An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is your LLC’s federal tax ID. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and establish business credit. It’s free, it takes about 10 minutes online, and there’s no reason to wait. Here’s exactly how to get one.
⚡ Corp Nation can file your EIN as an add-on to your LLC formation.
Form My LLC →What Is an EIN and Do You Need One?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number assigned by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security number for your LLC. You need one to:
- Open a business bank account (almost every bank requires it)
- File federal and state business tax returns
- Hire employees or independent contractors
- Apply for business loans or credit
- Elect S-Corp tax treatment
- Work with vendors who need to issue you a 1099
How to Apply for an EIN Online (Step by Step)
The IRS offers free online EIN applications Monday–Friday, 7am–10pm ET. You’ll get your EIN immediately upon completion.
- Go to irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
- Click “Apply Online Now”
- Select “Limited Liability Company” as your entity type
- Enter the number of LLC members
- Select the reason you’re applying (started a new business)
- Enter your LLC’s legal name, state of formation, and responsible party information
- Review and submit — your EIN appears immediately on screen
- Download and save the confirmation letter (EIN Assignment Letter)
Important Rules
- One EIN per day per responsible party. The IRS limits online applications to one per SSN or ITIN per day.
- Your LLC must exist before you apply. Wait until your Articles of Organization are approved by the state.
- Never pay for an EIN. It is completely free from the IRS. Any service charging you to “get your EIN” is charging for convenience, not a government fee.
- Keep your EIN confirmation letter. You’ll need it for banks, accountants, and tax filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?
Not required by the IRS if you have no employees and file as a sole proprietor. But you’ll need one to open a business bank account, which every LLC should have. Get the EIN — it takes 10 minutes and it’s free.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online: immediate — you get it the moment you finish the application. Fax: 4 business days. Mail: 4–6 weeks. Always apply online.
Can a foreign national get an EIN for a US LLC?
Yes. Non-US residents without an SSN or ITIN can apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. Corp Nation can handle EIN filing for international LLC owners as part of our formation service.
Form Your LLC + Get Your EIN
Corp Nation handles everything — LLC formation, registered agent, operating agreement, and EIN filing. Starter Package from $149 + state fees.
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