Get an EIN Online: Step-by-Step IRS Guide

Key Takeaways

• Apply only through the official IRS.gov portal to avoid third-party filing fees that can cost $100 or more.
• The online application is only available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• You must finish the session in one sitting; the system times out after 15 minutes of inactivity.
• Have your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready before you begin.
• Download and save your CP 575 confirmation notice immediately upon completion, as the IRS does not mail a second physical copy.

Setting up your business can feel like a mountain of paperwork, but getting your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of the few tasks you can finish before your coffee gets cold. This guide walks you through the exact screens you will see so you can stop guessing and start opening your business bank account today.

What you'll need

• Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• The legal name of your business as registered with your state (if you have already filed articles of organization).
• The physical address of your business (P.O. Boxes are not allowed for the principal location).
• A clear decision on your business structure (Sole Prop, LLC, Partnership, or Corp).
• The name of the "Responsible Party" who will be the main contact for the IRS.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Verify your eligibility

Before you click the start button, confirm you meet the IRS requirements for an online application. You must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN or ITIN) and your business must be located in the United States or its territories. Generally, the person applying must be the "responsible party"—the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity.

Only one EIN is granted per responsible party per day. If you are launching three different LLCs this morning, you will need to spread the applications out over three days or file the others by mail. If you already have your business name and structure narrowed down, check out our guide on Naming Your Business Without Going Broke.

Step 2: Access the IRS application portal

Go to the official IRS EIN Assistant page. Access is restricted to specific hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you try to apply on a Sunday afternoon, the site will show an error or a maintenance message.

Once the page loads, click "Begin Application." Do not use the back button on your browser at any point during this process. The IRS site is famously brittle; using the browser’s back button will often crash your session, forcing you to start from scratch. Use the "Back" and "Continue" buttons provided within the application screen itself.

Step 3: Select your legal structure

This is the most critical screen. You will choose from options like Sole Proprietor, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, Corporation, or Estate/Trust. The IRS needs to know how you intend to be taxed. If you are a solo freelancer who hasn't registered a formal entity with the state yet, you are likely a Sole Proprietor.

If you have already filed paperwork with your Secretary of State to form an LLC, select "Limited Liability Company." The system will then ask for the number of members (owners) and the state where the business is located. If you are moving from a solo setup to a corporate one, see our Mid-Year S-Corp Transition Guide.

Step 4: Identify the responsible party

The IRS requires one individual to be the point of contact. You will enter your full legal name and your SSN or ITIN. You must also specify whether you are an owner/member of the business or an employee/third party applying on behalf of the business.

If you choose "Third Party," the process becomes more complicated because the IRS will need to verify your authorization to act for the owner. For most small shop owners, selecting "I am a responsible party for this business" is the fastest path. Be sure the name you enter matches exactly what is on your Social Security card to avoid an instant rejection.

Step 5: Enter address and contact details

You must provide a physical street address where the business operates. The IRS uses this to send official tax notices and payroll forms. While you can provide a separate mailing address later, the primary location cannot be a P.O. Box or a private mailbox service.

If you run a mobile business, like a 4-person landscaping crew based in Georgia, use your home office or shop location. If you are a solo consultant working from your kitchen, use your home address. Concerns about privacy are real; many owners eventually use a Registered Agent to keep their home address off some public records, though the IRS still needs your actual location.

Step 6: Define your business activity

You will reach a screen asking "What does your business or organization do?" Options include Construction, Real Estate, Rental & Leasing, Manufacturing, and Retail. Choose the category that best fits your primary source of income. A 12-person HVAC shop would choose "Construction."

After selecting a category, you’ll provide more detail. For example, if you chose "Service," the IRS will ask if you provide professional, health care, or other services. This data helps the government categorize your business for Bureau of Labor Statistics data and industry-specific tax requirements.

Step 7: Final review and confirmation

The summary screen is your last chance to fix typos. Check the spelling of your business name and the accuracy of your SSN. Once you hit "Submit," the system generates your EIN almost instantly.

As soon as the confirmation screen appears, download the PDF of your CP 575 notice. This document is your official proof of EIN. Banks will ask for a copy of this specific letter when you go to Open a High-Yield Account. If you lose this PDF, getting a replacement letter from the IRS can take weeks of waiting on hold.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying for the service: Many websites look like the IRS but charge $150 to $300 to file your EIN. The SBA.gov clearly states that getting an EIN from the IRS is a free service. Do not enter credit card info on any site claiming to give you an EIN.
• Applying for a new one needlessly: You generally do not need a new EIN if you just change your business name or move your shop to a new town. You usually only need a new one if your business structure changes—like moving from a Sole Prop to a Partnership.
• Waiting too long: You need an EIN to hire employees, open a bank account, or apply for business permits. A 3-person print shop in Ohio might find they can't even buy wholesale paper without one. Apply as soon as you have your state registration.
• Naming errors: Ensure the name on your EIN application matches your Articles of Organization exactly. If your state paperwork says "Blue Widget Lab, LLC," do not leave off the "LLC" on the IRS form. Discrepancies here can cause massive headaches when you try to File Your Monthly Sales Tax Return.

When to call a pro

While the application is simple, the choices behind it are not. If you are unsure whether your business should be taxed as a C-Corp or a Partnership, talk to a CPA before you click submit. A 20-minute consultation can save you from filing the wrong tax forms for the next three years.

If you have a complex ownership structure, such as a Multi-Member LLC with international partners, an attorney can help ensure your First Freelance Service Agreement and your IRS filings align. Most solo owners can handle the EIN themselves, but once you start adding partners or complex equity, professional advice is worth every penny.

💡 Tip: Save your CP 575 notice in two places—your cloud storage (like Google Drive) and a physical folder. You will need it for every loan application and bank account you ever open for this business.

Once you have that number in hand, your business is officially on the map. You are now ready to handle payroll, apply for credit, and build the shop you’ve been planning. Use that new number responsibly.

---

📋 Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and regulations change frequently, and the information presented may not reflect the most current legal developments. Always consult with a qualified professional (CPA, attorney, financial advisor) before making business decisions based on this content. MyBizNerd may receive compensation through affiliate links, but this never influences our recommendations.

---