How to get an EIN free from the IRS

How to Get an EIN (Free, in Minutes)

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An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify a business — think of it as a Social Security number for your company. The good news for new business owners: getting one is free, fast, and done directly through the IRS. The number of websites that charge $50–$300 to “file” an EIN for you are selling a service you never need to pay for.

Do You Even Need One?

Not every business needs an EIN. A sole proprietor with no employees can usually use their own Social Security number for taxes. But you are required to get an EIN if any of the following apply:

  • You have employees
  • Your business is a corporation or a multi-member LLC (taxed as a partnership)
  • You file certain excise or employment tax returns
  • You have a Keogh or solo 401(k) retirement plan

Even when it isn’t required, many sole proprietors get one anyway — and it’s a smart move. An EIN lets you open a business bank account, gives clients a number to put on a 1099 instead of your SSN, and reduces how often you have to hand out your personal Social Security number.

Do you need an EIN? You must get one if you have employees, are a corporation or multi-member LLC, file excise/employment taxes, or have a Keogh/solo 401k; free at IRS.gov

How to Get One (Free, in Minutes)

  1. Go to IRS.gov — search for “EIN” and use the official online EIN Assistant. The application is free
  2. Apply online during operating hours — the tool is available Monday through Friday, typically 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. You must complete it in one session (it times out after about 15 minutes of inactivity)
  3. Have your information ready — your legal name and SSN (or ITIN), the business’s legal name and structure, and the reason you’re applying
  4. Receive your EIN immediately — on completion, the number is issued on screen. Download and save the confirmation letter (CP​575) right away — the IRS won’t email you another copy

If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, or you prefer not to apply online, you can apply by fax (Form SS-4) or by mail, which takes longer — about four business days by fax and four to five weeks by mail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Paying a third-party site — the IRS application is always free. Sites that charge are reselling a free government service
  • Applying before you’ve chosen a structure — if you plan to form an LLC, set it up first, then get the EIN in the LLC’s name
  • Losing the confirmation letter — banks and lenders ask for it. Save a copy the moment it’s issued
  • Getting multiple EINs by mistake — you generally only need one per business entity. Applying repeatedly creates confusion

The Bottom Line

An EIN is free, takes a few minutes to get directly from the IRS, and is worth having even when it isn’t strictly required — it keeps your Social Security number off client paperwork and is required to open a business bank account. Apply through IRS.gov, save the confirmation letter, and never pay a third-party site for what the government provides at no cost.

Further Reading