How do I get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

Apply free on the IRS website at IRS.gov/EIN — the online application takes about 15 minutes and delivers your EIN immediately upon completion. Most businesses, including sole proprietors with employees, need one.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also called a Federal Tax Identification Number — is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify a business entity for tax purposes. It functions like a Social Security Number for your business. You'll need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, file business taxes, and apply for most business financing. The IRS EIN application is entirely free and handled directly through IRS.gov.

Who needs an EIN?

All corporations and partnerships — required regardless of whether you have employees.
LLCs with more than one member, or any LLC that has elected corporate tax treatment.
Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs that hire employees or file excise or pension taxes.
Estates, trusts, and non-profit organizations.
Any business that opens a dedicated business bank account (most banks require one).

How to apply: online (fastest)

The IRS online EIN application is available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern. You must be the responsible party (a natural person who controls the entity — not another business), and you'll need a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN or ITIN) to complete the form. The IRS issues your EIN immediately at the end of the session. Print or save the confirmation — the IRS will not re-issue it online.

Alternative application methods

By fax: Submit IRS Form SS-4 to the IRS fax line for your state — typically 4 business days.
By mail: Mail a completed Form SS-4 — up to 4 weeks.
International applicants without an SSN/ITIN: call the IRS international line (not toll-free).

EIN and business financing

Lenders require your EIN on every business loan or line-of-credit application — it links your business identity, tax filings, and credit profile. Having an EIN also lets you start building a separate business credit file (via Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business) that doesn't depend solely on your personal credit score. Once your entity and EIN are established, apply with ClearValue Lending to see which financing options fit your business profile — one application routes to one matched lender partner. Consult a CPA or tax professional if you're unsure which entity type to use before applying for your EIN.

IRS on EINs

The IRS online EIN application is free, and a number is issued immediately upon completion during available hours (Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET). — IRS
You may apply for and receive only one EIN per responsible party per day. — IRS
Sole proprietors are generally not required to obtain an EIN unless they pay wages to employees or are required to file excise or pension plan tax returns. — IRS

Key takeaways

Apply free and online at IRS.gov — your EIN is issued in minutes during available hours.
You need an EIN for a business bank account, employees, corporate/partnership taxes, and most financing applications.
Sole proprietors without employees may use their SSN instead, but an EIN separates business and personal identity.
An EIN is the starting point for building a dedicated business credit profile.
There is no fee — never pay a third party to get an EIN for you.