You've finally filed those Articles of Organization. Your LLC is officially a "thing" in the eyes of your state. But now you're staring at a bank application or a contractor agreement that’s asking for your Employer Identification Number. You might be wondering, how do I get a EIN number for my LLC without getting scammed or waiting six weeks for a letter?
Honestly, the process is way simpler than the government makes it look, but there are a few traps that trip people up every single day.
The Absolute First Step (Don't Skip This)
I’ve seen a lot of founders rush to the IRS website the second they pick a business name. Bad idea.
You need to wait until your state actually approves your LLC. If you get an EIN for "Golden Gate Tacos LLC" and then the Secretary of State rejects that name because someone else has it, you’ve just created a tax ID for a company that doesn't exist. It’s a mess to undo.
Wait for that stamped approval. Once you have it, you're ready.
How to Get a EIN Number for My LLC Online
The online application is the gold standard. It’s open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you try to do this on a Sunday morning, the site will literally just be "closed." It’s bizarre for a website, but that's the IRS for you.
What You'll Need Handy
Before you click start, grab these things. The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and it won't save your progress.
- Your LLC’s Legal Name: Exactly as it appears on your state filing.
- A "Responsible Party": This is usually you. You need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- The Address: Where the business actually lives.
- The Number of Members: Is it just you (single-member) or do you have partners (multi-member)?
Basically, you’ll head to the official IRS.gov portal. Be careful here. There are dozens of "lookalike" sites that look official but will charge you $200 for something that is 100% free. If a site asks for a credit card, close the tab immediately.
Why the "Responsible Party" Part is Tricky
The IRS is very picky about who counts as a responsible party. In 2026, they are even more focused on "beneficial ownership" transparency.
The responsible party must be a person—a human being—not another business entity. If you try to list another LLC as the responsible party on the online form, it will kick the application back. You need to name the individual who actually controls the funds and assets.
The Paper Route: Mail and Fax
If you don't have an SSN or an ITIN—maybe you're an international founder setting up a U.S. LLC—you can't use the online tool. You have to go old school with Form SS-4.
You can fax this form to the IRS at (855) 641-6935 if you’re in the U.S. Usually, they’ll fax a confirmation back within about four business days. If you mail it? Pack your patience. You’re looking at four to five weeks.
Common Blunders to Avoid
Most people think an EIN is just for hiring employees. Nope. Even if you're a "solopreneur" working from your couch, you’ll likely need one to open a business bank account. Keeping your personal and business money separate is the only way to keep your "limited liability" protection. If you mix the two, a lawyer could "pierce the corporate veil" and go after your personal car or house.
Another weird thing? The "Reason for Applying" section. If you're a new LLC, just check "Started a new business." Don't overthink it.
Does it Cost Anything?
No. Never. The IRS provides EINs for free. If you see a charge, you're on a third-party site. Those sites aren't necessarily "illegal," they're just charging you for data entry that you could do yourself in ten minutes.
📖 Related: The No Tax on Social Security for Seniors Reality Check: Why Most People Still Pay
What Happens After You Get the Number?
Once the screen pops up with your nine-digit number, print it as a PDF immediately.
The IRS will mail you an official CP 575 notice a few weeks later, but you need that digital copy now. You’ll use it for:
- Opening that business checking account.
- Applying for local business licenses.
- Filling out W-9 forms for clients.
- Setting up a Stripe or Square account.
Actionable Next Steps
To get this done right now, follow this sequence:
- Confirm your LLC is active on your Secretary of State’s website.
- Gather your SSN and business address.
- Navigate to the official IRS EIN Assistant during business hours (7 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET).
- Complete the 10-minute form and save the confirmation PDF to a secure cloud folder.
- Do not lose that PDF. Replacing it involves a long phone call to the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line, and nobody wants that.
By handling this yourself, you’ve saved a couple hundred bucks and ensured the IRS has the right data from day one.