How to get an EIN number for free

If you want to employ workers, get business financing, or open a business bank account, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is your company’s federal tax ID, which allows you to access additional resources that aren’t available with your Social Security number (SSN) alone.

Sole proprietors don’t always need an EIN when getting started. However, this nine-digit number becomes more important as your business grows. Depending on your industry and how you want to grow your business, it can even be a requirement.

What is an EIN?

An EIN is a unique tax identification number that the IRS assigns to U.S. businesses. Every EIN is a nine-digit number, formatted with a dash between the second and third digits: XX-XXXXXXX.

An EIN is like a Social Security number for businesses. Small business lenders and financial institutions will request this number before letting you access working capital for your business.

When does the IRS require an EIN?

The IRS requires certain businesses to have an EIN before they can operate legally. You must apply for an EIN if any of the following apply:

• You hire employees
• You form a partnership or corporation
• You withhold taxes on income other than wages paid to a non-resident alien
• You maintain a Keogh plan, which is a type of retirement plan
• Your business operates in an industry where the IRS explicitly requires an EIN, such as alcohol, tobacco, or firearms

Even if your business doesn’t meet these requirements, many owners still choose to get an EIN for financing, banking, and tax benefits.

What businesses need an EIN?

Not every business is required to have an EIN, but the IRS mandates one for certain entities. Here are the business types that generally need an EIN:

• Corporations (C corps and S corps): All corporations must have an EIN for tax filing and compliance
• Partnerships: Every partnership, regardless of size, must use an EIN
• Limited liability companies (LLCs): Any LLC with employees or multiple members must obtain an EIN
• Nonprofit organizations: Nonprofits need to apply for an EIN to establish tax-exempt status
• Trusts and estates: Often need an EIN to report income and handle distributions properly
• Farms and cooperatives: Generally must file taxes using an EIN

Sole proprietors without employees can often use their SSN, but many still apply for an EIN to simplify banking, build business credit, and separate business and personal finances.

Benefits of an EIN

There are several benefits to getting an EIN, even if you’re self-employed or not legally required to have one.

Access to financing

You’ll need this number to apply for small business financing, such as loans and lines of credit. These usually offer higher maximums than personal loans; for example, a business owner can borrow up to $5 million with an SBA 7(a) loan, while most personal loan providers cap borrowing at $100,000.

Build business credit and separate finances

An EIN also helps you establish business credit, strengthens your company’s financial profile over time, and lets you open business bank accounts to separate personal and business assets. This makes filing business taxes less complicated and ensures you pay the right amount of income tax.

Protect your privacy

Lastly, an EIN number provides more privacy since you can use your EIN for important business documents instead of your SSN. That extra privacy can reduce the risk of identity theft.

What information is required to get an EIN?

When you apply for an EIN, you’ll need to provide the IRS with the following details:

Providing accurate information ensures your EIN application processes quickly.

How to apply for an EIN online

Applying for a free EIN number online is a straightforward process:

1. Check if you are eligible

You can apply for an EIN if your business is a sole proprietorship or a legal business entity. Applicants must have a valid SSN, a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), or an existing EIN.

2. Visit the online application page

The IRS has a straightforward application process. First, visit the IRS website to start your application.

3. Fill out the application

The IRS will want to know why you’re requesting an EIN and who handles the company’s taxes. You’ll also provide basic business and responsible party details, such as your legal name, entity type, and address.

A confirmation letter will come online or by mail. If you choose physical mail, it may take a few weeks to arrive, while online delivery provides instant confirmation.

Step 4: Review your EIN application

Take a minute to double-check your EIN application and make sure there aren’t any mistakes. Reviewing your information at this step can prevent delays or hassles later.

Step 5: Submit your application

Once you’re confident everything is correct, it’s time to submit your application. You’ll receive your EIN immediately when you apply online.

Additional ways to get an EIN number

While it’s easy and convenient to submit an online application, the IRS also allows businesses to apply by mail or fax. International applicants can apply by phone.

Mail

Complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the IRS. It can take up to 4 weeks to hear back about your EIN application. If you’re a domestic applicant, you can mail your EIN application to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

If you’re applying from outside of the U.S., send your mail application to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN International Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
USA

Telephone

If you’re an international applicant, you can apply for an EIN over the phone at 267-941-1099. The line is open weekdays from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern time.

Fax

You may receive your EIN via fax in as little as 4 business days. The number you fax your EIN application to depends on whether you are inside or outside of the U.S.:

• Domestic applicants (U.S. entities): 855-641-6935
• International applicants (outside the U.S.): 304-707-9471
• International applicants filing from inside the U.S.: 855-215-1627

You can submit a fax at any time. Make sure you provide a return fax number so the IRS can fax your EIN back to you.

Do you ever have to change your EIN?

There are a few scenarios where you might have to get a new EIN number for your business:

• Your business structure changes (i.e., you transition from an LLC to a corporation)
• You form a partnership or bring new partners into an existing partnership
• You acquire a business
• You're subject to a bankruptcy proceeding

You don't need to obtain a new EIN if you operate multiple businesses, change your business name, or relocate your company’s location.

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 U.S. 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.