How to get an EIN in 2026: the complete step-by-step guide

An EIN(Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit ID the IRS assigns to your business. It's the business version of a Social Security Number — every vendor, bank, and lender you deal with will ask for it. Getting one is free, takes about 10 minutesif your entity is already formed, and doesn't require a lawyer.

This guide walks through the three ways to apply, which one to pick, and the field-by-field answers most people get wrong.

Do you actually need an EIN?

Yes, in almost every real-world scenario. The IRS technically only requires an EIN if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or file certain tax returns. But every business bank, credit-issuing vendor, and bureau treats a missing EIN as a disqualifying red flag.

Even single-member LLCs and sole proprietors — who could technically use their SSN — should get an EIN. Reasons:

• Banks won't open a business account under your SSN in most states.
• Vendors won't extend Net-30 without an EIN to verify against IRS records.
• You keep your SSN out of vendor and lender databases — a massive fraud-risk reduction.
• D&B won't open a DUNS business file without a matching EIN.

Three ways to apply

Use the online method if you can. The IRS EIN Assistant issues the number instantly at the end of the flow — you leave the session with a CP 575 confirmation and a usable EIN.

Online application, step by step

The IRS EIN Assistant is open Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm Eastern. Only one EIN per responsible party per calendar day. You'll answer 18 questions in order — here's what they mean and how to answer without triggering a rejection.

1. 1Legal name of entity. This must match your Secretary of State filing exactly — casing, commas, and the LLC or Inc. suffix. The #1 rejection cause is a mismatch here. Look at your Articles of Organization / Cert of Incorporation and copy it letter-for-letter.
2. 2Trade name (DBA).Only fill this if you operate under a name different from your legal name — like "Quarvo LLC doing business as Sterling." If they match, leave it blank.
3. 3Executor / trustee / "care of" name. Skip unless this EIN is for an estate or trust. Regular LLCs, Corps, and sole props ignore this line.
4. 4Mailing address. Where the IRS mails your CP 575 notice. Use a real address you check — not a virtual mailbox you forget to open.
5. 5Physical location.Cannot be a PO Box. If it's the same as your mailing address, the system copies it over.
6. 6County and state.The state is easy; the county trips people up. Google "[your ZIP] county" if you don't know it.
7. 7Responsible party.The person who ultimately owns or controls the entity. For a single-member LLC, that's you. You'll also enter their SSN or ITIN — this is why you have to complete the application, not a service.
8. 8LLC yes/no + member count. Straightforward from your formation docs. For single-member LLCs, enter 1 member.
9. 9Type of entity. LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, sole prop, partnership. If you elected S-Corp taxation on an LLC, pick S-Corp here.
10. 10Reason for applying. Most business owners pick Started new business. If you have an existing entity and just want the EIN for banking purposes, pick Banking purpose.
11. 11Date business started. Use the formation date from your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation. Not the date you started thinking about the business.
12. 12Closing month of accounting year. December almost always. Only change if you have a professional reason for a fiscal year other than the calendar year.
13. 13Employees expected in 12 months.Include yourself if you'll take a W-2 salary. For LLCs and sole props where you draw distributions, enter 0.
14. 14Employment tax ≤ $1,000? Yes = file annually (Form 944). No = file quarterly (Form 941). If unsure, No is the safer default.
15. 15First date wages paid. Only if you have or will have employees. Otherwise blank.
16. 16Principal activity.Pick the IRS category matching your primary revenue source. If you sell software, that's Information. If you consult, that's Professional Services.
17. 17Merchandise / service description.Free-text. Example: "Software as a service (SaaS) for small business credit building."
18. 18Ever applied before? No for a new entity. If yes, you might not need a new EIN — check with a CPA before submitting.

If you don't have an SSN or ITIN

The online EIN Assistant blocks applicants without an SSN or ITIN. You have two options:

• Fax Form SS-4to the IRS with "Foreign" written in the SSN field. Turnaround: 4 business days. Fax number is on the SS-4 instructions PDF.
• Mail Form SS-4 to: Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Turnaround: 4-6 weeks.

What to do after you get your EIN

1. 1Save the CP 575 notice. This is the only official proof of your EIN. Bureaus and lenders occasionally ask for it. Scan it, back it up, then store the paper.
2. 2Open a business bank account.Before anything else. Every day you transact through a personal account is a day you're building a "shell business" flag on your D&B file.
3. 3Request a DUNS number. Free from D&B, takes ~30 days. This is the anchor for your business credit file. Read our guide: How to get a DUNS number for free.
4. 4Apply for your first Net-30 vendor. Uline is the fastest — same-day approval, no personal guarantee. See our full vendor list: The 15 best Net-30 vendors.

Common questions

How much does an EIN cost?

Free from the IRS. Any service charging you $200-$400 to "get you an EIN" is just filling out the same online form. Skip them.

How long does it take?

Online: ~10 minutes if you have your info ready. Fax: 4 business days. Mail: 4-6 weeks.

Can I get an EIN before forming an LLC?

Yes — as a sole proprietor. But you'll want to update the EIN's type when you form an LLC later. It's easier to form the LLC first, then apply.

Do I need a separate EIN for each business?

Each legal entity needs its own EIN. If you own three LLCs, you need three EINs.