Applying for a Federal Tax ID Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is essential for most businesses in the United States. You can obtain an EIN directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for free in minutes through their online application. Simply answer the questions and submit the application. If approved, your EIN is issued immediately. Remember, you should never pay to apply for an EIN. Be wary of websites that charge for this service.
The application process is straightforward. You must complete the application in one session, as you can’t save and return later. Your session will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity, requiring you to start over. Upon completion, print your EIN confirmation letter for your records.
This online application is for businesses whose principal business, personal, or executor, trustee or debtor in possession address is located in the United States or U.S. Territories. You must be the responsible party and have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN). You will also need to provide the Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the responsible party.
You cannot use this tool if your principal business is located outside the U.S. In this case, you will need to apply by phone, fax, or mail. This tool is also not for applying for an EIN using another EIN. Only government entities are allowed to apply in this manner.
The online EIN application is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. There is a limit of one EIN per responsible party per day.
Before applying for an EIN, if you are forming a legal entity (LLC, partnership, corporation, or non-profit), form your entity through your state first. Failure to form your legal entity with the state first may result in delays in processing your EIN application.
Businesses, organizations, and some retirement plans need an EIN to manage their taxes. Generally, you need an EIN to:
- Hire employees
- Operate a partnership or corporation
- File excise or employment tax returns
- Change business structure or ownership
- Administer some trusts, retirement plans, and estates
After receiving your EIN, you must file tax or information returns as required. If you already have an EIN, learn when you need to apply for a new one. If you can’t apply online, learn how to apply by phone, fax, or mail.
Beginning January 1, 2024, you may be required to report certain beneficial owner information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Certain types of corporations, limited liability companies, and other similar entities created in or registered to do business in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners—the people who ultimately own or control the company—to FinCEN.
If you are a reporting company, the initial beneficial ownership information report is due based on the date your company received actual notice that the company’s creation or registration was effective or after the secretary of state or similar office first made public notice of the company’s creation or registration, whichever is earlier.
Questions such as whether my company is required to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN, who is a beneficial owner, and when do I need to report my company’s beneficial ownership information are available on FinCEN’s website. Contact FinCEN for more information and questions. The IRS is unable to answer FinCEN questions.
