How to Get an EIN for Your Business (Free & Fast in 2025)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID. It’s free via the IRS and typically takes ~10 minutes online during posted hours. Below are step-by-step instructions, official phone/fax/mail alternatives, and what to do after approval.
Why it matters: You often need an EIN to open a business bank account, file certain taxes, hire employees, and build credit separate from your SSN.
Official IRS links (quick access)
What is an EIN and when do you need it?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit ID the IRS uses to track your business for tax purposes. Common reasons you’ll need one:
- Open business checking/merchant accounts
- File federal/payroll taxes and issue forms
- Hire employees or pay contractors via payroll
- Build business credit separate from your SSN
Before you apply: what to have ready
| Item | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Legal business name | Must match state filing/DBA | MyBizNerd LLC |
| Business address (U.S.) | Required for online application | 123 Main St, Denver, CO |
| Responsible party | Owner/officer with SSN/ITIN | Jane Doe (SSN/ITIN) |
| Entity type | Determines tax path | Single-member LLC |
| Reason for applying | Banking, hiring, new business, etc. | Opening a bank account |
Heads-up: The IRS online tool is available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, and the IRS limits issuance to one EIN per responsible party per day. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Skim Form SS-4 (PDF) so you know every field you’ll need. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
4 ways to get an EIN (all free)
| Method | Speed | Best for | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Recommended) | Instant | U.S. address | Apply via the IRS EIN tool during posted hours; 1 EIN/day limit. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Fax | ~4 business days | Anyone with fax access | Domestic fax: 855-641-6935. International fax options listed for non-U.S. applicants. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| ~4 weeks | Non-urgent cases | Mail to: IRS, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 (domestic) or EIN International Operation (international). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} | |
| Phone (International only) | Instant on call | Principal business outside the U.S. | Call +1-267-941-1099, Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
Step-by-step: Apply online
- Open the IRS EIN page and launch the application during posted hours. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Select your entity type (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation, etc.).
- Enter responsible party and business details from your SS-4.
- Choose your reason for applying (banking, hiring, new business, etc.).
- Review and submit.
- Download and save your CP-575 confirmation letter immediately.
Fax, mail, and phone details (official)
- Fax (U.S.): Send Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935. Tip: Include your return fax number for faster response. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Mail (U.S. address): Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- International applicants: Apply by phone at +1-267-941-1099, or use the international fax numbers in the IRS guidance; mail to Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Business & Specialty Tax Line (general help & lost EIN): 800-829-4933, Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
What to do right after you get your EIN
- Open business bank accounts (bring your CP-575 letter).
- If your address or responsible party changes, notify the IRS with Form 8822-B—generally within 60 days. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- If you lose the letter, call the Business & Specialty Tax Line to request a verification letter (147C). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Set up payroll/tax accounts if you’ll have employees.
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Paying third-party websites—the IRS application is free. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Using a P.O. Box for the online tool—use a physical U.S. address for online applications. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Submitting multiple applications the same day—IRS limits to one EIN per day. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Applying before your legal name is finalized—ensure your entity/DBA matches SS-4 exactly. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Quick FAQs
Does it cost anything to get an EIN?
No. Applying with the IRS is always free. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
How fast is the online application?
About 10 minutes for most applicants; EIN issued instantly during posted hours. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Can I get an EIN if I’m outside the U.S.?
Yes—apply by phone at +1-267-941-1099, or by fax/mail to the IRS International Operation. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
What if I lost my EIN?
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (M–F, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local). :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
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