How to Get an EIN for Your Business

Your step-by-step guide to getting your EIN quickly and hassle-free.

Update: Jun-21, 2025 | 7 mins Read

Written by Kenneth

Reviewed by Roy

What Is an EIN?
Why You Need an EIN
How Do I Get an EIN Number for My Business?
How to Apply for an EIN Number Online
How to Get an EIN If You’re Not in the U.S.
How to Get Your EIN Number If You Lost It
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

What Is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity. Often referred to as a Social Security number for your business, the EIN plays a crucial role in managing business finances and meeting legal obligations. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation, obtaining an EIN is often the first step in establishing your business identity with federal and state agencies. Having an EIN enables you to perform essential business functions such as filing tax returns, opening business bank accounts, applying for licenses, and hiring employees. It also enhances your business’s credibility and helps separate your personal and business finances, which is vital for financial organization and protection. Even if you don’t have employees yet, having an EIN is a smart move that can simplify many aspects of business operations and growth.

All about IRS Application Process

Why You Need an EIN

An EIN is essential for establishing and running a legitimate business in the United States. It’s required for filing federal and state taxes, opening a business bank account, applying for business licenses, and hiring employees. Beyond these legal and financial necessities, an EIN helps separate your personal identity from your business, which is crucial for protecting your personal assets and building business credit. Even if you’re a sole proprietor with no employees, having an EIN can streamline operations, boost your business’s credibility, and prepare you for future growth opportunities.

Open a business bank account
Hire employees and process payroll
File federal and state business taxes
Apply for business licenses and funding
Establish business credit

Even if you’re a sole proprietor, having an EIN helps separate your business and personal finances.

How Do I Get an EIN Number for My Business?

It’s simple and free. You can apply directly through the IRS. You’ll need your legal business name, structure, address, and responsible party information. Apply for an EIN here on the IRS website.

How to Apply for EIN Number Online

Applying for an EIN is a straightforward and free process that you can complete directly through the IRS website. To get started, you’ll need basic details such as your legal business name, business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation), physical address, and the information of the responsible party—usually the business owner. The application takes just a few minutes, and in most cases, you’ll receive your EIN immediately upon submission.

Visit the IRS EIN Application Page.
Click “Apply Online Now”.
Choose your business type (LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.).
Enter your business and responsible party information.
Review and submit your application.
Download your EIN confirmation letter.

Note: Online application is only available for businesses in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Once your EIN is secured, the next step is to start establishing credit. Follow this guide on how to build business credit to begin applying for vendor accounts and financing.

How to Get an EIN If You’re Not in the U.S.

Foreign businesses can apply using IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail. You don’t need a Social Security number to apply. When filling out Form SS-4, it’s important to clearly indicate that the applicant is a foreign entity with no legal residence or principal place of business in the U.S. You do not need a Social Security Number to obtain an EIN—just ensure that a responsible party is listed on the form. Once approved, the IRS will issue your EIN, allowing you to open U.S. bank accounts, comply with U.S. tax obligations, and do business legally within the country.

Download Form SS-4
Fill in business name, type, and country
Leave the SSN/ITIN field blank
Fax to +1-304-707-9471 or mail to IRS

It can take 3–4 weeks to receive your EIN via mail.

How to Get Your EIN Number If You Lost It

If you’ve lost or misplaced your EIN, don’t worry—it’s easy to retrieve it. Start by checking any official documents where your EIN may be recorded, such as your tax returns, business bank account paperwork, or the original confirmation letter from the IRS (Form CP 575). If you applied for licenses or permits, the number may also appear on those records. If you’ve lost your EIN, try these:

Check your confirmation letter from the IRS
Look on past tax returns or business licenses
Call your bank if you used the EIN to open an account
Call IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an EIN number if I’m self-employed?

Self-employed individuals can apply online at the IRS website. It takes under 10 minutes.

Is there a fee to get an EIN?

No, the IRS offers EINs for free. Avoid third-party services charging fees.

Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN?

Sole proprietors may use their SSN, but an EIN is more secure and helps separate personal and business finances.

Do I need an EIN if I have no employees?

Yes. EINs are required for other purposes like business banking and tax filings, not just for hiring employees.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get an EIN is essential to starting and growing your business. It lays the foundation for taxes, credit, hiring, and more. Once you’ve secured your EIN, take the next step: Learn how to build business credit to grow your funding potential.