Reviewed for 2026: This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Always apply through IRS.gov or verify the current IRS instructions before submitting Form SS-4.

Quick Answer

The EIN for your LLC is free from the IRS. If your principal place of business is in the United States or a U.S. territory and the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN, you can get the EIN online from the IRS website. Otherwise, you generally apply using Form SS-4 by phone, fax, or mail.

Use the IRS, not a paid EIN website

By visiting IRS.gov, you can get an EIN for your LLC for free. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. Third-party sites may charge for preparing the same application but it is usually bundled in with their state filing fee.

What Is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS. It is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or FEIN.

There are multiple ways to get an EIN number. One of the most common is to apply online at IRS.gov. But you can also use online legal services to get an EIN, however, that will cost you extra. This service is usually bundled in with their other business formation services. the EIN is used by the IRS for federal income tax purposes. But it is also used by banks for opening business bank accounts, by payment processors, by vendors for invoices, and by state agencies for state tax accounts.

Term Meaning
EIN Employer Identification Number
FEIN Federal Employer Identification Number
Federal Tax ID Another common name for EIN
CP 575 IRS EIN confirmation notice issued after approval
Letter 147C IRS letter that can confirm a previously assigned EIN

Does Your LLC Need an EIN?

In short answer, no. But as a single member LLC you may want one for several reasons. Some LLCs are required to have one for federal tax purposes. Others request one for banking, state tax accounts, payment processors, business licenses, or privacy.

Situation Do you usually need an EIN? Why
Single-member LLC with no employees Maybe May not need one for federal income tax, but banks and platforms often request it.
LLC with employees Yes Needed for employment tax reporting and payroll accounts.
Multi-member LLC Yes Usually treated as a partnership by default and needs an EIN for tax filing.
LLC taxed as S corporation Yes Needed for payroll, Form 1120-S, and IRS business records.
LLC taxed as C corporation Yes Needed for corporate tax filing and IRS records.
LLC opening a business bank account Usually yes Many banks require an EIN even when the IRS might not.
Foreign-owned U.S. LLC Usually yes Often needed for banking, Form 5472 reporting, and IRS records.

When Should You Apply for an EIN?

After your LLC is formed and approved by the state you can apply for an EIN. The IRS asks for the legal name of the business. And it should match your approved LLC formation documents.

If you apply before forming the LLC and the state rejects or changes the business name, the EIN record may not match the actual entity. That can create problems with banks, tax records, W-9 forms, payment processors, and future IRS correspondence.

Correct order

First form the LLC with the state. Then create your operating agreement. Then apply for the EIN. After the EIN is issued, use it for banking, licenses, tax accounts, and business records.

How to Apply for an EIN Online

The online IRS EIN application is the fastest method if you qualify. The application must be completed in one session, and the IRS says it expires after a period of inactivity. If the application is approved, the EIN is issued online.

Who can use the IRS online EIN application?

  • Your principal place of business is in the United States or a U.S. territory.
  • You are the responsible party or an authorized representative.
  • The responsible party has an SSN or ITIN.
  • You are not trying to apply using another EIN, except where allowed for government entities.

Online EIN application steps

  1. Go to the official IRS EIN application page on IRS.gov.
  2. Select the legal structure, usually “Limited Liability Company.”
  3. Enter the number of LLC members.
  4. Enter the state where the LLC was formed or is located.
  5. Provide the responsible party’s information.
  6. Enter the business name exactly as shown on the LLC formation documents.
  7. Enter the business mailing and physical address information.
  8. Choose the reason for applying.
  9. Answer business activity questions.
  10. Request the confirmation letter online if available and save it immediately.
Item IRS online EIN rule
Cost Free
Processing time Usually immediate if approved online
Session Must be completed in one session
Responsible party Must generally have SSN or ITIN for online application
Daily limit One EIN per responsible party per day
Best document to save CP 575 EIN confirmation notice
Save the confirmation letter

Save the EIN confirmation notice immediately. You may need it for banking, payroll, tax accounts, payment processors, licenses, and business records.

How to Get an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN

A non-U.S. founder can still get an EIN, but the online IRS tool is usually not available when the responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN or when the principal place of business is outside the United States.

International applicants generally use Form SS-4 and apply by phone, fax, or mail. The correct method depends on the business address, responsible party, and whether the applicant is able to call the IRS international EIN line.

Applicant type Common method Notes
U.S.-based LLC with responsible party SSN or ITIN Online IRS EIN application Fastest method if eligible.
U.S.-based LLC that cannot apply online Fax or mail Form SS-4 Fax may be faster if a fax number is provided.
International applicant outside the U.S. Phone, fax, or mail Form SS-4 Use the IRS international EIN instructions.
Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded LLC Usually Form SS-4 if no SSN/ITIN May also need Form 5472/pro-forma Form 1120 later.

Related guide: How to Get an EIN Without an SSN .

How to Fill Out Form SS-4 for an LLC

Form SS-4 is the paper EIN application. It asks for the legal name of the entity, responsible party, mailing address, entity type, reason for applying, number of members, business activity, and other tax account information.

SS-4 area What to enter Common mistake
Legal name LLC name exactly as approved by the state Using a brand name or unapproved name
Trade name DBA or trade name, if different Repeating the LLC name unnecessarily
Responsible party Person who controls or owns the entity (see responsible party rules) Using a nominee or formation company
Entity type Limited liability company and number of members Confusing legal entity type with tax election
Reason for applying Started a new business, banking, employees, or other correct reason Choosing a reason that does not match the facts
Business activity Accurate description of what the LLC does Using vague terms that do not explain the business
Responsible party warning

The responsible party should generally be the person who ultimately owns or controls the entity. Avoid using a nominee merely to get through the application process.

What to Do After You Get Your EIN

Once the EIN is issued, store it carefully and use it consistently on business records. The IRS says an EIN can be used immediately for many business needs, but some electronic systems may take time before the EIN can pass matching or e-file checks.

Use your EIN for:

  • Opening a business bank account
  • Applying for business licenses
  • Completing Form W-9 when appropriate
  • Registering for state tax accounts
  • Setting up payroll if the LLC hires employees
  • Filing federal tax or information returns
  • Setting up bookkeeping and business records
  • Applying for payment processors or marketplaces

Related guide: What to Do After Forming an LLC.

What If You Lose Your EIN?

If you lose your EIN, do not apply for a second one. A business entity should generally have only one EIN. First, try to locate the number in your own records.

  • Look for the IRS EIN confirmation notice.
  • Check old business tax returns.
  • Contact the bank where you opened a business account.
  • Check state or local license applications.
  • Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line if you are authorized.

The IRS can also issue Letter 147C to confirm a previously assigned EIN. This is often useful when a bank, payment processor, CPA, or payroll provider needs proof of the number.

Common EIN Mistakes

  • Paying for an EIN: The IRS provides EINs for free.
  • Applying before the LLC exists: Form the LLC first, then apply for the EIN.
  • Using the wrong legal name: Match the state-approved LLC name exactly.
  • Using a nominee as responsible party: The responsible party should generally be the person who controls the entity.
  • Applying for multiple EINs: A business entity should generally have one EIN.
  • Losing the CP 575 notice: Save the confirmation letter in several secure places.
  • Assuming EIN equals tax classification: Getting an EIN does not automatically make an LLC an S corporation or C corporation (see LLC vs S-Corp classification rules).
  • Ignoring foreign-owned LLC filings: A foreign-owned disregarded LLC may still have Form 5472 reporting requirements.

What to Do Next

  1. Confirm your LLC has been approved by the state.
  2. Create and sign your operating agreement.
  3. Apply for the EIN through the correct IRS method (see our EIN application checklist).
  4. Save your CP 575 confirmation notice.
  5. Open a separate business bank account.
  6. Set up bookkeeping before accepting business income.
  7. Check your state tax accounts, licenses, and annual report duties.
  8. Review W-9, 1099, payroll, or Form 5472 requirements if relevant.

Official Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. EIN requirements can depend on ownership, employees, tax classification, state rules, and whether the LLC is foreign-owned.