- What is an EIN?
- Who needs a federal EIN?
- Benefits of getting an employer identification number
- What information you need for EIN registration
- How to apply for a free EIN online
- Other ways to get an EIN number for free
- When you need a new EIN
- How to look up your EIN
- Apply for the Ramp Business Credit Card using only your EIN number
You can get a free EIN from the IRS website in about 15 minutes—the online application issues your nine-digit employer identification number (EIN) immediately upon submission. An EIN is your company's federal tax ID, required for hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, and filing payroll taxes.
What is an EIN?
An EIN is a unique nine-digit tax identification number that the IRS assigns to US businesses. It's formatted with a dash between the second and third digits: XX-XXXXXXX. You may also see it referred to as a federal EIN or federal tax ID number.
Think of an EIN as a Social Security number for your business. Small business lenders and financial institutions will request this number before letting you access working capital for your business.
Who needs a federal EIN?
Most businesses need an EIN to operate legally. Even if you're not strictly required to have one, many owners choose to get an EIN for financing, banking, and tax benefits. Here's who the IRS says must have one.
Businesses with employees
Any business that hires employees must obtain an EIN for payroll tax purposes. You'll use it to report wages, withhold taxes, and file employment tax returns with the IRS. If you plan to bring on even one W-2 worker, an EIN is non-negotiable.
LLCs and partnerships
Multi-member LLCs and partnerships require an EIN regardless of whether they have employees. The IRS treats these entities as separate taxpayers, so each one needs its own identification number. Single-member LLCs without employees aren't required to have an EIN, but many still apply for one to simplify banking and build business credit.
Corporations and S-corps
All corporations—both C corps and S corps—must have an EIN for tax filing and compliance. You'll need it from the moment you incorporate, well before you file your first return.
Non-profit organizations
Non-profits need an EIN to apply for tax-exempt status and accept tax-deductible donations. You'll also use it when filing Form 990 and other required IRS documents.
Trusts and estates
Trusts and estates that manage assets and distribute income need an EIN for tax reporting. If you're administering an estate or managing a trust, the IRS requires a separate identification number to track income and distributions properly.
Benefits of getting an employer identification number
An EIN does more than satisfy an IRS requirement. Even if you're self-employed or not legally required to have one, there are real advantages to getting an EIN early.
Separate business and personal finances
An EIN lets you open business bank accounts and establish your business as a distinct legal entity. This separation makes filing business taxes less complicated and ensures you pay the right amount of income tax.
Build business credit
With an EIN, you can build a credit history for your business that's separate from your personal credit score. Over time, a strong business credit profile helps you qualify for better financing terms and higher credit limits.
Access business banking and financing
Banks and lenders require an EIN to open business accounts or approve you for business loans, lines of credit, and business credit cards. Business financing typically offers higher maximums than personal loans. For example, you can borrow up to $5 million with an SBA 7(a) loan, while most personal loan providers cap borrowing at $100,000.
Protect your personal privacy
Using an EIN instead of your SSN on business documents reduces your exposure to identity theft. Anytime you can keep your Social Security number off a form, contract, or vendor agreement, you're adding a layer of protection.
What information you need for EIN registration
Before you start your application, gather the following details:
- Legal business name: Your business name as registered with your state
- Business address: Your physical business location, not a P.O. box
- Responsible party: The name and SSN or ITIN of the person who controls the entity
- Entity type: Limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, etc.
- Reason for applying: Starting a new business, hiring employees, banking purposes, etc.
- Business start date: When you started or acquired the business
Providing accurate information ensures your EIN application processes quickly and without delays.
How to apply for a free EIN online
The IRS online application is the fastest and easiest way to get an EIN for free. You'll receive your number immediately upon completion. There's no cost. Avoid third-party services that charge fees for something the IRS provides at no charge.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
You can apply online if you have a valid SSN or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and your business is located in the US or its territories. You'll also need to be a sole proprietor or have a legally formed business entity.
Step 2: Go to the IRS online EIN application
Visit the official IRS website to start your application. Make sure you're on irs.gov. Third-party sites often charge unnecessary fees for the same free application.
Step 3: Select your entity type
Choose the correct business structure from the list provided. Options include sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, non-profit, trust, and estate. Selecting the wrong entity type can cause issues, so double-check before moving on.
Step 4: Enter your business information
Input all the details you gathered earlier, including your responsible party information, legal business name, address, and reason for applying. The IRS system will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity, so have everything ready and plan to complete the application in one sitting.
Step 5: Submit your EIN filing and save your number
Review your application for accuracy, then submit. You'll receive your EIN immediately. Save or print the confirmation right away. The IRS doesn't email this information, so the confirmation screen is your only chance to capture it in that moment. Once you have your EIN, use it to manage payroll for employees and open business bank accounts.
Other ways to get an EIN number for free
If you can't apply online, the IRS offers alternative methods at no cost.
Apply by mail
Complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the IRS. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you're a domestic applicant, mail your application to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
If you're applying from outside the US, send your application to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN International Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
USA
Apply by fax
You can fax Form SS-4 and receive your EIN within about 4 business days. The fax number depends on your location:
- Domestic applicants (US entities): 855-641-6935
- International applicants (outside the US): 1-304-707-9471
- International applicants filing from inside the US: 855-215-1627
Make sure you include a return fax number so the IRS can send your EIN back to you.
Apply by phone
International applicants can call the IRS directly at 1-267-941-1099 to apply for an EIN over the phone. The line is open weekdays from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern time. This is the only option for applicants located outside the US who don't have an SSN or ITIN. International businesses entering the US market can also read our overview of accounting for startups in the US.
| Method | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Immediate | US-based applicants with SSN/ITIN |
| Fax | About 4 business days | Those without internet access |
| 4–6 weeks | Non-urgent applications | |
| Phone | Same day | International applicants |
When you need a new EIN
Certain business changes require you to apply for a new EIN:
- Change in business structure: You transition from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, or from an LLC to a corporation
- New ownership: You purchase or inherit an existing business
- Incorporation: You form a new partnership or bring new partners into an existing one
- Bankruptcy: Certain bankruptcy proceedings require a new EIN
You don't need a new EIN if you operate multiple businesses under the same entity, change your business name, or relocate your company.
How to look up your EIN
If you've lost or forgotten your EIN, there are several ways to track it down:
- Check previous tax returns: Your EIN appears on every filed business return
- Review bank records: Your EIN is on your business account paperwork and opening documents
- Contact the IRS: Call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to request your EIN
- Check IRS notices: Any correspondence you've received from the IRS includes your EIN
Apply for the Ramp Business Credit Card using only your EIN number
An EIN number allows you to separate your business and personal finances. One of the cleanest ways to do that is to apply for a business credit card that only asks for your EIN and doesn't require a personal guarantee or credit check.
The Ramp Business Credit Card checks all those boxes: All you need is an EIN and at least $25,000 in a US business bank account. Once you apply, you can get approved in under 48 hours.
In addition to simplified approval, we offer built-in expense management tools that help you reduce spending. Set transaction limits by vendor or category, issue unlimited physical and virtual cards for your team, and submit receipts instantly through SMS, mobile app, or integrations such as Gmail and Amazon.
Ready to get started? Try an interactive demo to learn more.
FAQs
The online application provides your EIN immediately upon completion. Faxing Form SS-4 takes about 4 business days. Mail applications take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
Yes. You can apply using an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) instead of an SSN. International applicants who don't have either must apply by phone by calling the IRS at 267-941-1099.
An EIN is a type of federal tax ID number specifically for businesses. The broader term \
Some business credit cards, including Ramp, let you apply using only your EIN without requiring a personal Social Security number for qualified businesses. This means no personal guarantee and no personal credit check.
A single-member LLC without employees isn't required to have an EIN—you can use your SSN for tax purposes. However, many sole owners still get one to open business bank accounts, build business credit, and keep personal and business finances separate.
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