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Getting an EIN, step by step

We prepare your EIN application, explain which IRS route applies to you and help you keep the confirmation safe once it arrives.

Get EIN Assistance Compare routes Required documents
  • The IRS doesn’t charge for an EIN
  • Available without an SSN or ITIN
What an EIN is

Your business’s federal tax number

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to a business. Despite the name, you don’t need employees to have one.

It identifies your company on federal tax filings, and banks and payment providers usually ask for it when you open an account.

Who may need one
  • US LLCs with more than one memberAlways required.
  • Foreign-owned single-member LLCsNeeded for Form 5472 and most bank applications.
  • Corporations and partnershipsIncluding Delaware C-Corporations.
  • Businesses with US employeesRequired for payroll taxes.
  • Businesses opening US accountsBanks and payment providers usually ask for one.
Required business information

What goes on Form SS-4

The IRS application asks for these details. We collect them from you and check that they match your formation documents.

  1. 1
    Legal name of the businessExactly as it appears on your formation document
  2. 2
    Trade name, if different
  3. 4
    Mailing addressWhere the IRS will send letters
  4. 7
    Responsible partyThe person who controls the entity, with their SSN or ITIN if they have one
  5. 9
    Type of entitySuch as LLC, corporation or partnership
  6. 10
    Reason for applyingFor example, starting a new business
  7. 11
    Date the business started
  8. 16
    Principal activityWhat the business does
Application routes

The right route depends on your circumstances

The IRS offers several ways to apply, and not everyone can use each one. We confirm which route applies before anything is submitted.

Online

US location plus SSN, ITIN or EIN

For applicants with a legal residence or principal business in the US whose responsible party has a valid SSN, ITIN or EIN.

IRS: EIN issued at the end of the session

Phone

International applicants only

For applicants without a US location. The IRS gives the EIN during the call to an authorised person.

IRS: weekdays, not a toll-free number

Fax

Including international applicants

A completed Form SS-4 sent by fax. Include a fax number so the IRS can send the EIN back.

IRS estimate: about 4 business days

Mail

Including international applicants

A completed Form SS-4 posted to the IRS. The slowest option, so it needs planning ahead.

IRS estimate: about 4 weeks

Routes and estimates are as published by the IRS in its Form SS-4 instructions (checked October 2026). They’re not guarantees, and the IRS can change them.

Step-by-step timeline

How your EIN application runs with us

  1. Submit your business information

    You send us your company and responsible-party details.

  2. We review and prepare

    We check everything against your documents and prepare Form SS-4.

  3. Submit through the right route

    The application goes to the IRS by the route that fits your situation.

  4. Receive your confirmation

    If and when the IRS issues your EIN, we send you the confirmation.

Your confirmation

What the IRS sends, and what to keep

The IRS decides whether to issue an EIN. When it does, keep the confirmation with your company records. Banks and payment providers often ask to see it.

CP 575 notice

The IRS letter that confirms your EIN was assigned. It’s sent once, so store a copy safely.

147C letter

If the original is lost, the IRS can issue an EIN verification letter, often called a 147C.

Who is this for?

New US LLCs

Your company needs an EIN for banking and payment platforms.

Owners without an SSN

Non-residents can get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

Corporations and partnerships

Every US corporation and multi-member LLC needs its own EIN.

Common mistakes we help you avoid

Wrong entity type

The tax classification on Form SS-4 must match your company.

Trying the online form

Applicants without a US address can’t use the IRS online application.

Name mismatch

The company name must match your state formation document exactly.

Pricing

EIN application

  • EIN application assistance (Form SS-4)$39

The IRS charges no fee for an EIN. This is our assistance fee.

Get started See all pricing
Required documents

What you need for EIN

Prepare these before you apply. Exact requirements depend on your situation, and we confirm them with you.

Documents

  • Your company’s formation document as filed with the state
  • Responsible party’s SSN or ITIN, if they have one

Information you’ll provide

  • Legal and trade name
  • Mailing address
  • Entity type and number of members
  • Responsible party’s name
  • Reason for applying and start date
  • Principal business activity
  • The application route depends on whether you have an SSN or ITIN and where your business is based.
  • The IRS decides whether to issue an EIN.
  • Upload documents securely in your client portal or send them to us on WhatsApp.
Apply and upload documents Full checklist and process

Need an EIN for your company?

We’re a private service, not the IRS. Tell us about your business and we’ll explain your route.

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