Decide & Register
How to Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for Free
Short answer
An EIN is your business's federal tax ID. Apply free at irs.gov/EIN — takes 15 minutes, you get the number immediately. You need one if you have employees, an LLC, or want a business bank account that doesn't use your SSN.
Every paid 'EIN service' charges $50–$200 for something the IRS does in 15 minutes for free. Here's how to do it yourself.
5-minute walkthrough
- Go to irs.gov/EIN (search 'IRS EIN online'). Open the 'Apply online now' tool — available Mon–Fri 7am–10pm ET.
- Choose your entity type (LLC, sole prop, corporation). For single-member LLC, choose 'Limited Liability Company'.
- Enter your legal name, SSN, and business address. The IRS uses this only to verify identity.
- Choose 'Started a new business' as the reason. Pick your industry from the dropdown.
- Review and submit. The EIN appears on screen — download the CP 575 confirmation letter as a PDF. Save it; banks will ask for it.
Common mistakes
- Don't pay a third party. The IRS service is free.
- The name on the EIN application becomes the legal name on tax filings — match it exactly to your LLC paperwork.
- You can only get ONE EIN per day per Responsible Party.
- Sole props don't need an EIN to operate, but getting one keeps your SSN off invoices and W-9s.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name?
Usually no — file Form 8822-B to update the IRS. A new EIN is only needed for major structural changes (sole prop → LLC, single-member → multi-member, etc.).
Invoice from day one.
Glo Invoice is free for 14 days for new owners — your first invoice goes out in under 60 seconds.
Sources & further reading
Primary sources we consulted when writing and reviewing this guide.