An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC’s federal tax ID. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. The good news: it’s free and takes about 10 minutes online.
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Add EIN to My Order →Does Your LLC Need an EIN?
You need an EIN if your LLC has or will have employees, is taxed as a partnership (multi-member LLC), will open a business bank account, or has elected S-Corp or C-Corp status.
Single-member LLCs with no employees technically don’t always need one — but getting one anyway is strongly recommended. It separates your business identity from your SSN and is required for most banking relationships.
How to Apply for an EIN Online (Step-by-Step)
- Go to IRS.gov/EIN and open the EIN Assistant
- Select Limited Liability Company as your entity type
- Enter the number of members in your LLC
- Enter your LLC’s state of formation
- Provide your LLC’s legal name, address, and the responsible party’s name and SSN
- Review and submit — your EIN is issued immediately and you can download the confirmation letter
Important: The online application is available Monday–Friday, 7am–10pm ET. The responsible party must have a U.S. SSN or ITIN. Once you have your EIN and LLC approval, open a business bank account immediately — see why in our guide on how commingling funds destroys your LLC protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting an EIN free?
Yes. Applying directly through the IRS at IRS.gov is completely free. Formation services charge $49–$79 to apply on your behalf, which is worth it for convenience or if you encounter issues with the application.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online applications are processed immediately — you get your EIN within minutes. Mail applications take 4–6 weeks. Always apply online.
Can I get an EIN before my LLC is approved?
Best practice is to wait for state approval first, then apply. If your LLC is rejected after you’ve already received an EIN, you’ll have a federal tax ID attached to a non-existent entity.
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