How to get an EIN number in 4 simple steps

Published 13 January 2026

Table of contents

• What is an EIN number?
• Who needs an EIN?
• How to get an EIN number in 4 steps
• Common EIN issues and fixes
• Get set up for success with Xero
• FAQs on EIN numbers

Key takeaways

• An EIN is your employer identification number – your federal tax ID you use for banking, payroll, and tax filings. Applying on the IRS site is free and quick.
• Most entities need an EIN; sole proprietors may need one when they hire employees, form an LLC, or open certain bank accounts.
• Apply online for the fastest result, or use fax, mail, or phone if you are outside the US or do not have an SSN or ITIN (individual tax identification number).
• After you get your EIN, you can open a bank account, set up payroll, update registrations, and connect to tools like Xero.

What is an EIN number?

An employer identification number (EIN) is a business tax ID number. Employers must have an EIN to file payroll tax returns, but that's not its only use.

You also need it for most business tax returns, like corporate and partnership tax returns and federal excise returns. Banks use this number to identify business clients. And your business may also use its EIN number on invoices and tax documents for workers, such as 1099s for contractors and W-2s for employees.

Check out the IRS guide to EINs.

Who needs an EIN?

Corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, sole props with employees, and trusts all need an EIN. You also need this number if you're in the following situations.

• Starting a new business: Except for sole props without employees, most new businesses need an EIN.
• Hiring employees: If you don't get an EIN when you launch, you need one before hiring employees. You also need an EIN if you plan to hire workers for your home (for example, nannies or cleaners).
• Opening a : Banks won’t open accounts in your business's name unless you have an EIN.
• Changing the type of organization: This includes going from a sole prop to a partnership.
• Buying an existing business: Make sure you get a new EIN. If you start using the previous owner's EIN, you risk becoming liable for unpaid taxes related to that number.
• Administering an estate: Estates need EINs if they have income.
• Paying excise taxes: If you need to pay excise taxes (such as the taxes on tanning beds in a salon or the high-duty vehicle tax), you need an EIN number.

How to get an EIN number in 4 steps

If you have the right info and a steady internet connection, it's easy to apply for an EIN number on the IRS's website. If that's not an option, you can apply by mail or fax.

Let's break down the steps:

1. Form your business

Before you can get an EIN, you need a business.

• Set up corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) with your Secretary of State (SOS).
• Register a partnership according to the rules in your state and whether it's a limited or general partnership.

If you're operating as a sole prop, see if you need to register a “doing business as” (DBA) name. Depending on the rules in your state, you may need to register your DBA or fictitious name with the SOS, or your local municipal or county government.

Here’s how to choose the right business structure for your business.

2. Gather the details for the application

Most of the information on the EIN application is pretty self-explanatory. You need details about your business, including:

• its legal and DBA names
• the business address
• type of entity (the business structure)
• date formed
• the reason you're applying for a number

You also need to estimate your anticipated number of employees and whether any of them are agricultural or household employees.

The application also asks for a responsible party to act as a point of communication with the business. This person must be an individual – they can't be another business. Generally, they should be the owner, a general partner, or a corporate shareholder. The responsible party isn’t necessarily liable for the business's taxes.

3. Apply online, by mail, or fax

The IRS’s online application method is the fastest and easiest way to get your EIN. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you get the EIN number as soon as you're done.

Here's the IRS's online EIN application. You can't save your application while it's in progress, so to make sure you have the right details, it’s a good idea to check out Form SS-4 and its instructions before you get started.

If you don't want to apply online, you can fax or mail in your application. Print the application and fill it out by hand, or use a PDF reader to fill out the form before printing. Then fax or mail it to the following address based on your business's location:

If you're based in the 50 states or D.C.:

Fax number

855-641-6935

Mailing address

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EIN Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999

If you're based in a US territory or a foreign country:

Fax numbers:

855-215-1627 if sending the fax from the US

304-707-9471 if sending the fax from outside the US

Address

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EIN International Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999

If you include a return fax number with your application, you should get your EIN number in 4 days. Otherwise, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to get a response if you mail in an application or don't include a return number with your fax. Applicants based out of the country can also call the IRS at 1-267-941-1099 to ask for an EIN – you can't use this option if you're based in the US, though.

4. Save and use your EIN

Make sure to save your EIN – you'll need to use it often, and it can be hard to find if you lose it. Also, keep the CP575 letter that the IRS sends for your records.

Once you have your EIN number, you can start using it right away. Add that number to the application for your business bank account. Start applying for state tax accounts like sales tax, withholding tax, and franchise tax. And use this number anytime you need a tax ID number for your business.

Common EIN issues and fixes

You need an EIN, but what if you have problems? Here are some common issues with quick-fix tips:

• Lost EIN: You can find your EIN on your original IRS letter, old tax forms, or business bank statements. If that doesn't work, call the IRS at (800) 829-4933 – be prepared for lengthy hold times and a detailed verification process.
• New business name: You can use the same EIN even if you change your business name, but you must update the IRS about the changes when you file your tax return.
• New address: If you change your address, let the IRS know by filing Form 8822-B.
• Change in responsible party: You should also file Form 8822-B if you change your responsible party, but you can keep using the same EIN.
• Deactivating the EIN: Send a letter to the IRS to close your business account.

Get set up for success with Xero

Xero's here to help your new business get off the ground. Our small business accounting software helps you make short work of your financial admin, and securely stores all your business information in the cloud. You can access your data anytime and from anywhere, and collaborate on the numbers in real time with your financial advisor. Xero also lets you track your income and expenses, generate invoices, and more.

Best of all, it's easy to use. It syncs with your business bank account, creating a seamless process for tracking expenses. Want to see how you're doing? Generate financial reports with a few taps – whether you need a profit and loss statement, a balance sheet, or a cash flow report, Xero has your back.

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FAQs on EIN numbers

Here are answers to common questions about EINs:

How long does it take to get an EIN?

You can get an EIN in about 15 minutes if you have the right details and use the IRS's website. If you fax or mail your application, expect to wait 4 days or 6 to 8 weeks, respectively. If you hire a tax professional, they'll let you know how long it'll take based on their schedule and processes.

How much does it cost to get an EIN number?

The IRS doesn't charge anything for EIN numbers. But if you pay a tax professional or a business formation service to help you, they may charge anywhere from $50 to $200 – or more.

Do I also need a state tax ID number?

You may also need a state tax ID number to set up sales tax accounts, pay state payroll taxes, or file state business returns, for example. Generally, you should get your EIN before your state ID number.

When can I start using my EIN?

Immediately. As soon as you receive your EIN, you can use it to open bank accounts, apply for state tax accounts, or file business tax returns. If you need to file a federal tax return before you get your EIN, write "applied for" and the date you applied for it in the EIN field.

Is an EIN the same as an SSN?

No, a Social Security number (SSN) is not the same as an EIN. Although they're both tax ID numbers, a SSN identifies an individual while an EIN identifies a business.

Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?

It depends. Sole-member LLCs need an EIN if the business plans to hire employees, pay federal excise taxes, or open a business bank account. Otherwise, the LLC can just use the owner's SSN or ITIN on state and federal tax forms.

Can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes, you can get an EIN without a Social Security Number. The EIN application asks you to list a responsible party – someone who has an SSN or ITIN. There are exceptions – government entities, for example, don't need to list an individual and can use their EIN on the application. If you’re not eligible for an SSN or ITIN, you can enter "foreign" or "N/A" on the line that asks for your SSN.