Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) directly from the IRS is free and takes only minutes. Simply answer the questions and submit your application. If approved, your EIN is issued immediately online.
Beware of websites that charge for EIN applications. You never have to pay to apply for an EIN.
How It Works
- Complete the application in one session. You can’t save and return later.
- Your session will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you’ll have to start over.
- Print your EIN confirmation letter for your records.
The online EIN application process pre-qualifies you with the IRS.
- Your principal business is located in the United States or U.S. territories.
- You are the responsible party who controls, manages, or directs the applicant entity and its assets, or their authorized designee.
- You have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN).
You cannot use this tool:
- If your principal business is located outside the United States. Apply by phone, fax or mail.
- To apply for an EIN for a Governmental Entity. Only Governmental Entities apply using an EIN
Requirements
Get Your EIN
Get your EIN directly from the IRS in minutes.
Hours of Operation
This tool is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Daily Limit
You can only apply for one EIN per responsible party per day.
When to Apply for an EIN
If you’re forming a legal entity (LLC, partnership, corporation, or non-profit), form your legal entity through your state[/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/state-government-websites “State government websites”] before you apply for an EIN. If you don’t form your legal entity with your state first, your EIN application may be delayed.
Businesses, corporations, and even some retirement funds need EINs to manage their taxes. Generally, you need an EIN to:
- Hire employees
- Operate a partnership or corporation
- File excise and sales tax returns
- Change business structure or ownership
- Administer some trusts, retirement plans, and estates
When you receive an EIN, you must file the required tax returns or information returns.
If you already have an EIN, see when to apply for a new EIN.
Other Ways to Apply
If you can’t apply online, learn how to apply by phone, fax or mail.
Report Beneficial Ownership Information to FinCEN When Required
You may be required to report certain information about your beneficial owners to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Certain 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 individuals who ultimately own or control the company—to FinCEN beginning January 1, 2024.
If you are a reporting company, initial beneficial ownership information reporting is based on the date your company receives actual notice that the company’s creation or registration is effective or after the secretary of state or similar office first publicly discloses 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 I need to report my company’s beneficial ownership information can be found on the FinCEN website.
FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information Pages Provide:
Contact FinCEN for more information and questions. The IRS is unable to answer FinCEN questions.
