How to Get an EIN Online: Free IRS Application

Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of the most important steps in establishing your business with the IRS. Whether you’re starting an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, having an EIN allows you to open business bank accounts, hire employees, and handle tax obligations properly.

The good news? You can complete this entire process online for free directly through the IRS website. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and get your EIN quickly and efficiently.

What You’ll Accomplish

By following this guide, you’ll:

Successfully apply for and receive your EIN from the IRS
Understand exactly what information you need before starting
Complete the application in one sitting (typically 15-30 minutes)
Receive your EIN immediately upon approval
Know what to do with your EIN once you have it

Who This Guide Is For

This step-by-step tutorial is perfect for:

New business owners forming LLCs, corporations, or partnerships
Sole proprietors who want to separate business and personal finances
Nonprofit organizations requiring federal tax identification
Existing businesses that need to replace a lost EIN
Anyone who wants to handle the process themselves rather than hiring a service

What You’ll Need

Before starting your application, ensure you have:

A stable internet connection
About 30 minutes of uninterrupted time
All required business and personal information (detailed below)
The legal authority to apply for the EIN on behalf of the business

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Before You Start

Prerequisites

Before beginning your EIN application, you must have already:

1. Formed your business entity (if applicable) – Your LLC, corporation, or partnership should be officially registered with your state
2. Chosen your business structure – Sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit
3. Determined the “responsible party” – This person must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
4. Established your business address – You’ll need a physical address where the IRS can reach your business

Preparation Steps

1. Gather all required documents and information (see Requirements section below)
2. Clear your schedule – Plan to complete the application in one sitting, as you cannot save and return later
3. Use a reliable device – Apply from a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection
4. Have backup information ready – Keep additional business details handy in case you need them

Information to Gather

Create a checklist with the following details:

Personal Information:

Full legal name of the responsible party
SSN or ITIN of the responsible party
Personal address of the responsible party

Business Information:

Legal business name (exactly as filed with the state)
Business mailing address
Business location address (if different from mailing)
Date business started or will start
State where business was formed
Business structure type
Reason for applying for the EIN

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Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Access the Official IRS EIN Application

1. Go to IRS.gov and navigate to the EIN application page
2. Look for “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online”
3. Important: Only use the official IRS website – avoid third-party services that charge fees for this free service
4. Click “Apply Online Now” to begin

Tip: Bookmark the official IRS EIN page to avoid accidentally using fee-based services in the future.

Step 2: Review Eligibility Requirements

1. Read through the eligibility checklist carefully
2. Confirm your business has a valid reason for obtaining an EIN
3. Verify you have the authority to apply on behalf of the business
4. Ensure you haven’t already received an EIN for this business entity

Tip: If you’re unsure about eligibility, the IRS provides detailed explanations for each requirement.

Step 3: Select Your Business Type

1. Choose your business structure from the dropdown menu:
– Sole Proprietorship
– Partnership
– LLC
– Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)
– Non-profit
– Other (various specialized entity types)

2. Answer follow-up questions about your specific business type
3. Some structures require additional information about formation dates and state of incorporation

Step 4: Enter Responsible Party Information

1. Input the full legal name of the responsible party
2. Enter their SSN or ITIN
3. Provide their personal address
4. Confirm this person has the authority to receive the EIN

Important: The responsible party cannot be changed easily after the EIN is issued, so ensure this information is accurate.

Step 5: Provide Business Information

1. Enter your exact legal business name as registered with your state
2. Input your business trade name (if different from legal name)
3. Provide your business mailing address
4. Enter your business location address
5. Select your state of formation
6. Choose your business start date

Tip: Double-check spelling and formatting – the business name must match your state registration exactly.

Step 6: Specify Reason for Application

1. Select the primary reason you’re applying for an EIN:
– Started new business
– Hired employees
– Created a pension plan
– Banking purposes
– Changed type of organization
– Purchased going business

2. Provide additional details based on your selection
3. Some reasons require specific dates or additional documentation

Step 7: Answer Additional Questions

1. Complete questions about:
– Expected number of employees in the next 12 months
– Principal business activity
– Specific business activities or products
– Accounting period (calendar year or fiscal year)

2. These questions help the IRS understand your business type and tax obligations

Step 8: Review and Submit

1. Carefully review all entered information
2. Check for spelling errors, especially in names and addresses
3. Verify all dates are correct
4. Confirm SSN/ITIN information is accurate
5. Submit your application

Critical: You cannot make changes after submission, so review everything thoroughly.

Step 9: Receive Your EIN

1. Upon successful submission, you’ll immediately receive your EIN
2. Print or save the confirmation page containing your EIN
3. The IRS will also mail a confirmation letter within a few weeks
4. Save your EIN in a secure location – you’ll need it frequently

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Requirements

Documents Needed

While the online application doesn’t require document uploads, you should have these readily available:

articles of incorporation or Organization (for LLCs and corporations)
Partnership Agreement (for partnerships)
State registration confirmation for your business entity
Personal identification for the responsible party

Information Required

Essential Information:

Legal business name (exactly as filed with state)
Business structure type
State and date of formation
Business and mailing addresses
Responsible party’s full name and SSN/ITIN
Principal business activity
Reason for requesting EIN

Additional Details:

Trade name or “doing business as” name
Expected number of employees
Business start date
Accounting period preference
Specific business activities

State Considerations

Formation requirement: Most business structures must be registered with the state before applying for an EIN
Name consistency: Your EIN application must use the exact legal name filed with your state
Address requirements: Use the official business address registered with your state when possible
Foreign entities: Out-of-state businesses may need additional documentation

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Tips for Success

Expert Recommendations

1. Apply during business hours – While the system is available 24/7, technical support is only available during IRS business hours
2. Use the responsible party’s personal computer – This can help avoid security questions about unfamiliar devices
3. Keep your confirmation page – Save multiple copies of your EIN confirmation page
4. Don’t rush – Take time to review each section carefully before proceeding

Time-Saving Tips

1. Prepare all information in advance – Having everything ready makes the process much smoother
2. Complete the application in one sitting – You cannot save progress and return later
3. Use consistent formatting – Match the capitalization and spacing from your state registration documents
4. Have a backup plan – If you encounter technical issues, you may need to call the IRS

Quality Improvements

1. Verify state registration first – Confirm your business is properly registered before applying
2. Double-check the responsible party – This designation is difficult to change later
3. Use your legal address – Avoid P.O. boxes for the principal business address when possible
4. Plan your accounting period – Choose calendar year unless you have a specific reason for a fiscal year

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

What to Avoid

Application Errors:

Using third-party websites that charge fees for this free service
Applying before your business is legally formed
Entering inconsistent business names or addresses
Providing incorrect SSN/ITIN information
Rushing through without reviewing answers

Business Structure Confusion:

Selecting the wrong business type
Applying for multiple EINs for the same entity
Not understanding the difference between legal name and trade name
Confusing state registration requirements

How to Fix Errors

Before Submission:

Review each section carefully before proceeding
Use the “Previous” button to go back and correct mistakes
Verify all names match your state registration documents

After Submission:

Minor errors may require calling the IRS directly
Major errors might necessitate starting over with a new application
Documentation may be required to prove corrections

Troubleshooting

Technical Issues:

Clear your browser cache and cookies
Try a different browser or device
Ensure JavaScript is enabled
Contact IRS technical support during business hours

Application Problems:

Verify you haven’t already received an EIN for this entity
Confirm your business is properly formed with the state
Check that you have authority to apply on behalf of the business

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Next Steps After Receiving Your EIN

Immediate Actions

1. Save your EIN confirmation – Print and digitally save multiple copies
2. Record your EIN securely – Store it with other important business documents
3. Open business bank accounts – Most banks require an EIN for business accounts
4. Update your records – Add the EIN to your business formation documents

Related Processes

Tax Obligations:

Determine your federal tax filing requirements
Set up state tax accounts if required
Understand payroll tax obligations if hiring employees
Consider quarterly estimated tax payments

Business Operations:

Apply for required business licenses and permits
Set up business insurance policies
Establish business credit using your EIN
Register for industry-specific requirements

Ongoing Requirements

Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate business records using your EIN
File required tax returns using your EIN
Keep your EIN information updated with the IRS
Use your EIN consistently across all business documentation

Compliance:

File annual reports with your state (if required)
Maintain good standing with state registration
Keep business and personal finances separate
Follow ongoing IRS requirements for your business type

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get an EIN online?

The online EIN application process typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete, and you’ll receive your EIN immediately upon successful submission. The IRS will also mail a confirmation letter within a few weeks, but you can start using your EIN right away.

2. Can I apply for an EIN if my business isn’t formed yet?

Generally, no. Most business structures (LLCs, corporations, partnerships) must be legally formed with your state before you can apply for an EIN. However, sole proprietors can apply for an EIN even if they haven’t formally registered their business name.

3. What if I make a mistake on my EIN application?

Once submitted, you cannot change your EIN application online. For minor errors, you may need to call the IRS directly. For major mistakes, you might need to submit a new application. This is why it’s crucial to review everything carefully before submitting.

4. Can I get multiple EINs for different parts of my business?

No, generally you should only have one EIN per legal business entity. However, if you have multiple separate legal entities (like different LLCs), each one needs its own EIN. Don’t apply for multiple EINs for the same business entity.

5. Is there a fee to get an EIN from the IRS?

No, getting an EIN directly from the IRS is completely free. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees for this service – they’re unnecessary middlemen. Always use the official IRS website at IRS.gov.

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Conclusion

Getting your EIN online is a straightforward process when you’re properly prepared. By following this step-by-step guide, you can complete your application efficiently and avoid common mistakes that could delay your business launch.

Remember that an EIN is just one piece of establishing your business properly. You’ll also need to maintain compliance with state requirements, file appropriate tax returns, and follow ongoing obligations for your business structure.

At TrustedLegal.com, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs successfully form LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. While you can certainly handle the EIN application yourself using this guide, we’re here to support your complete business formation journey. Our affordable pricing, fast turnaround times, and expert guidance can help streamline your entire business setup process – from initial formation to ongoing compliance requirements.

Whether you’re forming an LLC, incorporating your business, or protecting your trademark, our experienced team provides the professional support you need to start your business journey with confidence. Ready to take the next step? Let TrustedLegal.com help you build a strong foundation for your business success.