How to Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for Your Business

What a business tax number is and where to get one

A business tax number — officially called an Employer Identification Number or EIN — is a nine-digit code the IRS assigns to your business. You use it on tax forms, bank accounts, and when you hire employees. Most businesses need one, whether you operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation.

You request an EIN directly from the IRS, not from your state or local government. The IRS issues them for free. The process takes minutes online, a few days by phone, or up to four weeks by mail. Once issued, your EIN is permanent — you do not need to renew it.

If you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no separate business structure, you can use your Social Security Number instead of an EIN on some tax forms. However, most business owners get an EIN anyway because it keeps personal and business finances separate and is required the moment you hire anyone.

Key Takeaways

The IRS issues EINs for free through their website, by phone, or by mail, and you do not need to pay a third-party service to get one.
Online application through IRS.gov takes about 15 minutes and gives you your number immediately; phone application takes a few days; mail takes up to four weeks.
You will need your Social Security Number or ITIN, your business structure type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.), and the date you started or plan to start your business.
Once the IRS issues your EIN, it is permanent and does not expire, even if your business closes.
Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security Number instead, but an EIN is required if you hire staff or operate as an LLC or corporation.

Who needs an EIN

You need an EIN if your business is structured as a partnership, LLC, S corporation, or C corporation. You also need one if you are a sole proprietor who hires employees, operates a farm, or runs a business that generates self-employment income you will report on Schedule C.

You do not need an EIN if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and you do not plan to hire anyone. In that case, you can use your Social Security Number on your tax return. However, getting an EIN is still common practice because it protects your personal information and makes it easier to open a business bank account.

If you are unsure whether your business structure requires an EIN, the IRS website has a tool that walks you through your situation. The answer depends on whether you have employees, how your business is legally organized, and what type of income you earn.

How to request an EIN online

The fastest way to get an EIN is through the IRS website at IRS.gov. Go to the "Apply for an EIN" section and select "Apply Online Now." You will answer questions about your business name, address, business structure, and the reason you need an EIN (hiring employees, opening a bank account, etc.).

The online form takes about 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security Number or ITIN, your business start date or the date you plan to start, and your principal business activity code (a number that describes what your business does — the IRS provides a searchable list). Once you submit, the IRS issues your EIN immediately on screen. You can print or save the confirmation page, which contains your new number.

The online system is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. It is not available on federal holidays. If you apply outside those hours, you can still start the form, but you will not receive your number until the next business day.

Requesting an EIN by phone or mail

If you cannot use the online system, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Have your Social Security Number, business structure type, and start date ready. The call takes about 10 minutes. The IRS will issue your EIN over the phone and mail you a formal letter within a few days.

You can also request an EIN by mail using Form SS-4. Download the form from IRS.gov, fill it out, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. Processing takes up to four weeks. This method is slower but works if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper record.

Whichever method you choose, you do not need to pay anyone to request your EIN. The IRS issues them for free. Websites that charge a fee to "help" you get an EIN are not necessary — you can do this yourself at no cost.

What information you need before you apply

Gather these documents and details before you start your application:

Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Your business legal name, exactly as it appears on your business registration or formation documents
Your business mailing address
The date your business started or will start
Your principal business activity code (the IRS provides a searchable list on their website)
Your business structure type: sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S corporation, C corporation, nonprofit, trust, or other
If you are applying on behalf of someone else, their name and relationship to the business

If your business does not yet have a legal name registered with your state, you can use your personal name. You can change the business name later by contacting the IRS, though your EIN itself does not change.

After you receive your EIN

Once you have your EIN, use it on all business tax forms, bank account applications, and when you hire employees. The IRS will send you a formal letter in the mail confirming your number. Keep this letter in your records.

Your EIN does not expire. You do not need to renew it, even if your business closes. If you start a new business later, you will need a new EIN — each business structure gets its own number.

If you lose your EIN or forget it, you can look it up on IRS.gov using your business name and address, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. You can also find it on any tax forms or correspondence the IRS has sent you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EIN if my business is not yet registered with my state?

Yes. You do not need state registration to request an EIN from the IRS. You can apply as soon as you decide to start a business. However, you will still need to register your business with your state and obtain any local licenses required in your area — those are separate steps.

What if I already have an EIN but need a second one for a different business?

Each business structure gets its own EIN. If you start a second business — whether as a separate LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship — you will need to request a new EIN. The process is the same as your first application.

Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account?

Most banks require an EIN or Social Security Number to open a business account. If you are a sole proprietor, the bank may accept your Social Security Number. If you are an LLC or corporation, you will need an EIN. Check with your bank about their specific requirements before you apply.

How long does it take to receive an EIN in the mail?

If you apply online or by phone, the IRS issues your number immediately or within a few days. If you apply by mail using Form SS-4, processing takes up to four weeks. You do not need to wait for the paper confirmation letter to use your EIN — you can start using it as soon as the IRS issues it.

What if the IRS rejects my application?

The IRS will tell you why your application was rejected — usually because of a missing or incorrect detail like your business structure type or start date. Correct the information and resubmit. You can apply again immediately online or by phone.

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.