.

Key data points you will need to provide, whether online or on Form SS-4:

Field	What to Enter
Legal name	Exactly as it appears on state formation or registration documents
Trade name / DBA	Only if different from the legal name
Mailing address	Where you want IRS correspondence sent
Physical address	Where the business is located (no P.O. boxes)
Entity type	LLC, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, trust, etc.
Reason for applying	Started a new business, hired employees, created a trust, etc.
First date wages paid	Required if you plan to hire employees; enter “N/A” if none
Primary business activity	Industry description and general category

A responsible party must provide their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when applying for an EIN. This must be a real person-not another company or nominee-who has authority to act for the business with the IRS. The right person to list is whoever truly controls the entity’s funds and management. Firms that file returns electronically will also need an EFIN number from the IRS, on top of the EIN.

If you previously had an EIN for a related entity, you must disclose it on the form even when applying for a new EIN for a different structure.

When You Need a New EIN vs. When You Keep the Same EIN

An EIN is generally permanent for a specific legal entity, but some major changes create what the IRS considers a new business and require a new EIN.

You need a new EIN when:

• A sole proprietor incorporates or forms an LLC taxed as a corporation
• A single-member LLC adds members and becomes a partnership (more than one member changes the classification)
• A partnership converts to a corporation
• A corporation receives a new charter from the state
• Ownership transfers to a new owner who operates under a fundamentally different structure

You can keep the same EIN when:

• You change your business name or mailing address
• You add a DBA or trade name
• You amend an operating agreement without changing entity type
• An LLC or corporation elects S corp tax status via Form 2553
• You reorganize without altering the fundamental structure

Holding multiple EINs for the same entity causes confusion on IRS records and can trigger notices or delays on tax filings. Before applying for a second number, verify whether the change truly requires it by checking current IRS guidance or consulting a knowledgeable accountant.

How to Find, Recover, or Correct an Existing EIN

The IRS does not cancel or reuse EINs. If you lose your number, do not apply for a brand-new one for the same entity.

Places to locate an existing EIN:

• Prior-year federal tax returns or payroll filings
• Business bank account opening paperwork
• Business licenses or state registrations
• W-9 forms you sent to clients or vendors
• The original CP 575 confirmation letter

If none of those work, contact the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time). After identity verification, they can confirm your number and issue a 147C EIN verification letter. To correct errors like a wrong business address or misspelled legal name on the EIN record, file Form 8822-B within 60 days of the change or follow the IRS published change procedures. For the bigger picture, the starting a business IRS tax guide covers the other federal filings a new company faces.

What to Do After You Get Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, store it immediately with your key business documents: articles of organization, operating agreement, shareholder agreements, and state registrations. Update documents that reference your tax ID after obtaining an EIN so everything stays consistent.

Your EIN is active immediately for most purposes, including opening a business bank account and signing contracts. However, it takes about two weeks for full IRS registration in electronic systems, which matters for e-filing and online tax payments through EFTPS.

First practical uses of your new EIN:

• Opening a business bank account (most banks require your EIN to open a business account)
• Registering for state payroll and sales tax accounts
• Completing W-9 forms for vendors and clients
• Setting up payroll (you need your EIN for payroll tax reporting and W-2 forms)
• Filing your first federal tax returns under the new number

Keep business and personal finances fully separate under your new EIN. This protects your liability, simplifies bookkeeping, and makes tax preparation far cleaner.

Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid

Common errors that delay EIN applications include incorrect business names or misclassification of entity type. Here are the mistakes that trip up the most people:

• Applying before the entity exists. If you file for an EIN before your LLC’s legal formation is complete with the state, you create mismatches that banks and licensing agencies will flag.
• Wrong responsible party. Listing a business entity instead of an individual, or naming a nominee, will get your application rejected.
• Duplicate applications. Submitting both an online application and a fax for the same entity because you panicked about a timeout creates two EINs for one entity-a headache on your tax account.
• Paying unnecessary fees. The IRS charges nothing. Any website charging you a fee to “get your EIN” is a third-party convenience service, not the IRS.
• Not saving the confirmation letter. If you close your browser without downloading the online confirmation, you will have to call the IRS or wait for a mailed notice to verify your number.

Build an internal checklist for every new entity: form with the state, apply for EIN, open a bank account, register for state taxes. Following the same sequence every time prevents missed steps.

How Tax Professionals Can Use EIN Knowledge to Serve Clients Better

Understanding employer identification number rules is essential for tax preparers, especially those helping clients form new businesses or transition from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or corporation. Tax preparers may require an EIN for federal tax identification and to comply with IRS regulations in their own practice, and they need to guide clients through the same process confidently. If you are researching how to become a tax service bureau, getting an EIN is one of the earliest steps.

Consider the scenarios you will see regularly: a side hustler whose gig income has grown large enough to justify an LLC, a family partnership that now needs to hire employees and set up payroll, or a single-member LLC owner who wants to elect S corp status and wonders whether they need a new tax ID. Each situation has specific EIN implications.

You add real value when you advise clients on correct EIN timing, prevent duplicate EINs, align the EIN record with the client’s LLC’s legal structure and ownership, and help them choose the right “reason for applying” on Form SS-4. Stay current with IRS guidance-the Form SS-4 instructions were updated in December 2025, and IRM 21.7.13 received new updates in July 2026 clarifying LLC rules and merger scenarios. Clients expect you to know this.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an EIN

Below are the follow up questions people ask most often about the EIN process.

How much does it cost to get an EIN from the IRS?

Obtaining an employer identification number directly from the IRS is completely free, regardless of whether you apply online, by fax, by mail, or by international phone. Any fees you encounter come from third-party services or professionals who charge for their time to complete the application on your behalf. The IRS itself never charges for issuing an EIN.

Can I use one EIN for multiple businesses?

Each separate legal entity needs its own EIN. You cannot use the same EIN for two distinct LLCs or corporations even if you own both. A single EIN can cover multiple locations or divisions of the same legal entity, but not different entities with different legal names or ownership structures. If you run two businesses as separate LLCs, each one needs a separate tax ID number.

Do I need an EIN if I am a single-member LLC with no employees?

The IRS may allow you to use your Social Security number, but you need an EIN to open a business bank account at most institutions. Banks require it. Using an EIN also protects your personal SSN from appearing on every W-9, invoice, and contract. Most single-member LLC owners should obtain a free EIN to simplify banking, vendor relationships, and future hiring or tax elections. Once your EIN is set, compare the best tax software for tax preparers to carry it onto every return.

Can I apply for an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?

Applicants without an SSN or ITIN cannot use the EIN online assistant. However, you can still apply by submitting Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or by calling the IRS international number if the business is foreign-owned. International applicants can apply by phone at 267-941-1099. Obtaining an ITIN can also satisfy the responsible party identification requirement, and requirements vary based on the applicant’s situation and country of residence.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

The online application delivers your EIN immediately and the whole process takes about 10 minutes. Fax applications are typically processed within four business days. Mail applications can take up to 30 days. International phone applicants often receive an EIN by the end of the call after the IRS can verify the applicant’s identity. Build in extra time before major events like hiring employees, opening a bank account, or filing the first payroll or excise tax return.

Will I need a new EIN if my business changes?

Minor changes like updating the business name, address, or adding a DBA usually do not require a new EIN. Fundamental business structure or ownership changes-like converting from a sole proprietorship to a corporation-often do. Review current IRS rules or consult a knowledgeable tax professional before deciding whether to apply for a new EIN. Search results from the IRS website provide updated tables that clarify each scenario.

Why Choose Our Tax Training and Tools When You Work with EINs

Comprehensive tax education and flat-fee, cloud-based software give new and experienced preparers the confidence to advise clients on every aspect of entity formation, from choosing the right business structure to filing the first returns under a new EIN. Our training covers EFIN and PTIN registration, IRS compliance, and the practical details of EIN applications that textbooks skip.

With flat-fee pricing, you keep 100 percent of the tax preparation fees you earn. No revenue sharing, no per-return charges. Combined with our tiered academy for certified training and ongoing education, you stay ahead of new tax rules, entity classification changes, and compliance requirements that affect your clients every filing season.

Our centralized hub for training, marketing resources, and reporting makes it simple for preparers and service bureaus to manage many clients’ EIN-related startup and filing needs efficiently. When your client asks how to get an EIN number, you will not just know the answer-you will guide them through the entire process and handle everything that comes after.

Next Steps: Get Your EIN and Build a Compliant Tax-Smart Business

Getting an EIN is free, fast, and usually the first real step toward separating your business and personal finances, hiring employees, and filing required tax returns. If you qualify, start with the online application to get your EIN instantly. If the online tool does not work for your situation, use fax, mail, or the international phone line to contact the IRS directly.

For tax professionals and aspiring preparers, mastering the EIN process is just the beginning. Explore training and tools that cover EIN guidance, tax law fundamentals, and business-startup workflows so you can confidently guide every client from entity formation through their first filing season.

Visit our website to learn more about flat-fee tax software, certified training programs, and the resources that help you turn EIN and entity-setup knowledge into a reliable, growing tax preparation business.