EIN Acquisition: How to Get Your Employer Identification Number

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit federal tax ID that the IRS assigns to business entities—think of it as a Social Security Number for your company. You'll need one before you can open a US business bank account, hire employees, or file federal taxes.

The application itself is free and straightforward for US-based founders, but the process looks different if you're applying from outside the country without an SSN. This guide covers both paths, from gathering the right documents through what to do once your EIN arrives. Learn how to acquire an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your US business, with specific guidance for non-US founders who cannot apply online.

Short verdict

US-based applicants can get an EIN instantly online for free through the IRS. Non-US residents without an SSN or ITIN typically apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4, which takes several weeks—or work with a formation service to handle the process.

What an EIN is and why your business needs one

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit federal tax ID that the IRS assigns to business entities. It works like a Social Security Number, but for your company instead of you personally. The IRS uses your EIN to track your business's tax obligations separately from your individual taxes.

You'll run into EIN requirements at several points when setting up a US business:

Opening a US business bank account: Banks verify your LLC through your EIN before approving an account
Hiring employees or contractors: The IRS tracks payroll taxes and 1099 filings through your EIN
Filing federal tax returns: Your EIN identifies your business on all federal tax documents
Establishing business credit: An EIN creates separation between your personal and business financial identities

Even single-member LLCs with no employees benefit from having an EIN. Payment processors, banks, and vendors expect one during onboarding, so getting it early saves time later.

Who needs to get an EIN

The requirement depends on your business structure. Here's how it breaks down:

LLCs with employees or multiple members: Required
Single-member LLCs: Not always required, but strongly recommended for banking and tax purposes
Sole proprietors: Only required when hiring employees or filing certain tax returns like excise taxes
Corporations and partnerships: Always required

If you're forming a US LLC as a non-US founder, you'll almost certainly want an EIN regardless of technical requirements. US banks, payment processors, and accounting software expect one.

When to apply for an EIN during LLC formation

The EIN application comes after your LLC is legally formed with the state. You can't apply until your entity exists because the IRS asks for your LLC's exact legal name and formation date on the application.

Once your state approves your Articles of Organization, you're ready to apply. This sequencing matters because your EIN unlocks the next steps: opening bank accounts, setting up payment processing, and filing required reports like beneficial ownership information with FinCEN.

What you need before applying for an EIN

Gathering the right information upfront prevents delays and rejections. The IRS is particular about consistency between your application and your formation documents.

Legal business name and US address

Your business name on Form SS-4 has to match exactly what's on your state formation documents. Even small differences—like "LLC" versus "L.L.C."—can cause problems.

You'll also provide a US mailing address. A registered agent's address or virtual mailbox address works fine; you don't have to occupy a physical office.

Responsible party and tax ID information

The IRS requires a "responsible party," which is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the entity. For most single-member LLCs, that's you as the owner.

US persons enter their Social Security Number on the application. Non-US founders without an SSN or ITIN can leave that field blank on Form SS-4, though doing so means the online application isn't available.

Entity type and formation date

You'll select your entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership) and provide the exact date your LLC was formed with the state. If you've elected a specific tax classification like S-corp treatment, you'll indicate that as well.

Reason for applying

The IRS asks why you're requesting an EIN. Common reasons include starting a new business, hiring employees, opening a bank account, or changing your organization type.

How to apply for an EIN with IRS Form SS-4

The application method available to you depends on whether you have a US tax identification number.

Application Method

Eligibility

Processing Time

Online

US persons with SSN or ITIN only

Immediate

Fax

All applicants including non-US

Several weeks

Mail

All applicants including non-US

Several weeks or longer

Phone

International applicants only

Same day if successful

Step 1. Confirm your eligibility and application method

The online application is the fastest route, but it's only available if you have an SSN or ITIN. The system validates your tax ID in real time, so there's no workaround for non-US founders without one.

If you're outside the US without a US tax ID, fax is typically the most reliable option. Phone can work but involves long hold times during US business hours.

Step 2. Complete Form SS-4

Form SS-4 is available free on IRS.gov. A few fields cause the most confusion:

Line 1: Your LLC's exact legal name as registered with the state
Line 7a: The responsible party's name
Line 7b: Your SSN, ITIN, or leave blank if you have neither
Line 10: The reason you're applying

Non-US founders often get tripped up on Line 7b. If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, leave it blank. Don't enter zeros or placeholder numbers.

Step 3. Submit online, by fax, by mail, or by phone

For fax submissions, send your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS at (855) 641-6935. Keep a copy of everything you send.

For mail, send to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.

International applicants can call (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free) Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Be prepared for long hold times and have your completed Form SS-4 ready.

Step 4. Receive and store your EIN confirmation letter

After approval, the IRS issues a CP 575 confirmation letter. This is your official documentation, so store it securely. You'll reference it when opening bank accounts and filing taxes.

Online applicants receive their EIN immediately and can download a confirmation. Fax and mail applicants receive the CP 575 by mail several weeks later.

How to get an EIN as a non-US resident without an SSN or ITIN

The process diverges significantly for international founders. The online application isn't available, so you'll work with one of the alternative methods.

Filing Form SS-4 by fax for international applicants

Fax is the most common DIY approach for non-residents. Complete Form SS-4, leave Line 7b blank, and fax to (855) 641-6935.

Expect to wait several weeks for a response. The IRS doesn't provide status updates, so if you haven't heard back after six weeks, consider refaxing or calling the international line.

Appointing a third-party designee

Line 18 on Form SS-4 lets you authorize someone else to receive your EIN on your behalf. This is useful if you have a US-based partner, attorney, or registered agent who can handle IRS correspondence.

The designee can speak with the IRS about your application, which can speed up resolution if issues arise.

Using a formation service to handle EIN acquisition

Many formation providers include EIN acquisition as part of their packages. They handle the paperwork, follow up with the IRS, and deliver your EIN once it's issued.

This adds cost beyond the free IRS application, but for non-residents dealing with time zone differences and IRS hold times, the convenience often makes sense. LLC Passport's Formation + EIN comparisons identify services that explicitly support non-US founders.

How long EIN acquisition takes

Processing time varies significantly by method. Online applicants receive their EIN immediately upon completing the application.

The IRS states that fax applications take 5 business days after receipt and mail applications up to 30 days, though delays beyond these estimates are common during peak periods. The IRS doesn't provide tracking or status updates.

Phone applications can result in same-day EIN issuance if you reach an agent and your application is straightforward. However, hold times can stretch to hours, and the line is only available during US business hours.

How much it costs to acquire an EIN

The IRS charges nothing for EIN applications. It's a free government service regardless of which method you use.

Third-party services charge fees for handling the process on your behalf. Fees vary widely, from under $50 to several hundred dollars when bundled with formation services. The IRS warns against websites that charge for this free service, so be cautious of excessive markups for what is fundamentally a free form submission.

When you need a new EIN

Your EIN stays with your entity permanently in most cases. However, certain structural changes trigger the requirement for a new number.

LLCs

You'll typically get a new EIN if you create a new LLC or if your existing LLC elects corporate tax treatment that creates a new entity. Changes in members, business name, or address don't require a new EIN.

Sole proprietors

A new EIN is required when incorporating, taking on partners, or purchasing an existing business. Simple name or location changes don't trigger a new number.

Corporations

New EIN requirements arise after mergers that create a new corporation, when receiving a new charter from the Secretary of State, or when converting to a different entity type.

Partnerships

Partnerships get a new EIN when the partnership terminates and a new one forms, or when incorporating. Partner changes alone don't require a new number.

What happens to an EIN in a merger or acquisition

In most mergers, the surviving or acquiring entity retains its existing EIN while the acquired entity's EIN becomes inactive. The inactive EIN remains on IRS records but is no longer used for tax filings.

Conversions can be more complex. Whether a converted entity gets a new EIN depends on the specific structure change. For example, converting an LLC to a corporation may or may not require a new number depending on how the conversion is structured. This is an area where consulting a tax advisor is particularly valuable.

Common EIN application mistakes and rejection reasons

A few recurring issues cause most application delays:

Mismatched business name: The name on Form SS-4 doesn't exactly match state formation documents
Invalid responsible party information: Non-residents incorrectly filling in Line 7b instead of leaving it blank
Applying before LLC is formed: The IRS can't issue an EIN for an entity that doesn't legally exist yet
Duplicate applications: Submitting multiple times creates confusion and can delay all applications
Wrong entity type selected: Choosing an incorrect classification on the form

Double-check your formation documents before submitting, and keep copies of everything you send to the IRS.

What to do after receiving your EIN

Your EIN unlocks the next phase of setting up your US business operations.

Open a US business bank account

Most US banks require an EIN to open a business account. Non-resident founders face additional eligibility requirements that vary by bank. LLC Passport's banking comparisons identify options that work for different founder situations.

Set up payment processing

Payment processors like Stripe require an EIN for US LLCs. Eligibility varies by founder country and business model, so check provider requirements before applying.

File beneficial ownership information with FinCEN

Most LLCs formed after January 1, 2024 were originally required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN, though a 2025 interim final rule exempts all U.S.-created entities from this requirement. This is a separate federal filing from your EIN application, with its own deadlines and requirements.

Set up bookkeeping and compliance tracking

Connect your EIN to your accounting and tax tools early. You'll also want to track ongoing compliance deadlines for state annual reports, registered agent renewals, and federal tax filings.

Build your EIN and US business setup with LLC Passport

Navigating EIN acquisition is one step in a longer setup sequence. LLC Passport helps non-US founders work through the full workflow, from formation and EIN through banking, payments, and ongoing compliance.

The EIN Readiness Checker helps you confirm you have everything ready before applying. Formation + EIN comparisons identify providers that support non-residents. And Stack Builder generates personalized setup recommendations based on your country, business model, and priorities.

Check these before choosing a formation or EIN service:

Confirm the provider explicitly supports non-US residents and your specific country
Verify what's included in EIN acquisition fees versus what costs extra
Check processing time estimates and refund policies if delays occur
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice—confirm details with qualified professionals

Frequently asked questions about EIN acquisition

Can you get an EIN before forming an LLC?

No. The IRS requires your LLC to be legally formed with your state before you can apply for an EIN, because the application requires your entity's formation date and exact legal name.

How do you look up or verify an existing EIN?

You can find your EIN on your original CP 575 confirmation letter, previous tax returns, or bank account applications. If those are unavailable, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 to verify your number.

Can one person have multiple EINs?

Yes. A single individual can be the responsible party for multiple EINs if they own or control multiple separate business entities. Each distinct legal entity requires its own EIN.

What if you lose your EIN confirmation letter?

Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line to request verification of your EIN. The IRS can confirm your number over the phone or send a new confirmation letter.

Does an EIN expire if the business is inactive?

No. Once issued, an EIN remains permanently assigned to that entity and does not expire, even if the business becomes inactive or closes. However, the entity may still have final tax filing obligations.