Answers
How do I get an EIN for my business?
You usually get an EIN by applying directly with the IRS online, by fax, or by mail. An EIN is an Employer Identification Number, which is the federal tax ID number the IRS uses to identify a business.
The short answer
Most business owners get an EIN from the IRS for free at IRS.gov. If your business is formed and you have the information the IRS asks for, the online application is often the fastest option.
You may need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, file certain tax forms, or separate your business taxes from your personal taxes. Many LLCs, which are limited liability companies, and corporations apply for one even if they do not have employees yet.
If you are not sure whether your business needs an EIN, see What is an EIN and how to get one.
What you usually need before you apply
Before you apply, make sure your business details are consistent across your records. That usually means the legal business name, business address, and the name of the person responsible for the business all match your formation and tax documents.
If you formed an LLC, you may want your approved articles of organization first. Articles of organization are the document filed with a state to officially create an LLC. If you formed a corporation, you may want your approved state formation filing first as well.
A few other terms can help:
- A DBA is a "doing business as" name, which is a public business name that can be different from your legal company name.
- An operating agreement is the internal document that explains how an LLC is owned and managed.
- A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal and government papers for the business.
If you are still forming the company, How to form an LLC in the US and Business entity formation may help.
Do not send sensitive information like your Social Security number, ITIN, EIN, immigration status, bank account numbers, or confidential business details through a contact form. Contact details and a short description of the issue are enough to start.
A simple example
Example: two founders create a Texas LLC for an online retail business. After the state approves the LLC, they apply for an EIN on IRS.gov using the LLC's legal name and business address. They then use that EIN to open a business bank account and set up tax filings.
If the founders are not sure whether the LLC name on the IRS application should match the state filing exactly, or whether they should use the LLC name or a DBA, a licensed business-law attorney or tax professional can help them avoid mistakes.
FoundryCounsel is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We provide general educational information and free matching with licensed business-law attorneys.
What to do next
- Check your entity documents and confirm your legal business name and address.
- Go to IRS.gov to review the current EIN application options and instructions.
- If your business structure, ownership, or name setup is confusing, speak with a licensed attorney before submitting.
- If you want help finding one, you can get matched for free or learn how it works.
If your question is really about whether you should be an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, start with LLC vs corporation: which is right. An S-corp is a tax status some eligible businesses elect with the IRS, and a C-corp is a corporation taxed under the default corporate tax rules.
An honest note
This is general educational information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and fees vary by state and change over time — confirm details with a licensed attorney and official sources before you act.
You usually get an EIN by applying directly with the IRS for free, after making sure your business name and formation details are correct.
Common questions
How much does an EIN cost?
The IRS generally issues EINs for free when you apply directly through IRS.gov or the IRS forms and instructions. Be careful with private services that charge for filing help.
Do I need an EIN if I am the only owner?
Sometimes yes. A single-owner business may still need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file certain tax forms.
Can I get an EIN before forming my LLC or corporation?
In many cases, owners wait until the business is officially formed with the state so the IRS application matches the state record. Check IRS.gov and your Secretary of State's records, and ask a licensed attorney if the timing is unclear.
What if I made a mistake on my EIN application?
Start with IRS.gov to see the current correction steps. If the mistake affects ownership, entity type, or your legal business name, it may be smart to speak with a licensed business-law attorney.
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