EIN / Federal Tax ID Number — Apply for Your Business Tax ID
Every LLC and corporation needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. We handle the application so you can open your bank account, file taxes, and start operating — fast.
What Is an EIN and Why Does Your Business Need One?
An Employer Identification Number is your business’s tax identity with the IRS — required for nearly every financial and legal activity your company will undertake.
🔢 Your Business Tax Identity
An EIN (also called a Federal Tax ID Number or FEIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. It identifies your business entity for all federal tax obligations — the same way your Social Security number identifies you personally.
The format is XX-XXXXXXX (two digits, a dash, then seven digits). Once assigned, your EIN stays with your business for its entire lifetime.
🛡️ Protect Your Personal SSN
Without an EIN, your Social Security number appears on every business document — tax returns, W-9 forms, vendor agreements, bank applications, and contractor payments. Each exposure increases your risk of identity theft.
An EIN replaces your SSN on all business paperwork, keeping your personal identity separate and protected from your business operations.
Who Needs an EIN? Business Types That Require a Federal Tax ID
The IRS requires an EIN for most business entities. Here’s who must have one and who should get one anyway.
Must Have an EIN
Multi-member LLCs, all corporations (C Corp and S Corp), partnerships, nonprofits, any business with employees, businesses that file excise tax returns, and businesses that withhold taxes on non-wage income.
Strongly Recommended
Single-member LLCs (even without employees), sole proprietors who want SSN protection, freelancers with an LLC, and any business that plans to open a bank account or work with vendors.
Not Required
Sole proprietors with no employees who use their SSN for tax filing. However, even in this case, an EIN offers identity protection and a more professional appearance to clients and vendors.
What You Can Do With Your EIN
Your EIN unlocks every essential financial and legal function of your business.
Open a Business Bank Account
Banks require an EIN to open business checking and savings accounts. Without one, you can’t separate personal and business finances.
File Business Tax Returns
Your EIN goes on every federal tax form — 1065, 1120, 1120-S, and Schedule C. State tax agencies also use your EIN for identification.
Hire Employees
An EIN is required to run payroll, withhold income taxes, pay FICA, and file employment tax returns (Forms 940 and 941).
Build Business Credit
Your EIN is the foundation of your business credit profile with Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.
Apply for Business Licenses
Most state and local licensing applications require your EIN. It’s a prerequisite for permits, professional licenses, and DBA registrations.
Get Business Loans & Credit
Lenders use your EIN to verify your business identity and check your business credit history when evaluating loan applications.
Issue 1099s to Contractors
If you pay independent contractors $600+ per year, you need an EIN to file 1099-NEC forms with the IRS.
Set Up Vendor & Wholesale Accounts
Suppliers and wholesale distributors require your EIN on W-9 forms before they’ll extend credit or sell to your business.
How to Get an EIN Through TrustedLegal
We handle the IRS application so you don’t have to. Your EIN is included with every formation package.
Provide Your Business Details
Share your LLC or corporation name, entity type, formation state, member/officer information, and business activity. Our form takes less than 5 minutes.
We File with the IRS
Our team prepares and submits your EIN application (IRS Form SS-4) to the Internal Revenue Service. We handle formatting, validation, and compliance checks.
Receive Your EIN
You receive your official EIN confirmation letter and 9-digit Tax ID within 1–2 business days. Open your bank account and start operating immediately.
EIN vs SSN — Why You Should Never Use Your Social Security Number for Business
Using your SSN for business activities exposes you to unnecessary risk. Here’s why an EIN is the smarter choice.
Social Security Number
Using your personal SSN for business creates security and professional risks.
- ✗SSN exposed on W-9 forms sent to every client
- ✗SSN visible on tax filings and vendor agreements
- ✗Identity theft risk increases with each exposure
- ✗Looks unprofessional to clients and vendors
- ✗Cannot build separate business credit history
- ✗Personal and business finances are intertwined
Employer Identification Number
An EIN separates your personal identity from your business operations.
- ✓EIN used on all business documents instead of SSN
- ✓Personal identity stays private and protected
- ✓Dramatically reduces identity theft exposure
- ✓Projects professionalism and legitimacy
- ✓Enables separate business credit profile
- ✓Clean separation of personal and business finances
EIN Filing — Included in Every Formation Package
Your EIN comes with your LLC or corporation formation. No extra charge, no separate application.
Economy
EIN included • One-time payment
- ✓LLC or Corporation filing
- ✓Federal EIN from IRS
- ✓Articles of Organization
- ✓Operating Agreement
- ✓Banking resolutions
- ✓Name availability check
- ✓Lifetime customer support
Complete
EIN + Registered Agent • One-time payment
- ✓Everything in Economy, plus:
- ✓Federal EIN from IRS
- ✓1 Year Registered Agent
- ✓Expedited state filing
- ✓Compliance calendar
- ✓Business banking guidance
- ✓Priority support
Already have an LLC but need an EIN? Apply for a standalone EIN — $49
EIN Application Methods Compared — IRS Direct vs TrustedLegal
You can apply for an EIN yourself through the IRS, but there are important differences in the experience.
🌐 IRS Online (Direct)
Free application at IRS.gov. Available Monday–Friday, 7am–10pm ET only. Requires a valid SSN or ITIN — not available to non-US residents. Must complete in one session (no saving progress).
Cost: Free
Timeline: Immediate
Limitation: US residents only
📠 IRS Fax (Form SS-4)
Download Form SS-4, complete it, and fax to the IRS. Available to both US and non-US applicants. Useful if the online system is down or you need to apply outside business hours.
Cost: Free
Timeline: 4 business days
Limitation: Requires fax access
✅ TrustedLegal (Done for You)
We prepare and submit your application, handle any IRS follow-up, and deliver your EIN with a confirmation letter. Works for US and non-US residents. Available 24/7.
Cost: Included with formation ($49 standalone)
Timeline: 1–2 business days
Limitation: None
EIN for Non-US Residents — International Business Formation
Foreign nationals can get a US EIN for their LLC or corporation, but the process is different.
🌍 The Non-Resident EIN Challenge
The IRS online application requires a valid SSN or ITIN — which most non-US residents don’t have. This means international applicants must use the fax or mail method, which takes longer and has stricter formatting requirements.
Common mistakes on international applications include incorrect entity classification, wrong “responsible party” designation, and missing supporting documentation — all of which trigger rejections and restarts.
✅ How TrustedLegal Helps
We specialize in non-resident EIN applications. Our team prepares your Form SS-4 with the correct IRS formatting, handles the fax submission, follows up on processing, and delivers your EIN typically within 1–2 weeks.
For non-residents forming a US LLC, the EIN application is included in our formation package at no extra cost. We also provide guidance on ITIN applications if you need one for US tax filing.
When Do You Need a New EIN?
Some business changes require a new EIN. Others don’t. Here’s the definitive guide.
You Need a New EIN When…
These structural changes mean the IRS considers your business a new entity.
- ✓You incorporate a sole proprietorship into an LLC or corp
- ✓A partnership becomes a sole proprietorship or vice versa
- ✓You convert entity type (LLC to corporation)
- ✓A corporation receives a new charter from the state
- ✓You purchase or inherit an existing business
- ✓You create a new LLC or corporation (even if same owner)
You Don’t Need a New EIN When…
These changes update your existing entity without creating a new one.
- ✓You change your LLC or corporation name
- ✓You change your business address
- ✓You add or remove LLC members
- ✓You elect S Corp tax status (Form 2553)
- ✓You register a DBA / trade name
- ✓You open a new bank account for the same entity
Understanding IRS Form SS-4 — The EIN Application
Form SS-4 is the official IRS application for an Employer Identification Number. Here’s what each section requires.
📋 Key Fields on Form SS-4
Line 1 — Legal Name: Your LLC or corporation’s exact legal name as filed with the state. Must match your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
Line 3 — Responsible Party: The individual (not the business) who controls or manages the entity. Must include their SSN or ITIN. For LLCs, this is typically a managing member.
Line 9a — Entity Type: Select your entity classification carefully. LLCs check “LLC” and must specify the number of members. Corporations select C Corp or S Corp.
Line 10 — Reason for Applying: Most new businesses select “Started new business.” If you’re changing entity type, select the appropriate option.
⚠️ Common SS-4 Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong entity type: Selecting “sole proprietor” when you’ve formed an LLC is the most common error — it results in the wrong tax classification.
Name mismatch: Your legal name must exactly match your state filing, including punctuation and capitalization.
Missing responsible party SSN: The IRS requires an individual’s SSN or ITIN on every application. You cannot list an EIN or a business as the responsible party.
Applying too early: Your LLC or corporation must be officially formed with the state before you can apply for an EIN. Applying before formation results in rejection.
Skip the form entirely — let TrustedLegal handle your EIN application.
EIN at a Glance — Key Facts
Quick reference for business owners applying for a federal tax ID.
What Clients Say About Our EIN Filing Service
Business owners who got their EIN through TrustedLegal.
“I tried the IRS website three times and kept getting errors. TrustedLegal had my EIN in my inbox the next morning. I opened my business bank account the same day.”— Marcus T., Consulting LLC Owner
“As a Canadian forming a US LLC, I couldn’t use the IRS online system. TrustedLegal handled my EIN application by fax and had it back in 10 days. Smooth process.”— Sarah L., Non-Resident LLC Owner
“Having the EIN included with my LLC formation was perfect. Everything arrived together — Articles, Operating Agreement, EIN, and banking docs. Ready to go on day one.”— Jamal P., E-Commerce Founder
EIN & Federal Tax ID — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting your Employer Identification Number.
What is an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?
An EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It’s also called a Federal Tax ID Number or FEIN. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business — required for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and hiring employees.
Is getting an EIN free from the IRS?
Yes, the IRS does not charge a fee to issue an EIN. You can apply directly at IRS.gov for free. TrustedLegal includes EIN filing in every formation package, handling the application on your behalf so you don’t have to navigate IRS forms.
Do I need an EIN if I’m a single-member LLC?
Technically, a single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner’s SSN. However, an EIN is strongly recommended because it protects your SSN from exposure, is required by most banks to open a business account, and is needed if you ever hire employees or elect S Corp taxation.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
IRS online applications receive an EIN immediately. Fax takes about 4 business days. Mail takes 4–6 weeks. Through TrustedLegal, we typically deliver your EIN within 1–2 business days.
Can a non-US resident get an EIN?
Yes. Non-US residents can obtain an EIN for a US-based LLC or corporation. However, they cannot use the IRS online application — they must apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. The process typically takes 1–4 weeks. TrustedLegal handles international EIN applications as part of our non-resident formation service.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business structure?
It depends. You need a new EIN if you incorporate a sole proprietorship, create a partnership, or convert your entity type. You don’t need a new EIN if you change your business name, address, or add members to an existing LLC.
What’s the difference between an EIN, ITIN, and SSN?
An SSN (Social Security Number) identifies individuals for personal tax purposes. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is for individuals who aren’t eligible for an SSN but need to file US taxes. An EIN identifies business entities. Your business should use its EIN — not your SSN or ITIN — on all business documents.
Can I look up my EIN if I lost it?
Yes. Check your original EIN confirmation letter (IRS Notice CP 575). If you can’t find it, look at previously filed tax returns, bank account opening documents, or state filings. You can also call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm local time).
Next Steps After Getting Your EIN
Your EIN is just the beginning. Here’s what to do next to get your business fully operational.
Open a Business Bank Account
Use your new EIN to open a dedicated business checking account. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.
Get Business Licenses
Most license applications require your EIN. Research your federal, state, and local requirements.
Build Business Credit
Register with Dun & Bradstreet using your EIN to start building your business credit profile.
Stay Compliant
Track your annual report filings, tax deadlines, and license renewals to keep your business in good standing.
Get Your EIN — Included With Every Formation Package
Form your LLC or corporation with TrustedLegal and your EIN comes included at no extra cost. Or apply for a standalone EIN for $49 if you already have a business entity.
Start Your Business from $99Economy $99 • Complete $299 • Standalone EIN $49
