What is an EIN, and who needs one?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. You will typically need one if you:
- Open a business bank account (most banks require it for an LLC)
- Hire employees
- Have more than one owner in your LLC
- Plan to elect S corporation tax treatment
- Want to keep your Social Security number off invoices and forms
You can apply directly with the IRS at no cost. Be cautious of websites that charge for “EIN registration.” What you pay us for is accuracy and guidance, so the application is done correctly the first time and matches your formation documents.
Common EIN mistakes we help you avoid
- Choosing the wrong entity type, which can be hard to correct later.
- A business name that does not match your Certificate of Organization exactly.
- Naming the wrong responsible party. The IRS requires the real person who owns or controls the business.
- Applying before the LLC legally exists, or with the wrong formation date.
- Duplicate applications. The IRS limits how many EINs can be requested per responsible party per day.
- Losing the confirmation letter. Banks ask for it. We show you where to save it, and the IRS can reissue a verification letter if needed.
What you need to apply
- Your business’s legal name exactly as filed
- Entity type, and the state and date it was formed
- The responsible party’s name and Social Security number or ITIN
- Your business address and a brief description of your activity
- The number of employees you expect, if any
If the responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN, the online application is not available and a different process applies. We walk you through it.
How we help
We confirm the entity type and responsible party, prepare your information so it matches your state filing, and guide you through the IRS application. Then we help with the next step: opening your business bank account. The EIN is included in every formation package. If you already have an LLC and only need an EIN, ask us for a quote.
Questions
Q01Does an EIN cost money?
No. The IRS issues EINs for free. Any fee you pay is for a third party’s service, not the EIN itself. Our fee covers preparation and guidance so that the application is accurate.
Q02Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?
For federal tax purposes, a single-member LLC with no employees may be able to use the owner’s Social Security number. In practice, most banks ask for an EIN to open a business account, and an EIN keeps your SSN off documents you share with customers.
Q03How long does it take to get an EIN?
When completed online through the IRS, the EIN is typically issued right away. The preparation is what takes the time, which is why we gather and verify your information first.
Q04I lost my EIN confirmation letter. What do I do?
The IRS can issue an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C). We can show you how to request it.
Q05Can I get an EIN without a Social Security number?
The online application requires a responsible party with an SSN, ITIN or EIN. If you do not have one, there are other application methods that take longer. Contact us and we explain the options.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Government fees and rules change; we confirm current requirements before filing.