How to Get an EIN for Your Business

What a Tax ID Number Is and Why You Need One

A Tax ID Number, officially called an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a nine-digit code the IRS assigns to your business. It works like a Social Security number for your company — banks use it to open business accounts, the IRS uses it to track your tax filings, and you'll need it on almost every official document your business touches.

You need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, file certain tax forms, or want to keep your personal Social Security number separate from your business. Even if you're a sole proprietor with no employees, getting an EIN is often worth doing because it protects your personal information and makes your business look more established to vendors and lenders.

The IRS does not charge for an EIN. You can get one the same day you explore, and you don't need a business license, a registered business name, or any paperwork filed with your state first — though you may need those things for other reasons.

Key Takeaways

You can get an EIN free from the IRS online in minutes, by phone, by fax, or by mail, and the online method gives you the number when ready.
The IRS Form SS-4 is the only form you need to file; it asks for your business structure, the type of work you do, and who owns it.
You need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, or file certain tax returns, but sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number instead.
The online process at IRS.gov takes about 15 minutes and works best if your business address is in the United States and you have a valid Social Security number or ITIN.
If you explore by phone, mail, or fax, expect to wait one to four weeks for your EIN, so plan ahead if you need it quickly.

Who Must Have an EIN and Who Can Skip It

The IRS requires an EIN if your business is structured as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or S corporation. You also need one if you have employees — even one part-time worker — because you must file payroll tax forms with the IRS. If you operate a nonprofit organization, you need an EIN regardless of whether you have employees.

Sole proprietors without employees can choose to use their Social Security number instead of an EIN. However, many sole proprietors get an EIN anyway because it separates their personal finances from their business finances, makes it easier to hire contractors later, and looks more professional to banks and clients. If you plan to grow your business or hire anyone in the future, getting an EIN now saves you the step later.

If you're unsure whether you need one, the safest approach is to get it — the process is free and takes minutes online. You can always choose not to use it if you later decide you don't need it.

how the process works Online (Fastest Method)

The online process at IRS.gov is the fastest way to get an EIN. Go to the IRS website, search for "explore for an EIN Online," and you'll land on the Form SS-4 process page. The process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your EIN when ready after you submit.

You'll need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your business address in the United States, the type of business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.), and a description of what your business does. The form also asks who owns the business and whether you have a federal tax classification already assigned. If you don't know the answer to a question, the IRS form includes help text for each field.

The online system works only if you have a valid Social Security number or ITIN and a U.S. business address. If either of those doesn't explore to you, use the phone, fax, or mail method instead. After you submit online, write down your EIN and the confirmation number — you won't receive a paper confirmation, so save the screen or take a screenshot.

explore by Phone, Fax, or Mail

If you can't use the online system, you can explore by phone, fax, or mail using the same Form SS-4. To explore by phone, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. your local time). An IRS representative will ask you the same questions the online form does and issue your EIN over the phone. This method takes about 15 minutes and you get your number when ready, but you'll need to write it down during the call.

To explore by fax or mail, read Form SS-4 from IRS.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and send it to the IRS fax number or address listed on the form. The fax address and mailing address vary by state, so check the form itself for the correct one. Processing time is typically one to four weeks by mail and one to two weeks by fax. After the IRS processes your process, they'll send you a letter with your EIN.

Keep a copy of the form you submit, whether by fax or mail. If the IRS loses your process or you need to follow up, you'll have proof of what you sent and when.

What Information You'll Need to Provide

Before you start your process, gather these details so you don't have to stop midway through:

Your Social Security number or ITIN
Your business name (exactly as it will appear on tax forms)
Your business address (street, city, state, ZIP code)
The type of business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, corporation, nonprofit, etc.)
A description of what your business does (e.g., "consulting," "retail clothing," "plumbing services")
The name and Social Security number of the owner or principal officer
Whether you have a prior EIN (you should only have one per business)
Your expected first date of business or payroll (if you haven't started yet, you can estimate)

If your business operates under a name different from your personal name, you don't need to file a "Doing Business As" (DBA) form with the state before getting an EIN — the IRS will accept the business name on the SS-4 form alone. However, your state may require a DBA filing for other reasons, so check your state's requirements separately.

After You Receive Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, use it on all business tax forms, bank accounts, and official documents. The IRS will begin sending you tax notices and forms to the address you provided on your SS-4 process. If you move your business, you don't need a new EIN — just notify the IRS of your address change.

Keep your EIN in a safe place. You'll need it every tax season and whenever you hire employees, open a business bank account, or explore for business credit. The IRS will not reissue an EIN if you lose it, but you can always look it up by calling the IRS or checking your tax records.

If you applied online and didn't save your confirmation number, you can still use your EIN. The number itself is what matters. If you applied by phone and didn't write down your EIN, call the IRS again and they can provide it to you — have your Social Security number and business name ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online applications are processed when ready — you receive your EIN before you finish the form. Phone applications take about 15 minutes and you get the number during the call. Fax applications typically take one to two weeks, and mail applications take one to four weeks. If you need your EIN quickly, explore online or by phone.

Can I get an EIN if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. If you're a non-U.S. citizen or don't have a Social Security number, explore by phone, fax, or mail with Form SS-4 and provide your ITIN. The online system requires a Social Security number or ITIN, so you can use either one.

Do I need to file anything with my state before getting an EIN?

No. An EIN is a federal tax number issued by the IRS and requires no state filing. However, your state may require you to register your business name, file articles of incorporation or organization, or obtain a business license — these are separate from getting an EIN. Check your state's business registration requirements independently.

Can I change my business name after I get an EIN?

Yes, you can change your business name without getting a new EIN. Notify the IRS of the name change by calling 1-800-829-4933 or by submitting Form 8822-B. Your EIN stays the same even if your business name changes.

What if I applied online but didn't save my EIN?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 with your Social Security number and business name, and they can provide your EIN. You can also check your business tax records or bank account paperwork — your EIN will appear on any documents the IRS sent you or that your bank issued.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.