How to Get an EIN (Free)
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is your business's federal tax ID. The IRS issues one for free in minutes. Answer five quick questions to see if you need one, then follow the free step-by-step. Don't pay a third-party site for what the IRS gives away.
Answer these — if you say "Yes" to even one, the IRS requires you to have an EIN.
- Do you have employees, or plan to hire any?
- Is your business a corporation, partnership, or multi-member LLC?
- Do you file excise, employment, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns?
- Do you have a Keogh or solo 401(k) retirement plan?
- Do you administer an estate, trust, or nonprofit organization?
Heads up: the IRS issues EINs for free. "EIN filing services" that charge $50-$300 are just filling out the free form for you. Always apply directly at IRS.gov.
What you'll need before you apply
- The legal name and SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN of the "responsible party" — the person who controls the business.
- Your business's legal name and any trade name (DBA).
- Your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.).
- The reason you're applying (started a new business, hired employees, banking, etc.).
- Your business mailing address and the date you started or acquired the business.
Free vs. paid: don't get scammed
Search "EIN" and you'll see ads for sites charging $50-$300 to "file" your EIN. They're middlemen — they type your details into the same free IRS form and pocket the difference. Some even imply they're affiliated with the IRS. They aren't.
The only official place to get an EIN is IRS.gov, and it costs nothing. The online application gives you your number immediately. If a site asks for a credit card to get an EIN, close the tab — you're about to overpay for something free.
Why use this generator
- Founders checking whether they're required to get an EIN before they file.
- Sole proprietors deciding whether an EIN is worth getting (it usually is).
- Anyone quoted $50-$300 by an "EIN filing service" who wants the free IRS route.
- New LLCs and partnerships that need an EIN to open a bank account and hire.
- Freelancers who'd rather put an EIN than their SSN on W-9 forms.
How it works
- 1Confirm you need one with the checker above — or get one anyway; it's free and useful.
- 2Gather your details: the legal name and SSN/ITIN of the responsible party, your business structure, and start date.
- 3Go to the IRS "Get an EIN" page and choose Apply Online (free; Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm ET). International applicants can apply by phone.
- 4Complete the short application — your EIN is issued immediately, on screen.
- 5Save your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575), then use the EIN to open a bank account, hire, and file taxes.
Frequently asked questions
- Is getting an EIN really free?
- Yes. The IRS issues EINs at no cost on IRS.gov. Sites that charge $50-$300 are third-party middlemen filling out the same free form for you. You never have to pay to get an EIN.
- Do I need an EIN as a sole proprietor?
- Not necessarily — a sole proprietor with no employees can use their Social Security Number. But an EIN is still worth getting: it keeps your SSN off W-9s and invoices, most banks require it for a business account, and you'll need one the moment you hire. It's free, so most owners get one anyway.
- How long does it take to get an EIN?
- If you apply online during IRS hours (Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm ET), you get your EIN immediately at the end of the application. Fax takes about four business days; mail takes about four weeks.
- What's the difference between an EIN and a tax ID?
- "Tax ID" is a general term. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the federal tax ID for a business, issued by the IRS. An SSN and ITIN are individual tax IDs. Some states also issue a separate state tax ID for sales or payroll taxes — that's different from your federal EIN.
- Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
- Yes. If you don't have an SSN or ITIN you can't use the online tool, but you can still get an EIN by filing Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or — for international applicants — by phone. The "responsible party" must be a real person, not another entity.
- Do I need a new EIN if my business changes?
- Sometimes. You generally need a new EIN if you change your business structure (for example, sole proprietor to corporation) or form a new legal entity. Simple changes like a new business name or address don't require a new EIN — you just notify the IRS.
Just starting out? Check your name with the Business Name Search, then get your state's Business License Checklist. Pricing your work? Use the Profit Margin Calculator.