How to Get an EIN for Your LLC: Free Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to get an EIN for your LLC free through the IRS, what you need to apply, who must get one, and how long it takes to receive your EIN number.

To get an EIN for your LLC, apply online through the IRS website and you will receive your Employer Identification Number instantly. The application is free, takes about ten minutes, and requires your business details plus your Social Security number or ITIN.

What Is an EIN and Why Does Your LLC Need One?

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. Think of it as a Social Security number for your LLC, and you will use it for most business transactions.

Your LLC needs an EIN for several reasons:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees and running payroll
• Paying federal and state taxes
• Applying for business licenses and permits
• Building business credit

Without an EIN, many of these steps are simply not possible, so it is worth getting one early in the process. You will also use it when you file your business tax return each year.

Who Must Get an EIN?

An LLC with more than one member must have an EIN. The same goes for any LLC that hires employees or elects to be taxed as a corporation or S corporation.

A single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's Social Security number for taxes. Even so, most owners get an EIN anyway, because it keeps personal and business finances separate and makes it easier to open accounts and build credit.

How to Apply for an EIN

The fastest way is the IRS online application, available on the official IRS website. You can also apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4, but those methods take much longer.

1. Go to the IRS EIN application page
2. Confirm you are applying as a limited liability company
3. Enter your LLC's legal name and mailing address
4. Provide the responsible party's Social Security number or ITIN
5. Submit and save your EIN confirmation letter

The IRS never charges for an EIN. If a website asks you to pay for the number itself, it is a third-party service, not the IRS, and you can get the same number for free.

What You Need to Apply

Have these details ready before you start the application:

• Your LLC's legal name exactly as filed with the state
• The responsible party's SSN or ITIN
• The LLC's mailing address
• The date your LLC was formed
• The reason for applying, such as starting a business

You will also need to know the name and address of the person who controls the LLC, which is usually the owner or a designated officer.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?

The online application issues your EIN immediately. Fax applications take about four business days, and mailed applications can take four to six weeks.

Because the online option is instant and free, there is rarely a reason to use the slower methods. Save the confirmation letter, since you will need the EIN for bank accounts, tax filings, and more.

The confirmation letter includes your EIN, the legal name of the LLC, and the date the number was assigned. Keep it with your business records.

An EIN is closely tied to how your LLC is taxed. Read our guide to LLC taxes, explore LLC tax topics, and if you are still early in the process, start with how to start an LLC. You can also compare EIN resources on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an EIN for my LLC?

Apply online through the official IRS website. The application is free, takes about ten minutes, and issues your EIN immediately. You will need your LLC's legal name, mailing address, and the responsible party's Social Security number or ITIN. Save the confirmation letter, since you will need the number for bank accounts and tax filings.

Is getting an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS never charges for an EIN, whether you apply online, by fax, or by mail. If a website asks you to pay for the number itself, it is a third-party service, and you can get the same number directly from the IRS for free.

Do I need an EIN for a single member LLC?

Not always. A single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's Social Security number for taxes. However, getting an EIN is still recommended because it separates personal and business finances and makes it easier to open accounts. It also helps you build business credit and hire employees later without extra paperwork.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

The IRS online application issues your EIN instantly. Applying by fax takes about four business days, and applying by mail can take four to six weeks. The online option is the fastest and most common choice. Most owners apply online and have their number the same day they form their LLC.

Can I use my Social Security number instead of an EIN?

A single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's Social Security number for tax purposes. But an LLC with multiple members, employees, or corporate tax status must have an EIN. Most owners get one regardless to keep finances separate.