How to Get an EIN, Free, Straight From the IRS
An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. It is free, it takes minutes, and you get it straight from the IRS. If anyone tries to charge you just to get one, walk away. This is general education, not tax advice. For your exact situation, confirm details at irs.gov or ask a CPA.
Who this is for: New business owners who need a business tax ID and do not want to get upsold on something that is free.
What an EIN Is and Why It Is Free
Learn what an EIN is, who issues it, and why you should never pay for one alone.
EIN in plain words
EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. Do not let the word "employer" throw you. You do not need employees to get one.
It is a number the IRS uses to identify your business, the same way a Social Security number identifies you as a person. Banks, the IRS, and some clients use it to know who your business is.
It is free, always
The IRS gives you an EIN for free at irs.gov. There is no fee. None.
There are websites that make themselves look official and charge you to "file" for an EIN. They are just filling out the same free form you can fill out yourself in a few minutes. Do not pay a middleman for an EIN alone.
Why you might want one
An EIN lets you open a business bank account, keeps your Social Security number off forms and invoices, and is required once you hire employees or set up certain business structures.
Even as a solo owner, using an EIN instead of your Social Security number is a simple privacy win.
Do this before you level up
- ✓Say it back: an EIN is free and comes from the IRS, not a paid service.
- ✓Decide whether you want an EIN now (most owners opening a business account do).
- ✓Bookmark irs.gov as the only place you will get your EIN.
The Exact Steps to Get Yours
Walk through applying on irs.gov and avoid the most common EIN mistakes.
Before you apply
Have your legal name and Social Security number or ITIN ready, and know your business structure (sole prop, LLC, and so on) and your business name.
If you are forming an LLC, it is usually cleanest to form the LLC first, then get the EIN in the LLC's name, so the number matches your legal setup.
Applying online
Go to irs.gov and search for "apply for an EIN." The online application is free and, when you finish, gives you your number right away.
Apply in one sitting. The online tool tends to time out if you leave it idle, and you cannot save partway through.
If you cannot apply online
The IRS also accepts EIN applications by mail or fax using their form, which takes longer. There are options for applicants without a Social Security number too.
Because these rules and forms change, check the current instructions on irs.gov rather than relying on an old walkthrough.
Common mistakes
Getting an EIN before you finalize your business name or structure, so the number is tied to the wrong thing. Applying through a paid third-party site by accident. Losing the confirmation notice.
Save the confirmation the IRS gives you (often called the CP 575) somewhere you will not lose it. Your bank will ask for the EIN.
Do this before you level up
- ✓Gather your legal name, SSN or ITIN, and final business name and structure.
- ✓Apply directly at irs.gov, and confirm the address bar really says irs.gov.
- ✓Save your EIN confirmation notice in the same place you keep business documents.
- ✓Use the EIN to open or update your business bank account.
Managing Your EIN Over Time
Handle structure changes, keep your EIN clean, and know when you need a new one.
When you need a new EIN
You do not get a new EIN every year, and you usually keep it through normal growth. But certain changes, like switching from a sole prop to a corporation or some ownership changes, can require a fresh EIN.
The IRS publishes the exact situations. When your structure changes, check irs.gov or ask a CPA before assuming your old number still applies.
Updating your information
If your business name or address changes, you generally update the IRS rather than getting a whole new number. The method depends on your business type.
Keeping this current matters, because IRS notices and important mail go to the address on file.
Keeping the EIN clean
Use the EIN consistently: on your business bank account, on tax forms, and on the W-9 you give clients. Mixing your EIN and your Social Security number across forms creates confusion at tax time.
If you set up your money system, the calculators and setup guides at /calculators can help you connect the EIN to the right accounts from the start.
Protect it like an ID
An EIN is not as sensitive as a Social Security number, but it still identifies your business. Do not post it publicly, and share it only with banks, clients who need a W-9, and tax authorities.
Treat it like a business credential, because that is what it is.
Do this before you level up
- ✓Check the IRS list of situations that require a new EIN before any big change.
- ✓Confirm the IRS has your current business name and address on file.
- ✓Use the same EIN everywhere: bank, tax forms, and client W-9s.
- ✓Store your EIN securely and share it only with parties who truly need it.
Common questions
Is getting an EIN really free?
Yes. The IRS issues EINs for free at irs.gov. Any site charging a fee just for an EIN is an unnecessary middleman for something you can do yourself.
Do I need an EIN if I have no employees?
Not always, but many solo owners still get one to open a business bank account and keep their Social Security number off forms and invoices.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Applying online at irs.gov usually gives you the number right away in one sitting. Mail and fax applications take longer.
Should I get my EIN before or after forming my LLC?
Usually form the LLC first, then get the EIN in the LLC's name, so the number matches your legal structure. Confirm your case with a CPA.
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