How to Get EIN
EIN Guide — Apply for an Employer Identification Number
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your federal tax ID. The fastest and most accurate way to get one is the IRS online application.
⚡ Quick Start (Recommended)
- Confirm who your Responsible Party is (must be an individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity).
- Have the Responsible Party’s SSN/ITIN ready (required for online filing).
- Apply online during IRS hours: Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. ET (limit: one EIN per responsible party per day).
- Download your EIN Assignment Notice at the end and save it with your company records.
👤 Responsible Party — Know This
- Must be a natural person (an individual), not a business entity (government entities are the rare exception).
- Listed on Form SS-4, lines 7a/7b with name and SSN/ITIN (EIN allowed only for government applicants).
- If your responsible party or address later changes, file Form 8822-B within 60 days.
📮 When to Use Fax/Mail/Phone Instead
- No SSN/ITIN for the Responsible Party (e.g., foreign owner not eligible) → file by fax or mail using Form SS-4.
- Principal place of business outside the U.S./territories → you may call +1-267-941-1099 (intl line) or fax/mail SS-4.
- IRS online system unavailable → use fax/mail temporarily.
Fax & Mailing Details
- Domestic (50 states/DC) — Mail: IRS, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 • Fax: 855-641-6935
- International/Territories — Mail: IRS, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 • Fax (from U.S.): 855-215-1627 • Fax (outside U.S.): 304-707-9471
- Typical timelines: Fax ~ a few business days; Mail ~ several weeks
🧭 SS-4 Key Lines (if filing by fax/mail)
- Line 1: Legal name (exactly as formed)
- Line 2: Trade name/DBA (if any)
- Lines 4–5: Mailing & street address
- Line 7a/7b: Responsible Party (individual) + SSN/ITIN
- Line 8a–8c: LLC checkbox & number of members (LLCs)
- Line 9a: Federal tax classification (LLC ≠ classification; pick partnership/corp/S-corp if applicable)
- Line 10: Reason for applying (e.g., started a new business)
- Lines 13–17: Employees, filing frequency, industry activity
- Third-Party Designee: Optional; authority ends once EIN is issued
Keep a PDF of your completed SS-4 and the EIN Assignment Notice with your operating agreement and banking docs.
❓ EIN FAQs
How fast is the online EIN?
Instant. You receive the EIN at the end of the session and can download the assignment notice immediately (during IRS online hours).
What are the IRS online hours and daily limits?
Online hours are generally Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Eastern. Limit: one EIN per responsible party per day (applies to online, phone, fax, and mail).
Can my company be the responsible party?
No—except for government entities. The responsible party must be an individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity.
What if the owner has no SSN/ITIN?
Apply by fax or mail with Form SS-4. You may leave 7b blank or follow the SS-4 instructions for foreign applicants. International entities can also call +1-267-941-1099.
Do I need to update the IRS after formation?
Yes—file Form 8822-B within 60 days if your responsible party or address changes.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing a company as responsible party (almost always invalid).
- Choosing “LLC” on SS-4 as if it were a tax class (pick partnership/corporation/S-corp as appropriate).
- Using the wrong address for your EIN notice (use a reliable mailing address).
- Waiting until bank appointment day to apply (download the notice ahead of time).
🚀 After You Get Your EIN
- Open your business bank account — Mercury Business Checking
- Register with your state (withholding, sales tax) if hiring or selling taxable goods/services
- Set a reminder to file Form 8822-B within 60 days if the responsible party or address changes
- Organize records: EIN notice + formation docs + operating agreement
🛠️ Want help?
Ameen Systems can prep your SS-4, confirm tax classification choices, and guide banking & state registrations.