What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax ID number issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. It's your LLC's equivalent of a Social Security Number — a unique identifier the IRS uses to track your business's tax obligations.
Despite the name, you don't need employees to get an EIN. The name is a holdover from when these numbers were primarily used for payroll. Today, virtually every LLC gets one regardless of whether they have employees, because it's required for banking, tax filing, and establishing business credit.
Never pay for an EIN. Your LLC's EIN is free, always, directly from the IRS at IRS.gov. Third-party websites charge $50–$300 to fill out the same form you can complete yourself in 10 minutes. If a service is charging you for an EIN, close the tab and go to IRS.gov directly. Formation services like Northwest include an optional EIN service for a fee — that's paying them to do it for you. The EIN itself is always $0 from the IRS.
Do You Need an EIN for Your LLC?
The IRS requires an EIN in certain situations — and strongly recommends one in all others. Here's exactly when you need one:
Legally Required
- Your LLC has two or more members — multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships and must have an EIN
- You hire employees — required for payroll tax withholding and W-2 filings
- Your LLC elects S-Corp or C-Corp tax status
- You're subject to federal excise taxes (alcohol, tobacco, firearms, etc.)
- You have a Keogh plan or other qualified retirement plan
Practically Required (Even If Not Legally Mandated)
- Opening a business bank account — virtually every bank requires an EIN to open a business checking account under the LLC's name
- Business credit cards and financing — lenders and card issuers require an EIN to separate business credit from personal credit
- Protecting your SSN — using your Social Security Number for business puts it at risk every time you share it with a vendor, bank, or client; your EIN replaces it in business contexts
- Working with certain clients — many businesses and government agencies require a W-9 with an EIN before paying you
- Strengthening your corporate veil — using an EIN instead of your SSN reinforces the separation between you and your LLC
Ahmad Adil's Take: Get your EIN the same day your LLC is approved. There is no reason to wait. The online application takes 10 minutes, it's free, and your EIN appears on-screen immediately. You cannot open a proper business bank account without one — and the bank account is the most important step after state approval. Don't delay this.
How to Get Your EIN — 3 Methods
The IRS offers three ways to apply. The right method depends on whether you have a US SSN or ITIN.
Method 1 — Online (Recommended for US Residents)
Fastest — Instant
The online application at IRS.gov/EIN issues your EIN immediately on-screen when you complete it. Requires a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Cannot be used by non-US residents without an SSN/ITIN. The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity — have your LLC's information ready before you begin. You cannot save and return.
Method 2 — Fax (Best for Non-Residents Without SSN)
4–7 Business Days
Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS. They fax your EIN back to the number you provide within 4–7 business days if the form is filled out correctly. Best option for non-residents or anyone who can't use the online system. IRS fax number for international applicants: 855-215-1627. Always keep a copy of what you sent and confirm the return fax number on your cover sheet.
Method 3 — Mail (Slowest Option)
4–6 Weeks
Mail your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS Cincinnati office. You'll receive your EIN by return mail in 4–6 weeks. Only use this method if you have no access to a fax machine or online system. There is also a phone option for international applicants at 267-941-1099 (Mon–Fri, 6 AM–11 PM ET) — not toll-free — where an IRS representative assigns you an EIN same-day over the phone.
Step-by-Step: Get Your EIN Online (US Residents)
Here is the complete walkthrough for the IRS online EIN application. Have your LLC's formation documents ready before you start.
Do this AFTER your LLC is approved by the state. Apply for your EIN only after receiving your approved Articles of Organization from your state. Applying before formation can cause name mismatches and processing issues. Apply on the same day as approval — there's no waiting period required.
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1Go to IRS.gov/EIN Navigate to irs.gov and search "EIN" or go directly to the EIN application page. Click the blue "Apply Online Now" button. The system is only available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–10 PM ET. If you're outside those hours, you'll get an error — come back during business hours.
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2Click "Begin Application" Read the information on the first page, then click "Begin Application." The session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity and cannot be saved. Have your information ready before clicking Begin.
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3Select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" Choose your legal structure. Select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" — ignore the information box that appears, nothing to confirm there. Click Continue.
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4Enter number of LLC members and state Enter "1" for a single-member LLC (or the correct number for multi-member). Select the state where your LLC was formed — this should match your Articles of Organization exactly.
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5Select "Started a new business" as the reason On the next screen asking why you need an EIN, select "Started a new business." If you have employees, you may also select "Hired employees." Click Continue.
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6Enter the "responsible party" information The responsible party is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the LLC — for a single-member LLC, that's you. Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on government ID, and your SSN or ITIN. This is the step that requires an SSN or ITIN — non-residents must use the fax/phone/mail methods instead.
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7Enter your LLC's name and address Enter your LLC's legal name exactly as it appears in your approved Articles of Organization — capitalization, punctuation, and "LLC" designation must match precisely. Enter the LLC's principal business address.
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8Select your LLC's primary business activity Choose the category that best describes your LLC's main business (retail, services, construction, real estate, etc.). Select "Other" if nothing fits exactly — it won't affect your EIN.
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9Review and submit Review all information carefully — particularly your LLC's legal name and the responsible party's SSN. Errors here can delay banking and tax filings. When everything is correct, click "Submit."
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10Save your EIN immediately Your EIN appears on the confirmation screen immediately. Print or screenshot this page before closing it. You can also download a PDF confirmation. The IRS mails an official CP 575 confirmation letter within 4–6 weeks — but you can start using your EIN for banking right away from the screen confirmation.
EIN for Non-US Residents (No SSN or ITIN)
You do not need a US Social Security Number or ITIN to get an EIN for your LLC. Non-residents simply cannot use the online system — they must use the phone, fax, or mail methods with Form SS-4.
Form SS-4 — Key Fields for Non-Residents
Download the current Form SS-4 from IRS.gov. The fields that cause the most confusion for non-residents:
| SS-4 Field | What to Enter (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|
| Line 1 — Legal name of entity | Exact LLC name as approved by state (e.g., "XYZ Consulting LLC") |
| Line 3 — Executor / administrator / trustee | Leave blank if not applicable |
| Line 4a — Mailing address | Your LLC's registered address in the US (your registered agent's address is fine) |
| Line 4b — City, state, ZIP | The registered agent's US city, state, ZIP |
| Line 5b — Foreign country | Your country of residence |
| Line 6 — State where LLC formed | Wyoming, Delaware, etc. — your LLC formation state |
| Line 7a — Name of responsible party | Your full legal name as the sole member |
| Line 7b — SSN / ITIN / EIN | Write "N/A" or "Foreign" — IRS will still process |
| Line 8a — LLC type | Check "Limited liability company" |
| Line 8b — Number of members | Enter "1" for single-member |
| Line 9a — Type of entity | For tax classification — disregarded entity: check "Sole proprietor (SSN)" or leave to default |
| Line 10 — Reason for applying | "Started a new business" |
| Third Party Designee | Complete only if authorizing someone to receive the EIN on your behalf |
Phone method for non-residents — fastest option: Call the IRS International EIN line at 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Mon–Fri 6 AM–11 PM ET. Have your completed Form SS-4 in front of you — the agent asks you the fields line by line and assigns the EIN same-day on the call. This is faster than fax and much faster than mail. When asked for your SSN/ITIN, say "I'm a foreign national without an SSN or ITIN." The IRS accepts this.
When You Need a New EIN — and When You Don't
This is one of the most common sources of confusion for LLC owners. Most changes to your business do NOT require a new EIN. Here's the definitive table:
| Change | New EIN Needed? |
|---|---|
| Changing your LLC's name (DBA or legal name) | No — update with IRS via letter |
| Changing your LLC's address | No — update via Form 8822-B |
| Adding a DBA (doing business as) | No |
| Electing S-Corp or C-Corp tax status | No — same EIN, different tax election |
| Hiring your first employees | No — use existing EIN for payroll |
| Sole proprietor forming a new LLC | Yes — new entity, new EIN |
| SMLLC converting to multi-member LLC (by adding a member) | Usually yes — confirm with IRS/CPA |
| LLC converting to a corporation | Yes — new entity type, new EIN |
| Dissolving LLC and forming a new one | Yes — new entity |
| LLC going through bankruptcy | Yes — new EIN post-bankruptcy |
Lost Your EIN? How to Find It
If you've lost or misplaced your EIN, here are four ways to find it — from fastest to slowest:
1. Check your original confirmation / prior tax filings
Fastest — look here first
The easiest place to find a lost EIN: (1) The screen confirmation you saved when you applied online. (2) The IRS CP 575 letter mailed within 4–6 weeks of application — it's a single page with your EIN prominently displayed. (3) Any prior federal tax return (Form 1040 Schedule C, or Form 1120-S) — your EIN appears on the return. (4) Your business bank account — banks record your EIN when opening the account and print it on your bank statements. (5) Previous W-9 forms you've submitted to clients — you would have listed your EIN there.
2. Call the IRS Business Line
Same-day EIN verification
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–7 PM local time). An IRS agent can look up your EIN if you can verify your identity as the responsible party for the LLC. Have your LLC's legal name, business address, and your Social Security Number ready. The agent can either tell you your EIN over the phone or send you a 147C EIN verification letter. The 147C letter carries the same authority as the original CP 575 for banking and verification purposes.
3. Request IRS Form 147C (EIN Verification Letter)
Official replacement for lost CP 575
When you call the IRS Business Line at 800-829-4933, you can request a Form 147C — the official EIN verification letter that replaces a lost CP 575. The IRS can fax it to you during the call, or mail it within 4–6 weeks. For banking purposes, virtually all US banks accept the 147C letter as valid proof of EIN. The IRS will not re-send the original CP 575 — the 147C is the standard replacement. Wait at least one month after your original EIN application before requesting a 147C.
4. Check with your registered agent or formation service
If Northwest or another service filed for your EIN
If you used a formation service like Northwest and added EIN service to your order, they should have the EIN on file in your account dashboard. Log into your Northwest account and check your documents section — the EIN confirmation should be saved there. Similarly, if your CPA or attorney obtained the EIN on your behalf, they should have a copy. Check these sources before calling the IRS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EIN for LLC — FAQ
How do I get an EIN for my LLC?
Apply online at IRS.gov/EIN — it's free and takes 10–15 minutes. You receive your EIN on-screen immediately at the end of the application. The online system is available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–10 PM ET and requires a US Social Security Number or ITIN. Non-US residents without an SSN/ITIN must apply by fax (Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935, 4–7 business days) or phone (267-941-1099, same-day). Never pay a third party for an EIN — the IRS provides it free.
Is an EIN free for an LLC?
Yes — completely free, always, directly from the IRS. There is no charge to apply for an EIN, no renewal fee, and no annual fee. If a website or service is charging you a fee specifically for the EIN itself (not for their time filling out the form), that fee goes to them — not the IRS. The EIN application at IRS.gov is free. You can choose to pay a service to do it for you, but the EIN itself costs $0.
When should I get my EIN?
Apply for your EIN the same day your LLC is approved by the state. There is no minimum waiting period after state approval. Apply before state approval and you risk name mismatches if your LLC name is changed during review. Apply immediately after approval and you can open your business bank account within days. The EIN is one of the first things you need after your LLC is formed — don't delay it.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. Non-US residents without an SSN or ITIN can still get an EIN for their LLC. You cannot use the IRS online system — it requires an SSN or ITIN. Instead, complete Form SS-4 and either: (1) call 267-941-1099 (Mon–Fri, 6 AM–11 PM ET) for same-day EIN by phone, or (2) fax the completed SS-4 to 855-641-6935 for a 4–7 business day turnaround, or (3) mail to IRS, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati OH 45999 for a 4–6 week turnaround. On Line 7b (SSN field), write "N/A" or "Foreign" — the IRS will still process your application.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC's name?
No. Changing your LLC's name does not require a new EIN. You keep the same EIN and notify the IRS of the name change. The process: file your name change amendment with your state, then write a letter to the IRS informing them of the change (no specific form required — a signed letter on your LLC's letterhead with your EIN, old name, new name, and date of change is sufficient). Send it to the address where you filed your last return. If you haven't filed a return yet, call the IRS Business Line at 800-829-4933.
What if I lose my EIN confirmation letter?
First check: your original screen confirmation screenshot, prior tax returns (Schedule C or 1120-S), business bank statements, and any W-9 forms you've submitted. If you can't find it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–7 PM local time). An IRS agent can look up your EIN and either tell you over the phone or send a Form 147C (EIN verification letter) by fax or mail. The 147C is accepted by all banks in place of the original CP 575 letter.
Can a single-member LLC use the owner's SSN instead of an EIN?
Technically yes, for federal income tax purposes only — since a single-member LLC is a disregarded entity, the IRS allows the owner's SSN on Schedule C for a single-member LLC without employees. But in practice, you should always get an EIN for your LLC because: (1) you need an EIN to open a business bank account, (2) using your SSN in business contexts increases identity theft risk, (3) it strengthens the separation between you and your LLC, and (4) you'll need one eventually anyway if you hire employees or elect S-Corp status. Get the EIN upfront — it takes 10 minutes.
About the Author
Ahmad Adil
Ahmad Adil is the founder and CEO of LLC School. The EIN application steps, IRS hours, fax numbers, and non-resident SS-4 instructions in this guide are verified against current IRS publications and Form SS-4 instructions (December 2025 revision) as of June 2026. IRS contact information and procedures can change — always confirm current details at IRS.gov before applying.
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