How to Get an EIN for Your LLC: Free, Fast, and Complete Guide for 2026

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC’s federal tax identification number — essentially the business equivalent of a Social Security Number. It’s required for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, filing certain tax returns, and applying for business licenses. The EIN application is entirely free through the IRS and takes about 10 minutes online. Yet thousands of business owners pay third-party services $50–$150 for something they can do themselves at no cost. This guide explains exactly how.

Do You Need an EIN for Your LLC?

Most LLCs need an EIN. You’re required to have one if any of the following apply:

• Your LLC has more than one member (multi-member LLCs must always have an EIN)
• Your LLC has or will have employees
• Your LLC has a Keogh retirement plan
• Your LLC files excise, employment, or certain alcohol, tobacco, or firearms tax returns
• You want to open a business bank account (virtually all banks require an EIN for LLCs)
• Your LLC withholds taxes on income other than wages paid to a non-resident alien

Single-member LLCs with no employees technically can use the owner’s SSN for some purposes, but getting an EIN is strongly recommended — for privacy (you won’t have to share your SSN with clients or vendors), for business bank account opening (most banks require an EIN for LLC accounts), and for clear separation between the entity and the individual.

Step-by-Step: Applying for an EIN Online

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN Application (Free)

Navigate to: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. Select “Apply Online Now.” The application is available Monday–Friday, 7 AM–10 PM ET. You cannot save and return — complete it in one session (about 10 minutes).

Step 2: Select Your Entity Type

Select “Limited Liability Company” from the entity type list. Then enter the number of members: 1 for single-member LLC, 2+ for multi-member.

Step 3: Identify the Responsible Party

The “responsible party” is the individual who controls the LLC — typically the sole member or managing member. Enter their legal name and Social Security Number (or existing EIN if the responsible party is itself a business entity). The IRS uses this information to associate the LLC’s EIN with an identifiable individual for compliance purposes.

Step 4: Provide LLC Information

• LLC legal name (exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization)
• Trade name / DBA (if applicable)
• LLC mailing address
• County and state where LLC is physically located

Step 5: Specify the Reason for Applying

Select the reason that best fits your situation. For most new LLCs: “Started a new business” or “Banking purposes.” This selection doesn’t limit what you can use the EIN for — it’s informational only.

Step 6: Specify Your Business Activity

Select the category that best describes your primary business activity (retail, services, construction, etc.) and provide a brief description. Be general — “consulting services,” “retail sales,” “online education” are all fine.

Step 7: Confirm and Receive Your EIN

Review your entries, submit, and your EIN is issued immediately on-screen. Download and save the confirmation letter (CP 575). This letter is your official proof of your EIN — you’ll need it when opening bank accounts and for other official purposes.

What If You Can’t Apply Online?

The online application isn’t available to businesses or responsible parties located outside the United States. International applicants can apply by phone (267-941-1099, Monday–Friday 6 AM–11 PM ET) or by mailing/faxing Form SS-4. Fax processing takes 4 business days; mail takes 4–8 weeks.

After You Get Your EIN: Next Steps

• Save your EIN confirmation letter in your permanent business records
• Add your EIN to your LLC’s operating agreement
• Open your business bank account (see our guide on business bank accounts for LLCs)
• Set up payroll if you have or plan to have employees
• Register for state taxes using your EIN (income tax withholding, sales tax, etc.)
• Update your accounting software with your new EIN

Common EIN Questions and Mistakes

Do I Need a New EIN If My LLC Changes?

Most changes don’t require a new EIN. Your LLC keeps its EIN when you: change the business address, change the name (DBA), add or remove members. You DO need a new EIN if: the LLC becomes a corporation, a sole proprietorship absorbs the LLC, or the LLC structure changes to a partnership from a sole member structure. Consult a tax professional for any significant structural changes.

Can I Have More Than One EIN?

Each LLC entity gets one EIN. If you form multiple LLCs, each gets its own EIN. If you operate multiple businesses within one LLC (using DBAs), they all share the single LLC’s EIN.

What If I Lost My EIN?

Your EIN doesn’t change and never expires. Find it on: your original CP 575 confirmation letter, any previously filed business tax returns, your business bank account statements, or payroll filings. If you truly can’t locate it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (800-829-4933) with identifying information about your business and they can provide it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EIN the same as a state tax ID?

No. Your EIN is a federal identification number issued by the IRS. Many states have separate state tax identification numbers for state income tax withholding and sales tax registration. After getting your federal EIN, check your state’s Department of Revenue for state-specific tax registration requirements.

Do sole proprietors need an EIN?

Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN for federal tax purposes. However, getting an EIN is still recommended for privacy (sharing your SSN broadly creates identity theft risk) and for the professional credibility of using a business tax ID rather than a personal SSN on client invoices.

How do I update my EIN if the LLC address changes?

The IRS doesn’t maintain real-time address updates for EINs the same way it does for individuals. Notify the IRS of your new business address by filing Form 8822-B. For state purposes, update your registered agent address and contact your state Secretary of State if your principal business address changes.

Conclusion

Getting an EIN for your LLC is a 10-minute task that costs nothing and unlocks the full functionality of your LLC — business banking, tax filing, and legitimate business operations. Do it online at irs.gov immediately after receiving your Articles of Organization confirmation from the state. There is no reason to pay any third-party service for this. Your EIN, combined with your Articles of Organization and operating agreement, gives you the complete documentation package needed to launch your business fully. See our complete LLC formation guide for the full sequence of post-formation steps.