How to Get an EIN for Your LLC (Free, Takes 10 Minutes)

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit federal tax ID assigned to your business by the IRS. Think of it as your LLC's Social Security Number — it identifies your business entity for tax and financial purposes.

The good news: it's free, it takes about 10 minutes, and you get your number immediately. There is no reason to pay a third-party service for EIN filing.

Why You Need an EIN

• Open a business bank account (banks require it)
• Hire employees or pay contractors
• File federal and state business taxes
• Apply for business credit cards
• Apply for business licenses and permits
• Establish business credit history
• Work with clients who need to issue you a 1099

Even if you have no employees and don't plan to hire anyone, you still need an EIN for your LLC to open a bank account and keep your business finances separate from personal.

Do You Need an EIN If You're a Single-Member LLC?

Yes. Technically, a single-member LLC without employees can use your Social Security Number for federal tax purposes. But in practice, you should always get an EIN. Banks require it. It protects your SSN from being shared unnecessarily. And it keeps your business and personal identity cleanly separated.

How to Apply for an EIN — Step by Step

1. Go to IRS.gov/EIN (the official IRS EIN application — it's free)
2. Select "Limited Liability Company" as your entity type
3. Select the number of LLC members
4. Select your reason for applying ("Started a new business" for most founders)
5. Enter your LLC name exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization
6. Enter your name and Social Security Number as the "responsible party"
7. Confirm the address where you want IRS correspondence sent
8. Review and submit

Your EIN is displayed on screen immediately after submission. Save the confirmation page — the IRS also emails a copy, but it's smart to screenshot the number right away.

When to Apply

Apply for your EIN immediately after your Articles of Organization are approved — or even before, if you're filing yourself and know your LLC name. You'll need the EIN to open a business bank account, which should be one of your first moves after formation.

What If You're Not a U.S. Citizen or Resident?

The online IRS application requires a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the responsible party. If you don't have one, you can apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. The process takes 4–6 weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying before your LLC is formed — use your LLC name exactly as filed with the state
• Paying a third-party service to file for you
• Losing your EIN — if you do, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933
• Entering your LLC name differently than it appears on your Articles of Organization