How to Get an EIN for a U.S. Small Business Without Paying a Middleman

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax identifier the IRS assigns to businesses, estates, trusts and other entities. You do not buy it from a third-party site — the IRS issues it directly at no fee through its official application. This guide maps when you need one, how the responsible-party rule works, and the application workflow that keeps your IRS record aligned with your state formation documents.

Do you actually need an EIN?

You likely need an EIN if you:

• Operate as a corporation, partnership, multi-member LLC or any entity that files a separate return
• Have employees and will handle payroll withholding
• Open a business bank account, apply for business credit, or file excise or alcohol/tobacco returns
• Create a Keogh plan or operate certain trusts/estates

A single-member LLC with no employees that is treated as a sole proprietorship for federal tax may be able to use the owner's SSN, but the bank, marketplace, or state may still require an EIN. Decide legal structure first, then apply — the EIN record should mirror the exact legal name on your formation documents.

The responsible-party rule most rejections stem from

The IRS requires one responsible party — the person who controls, manages or directs the entity and its disposition of funds. For most domestic entities this must be an individual with an SSN or ITIN; it cannot be another entity. If someone offers to be your responsible party for a fee, do not use them. Mismatches here cause CP 575 notices, duplicate filings, and bank-account holds.

Formation before EIN

1. Form the entity with the relevant Secretary of State or tribal authority where required (LLC, corporation, partnership). Obtain the stamped articles/certificate.
2. Confirm the exact legal name, spelling, punctuation and mailing address — the IRS record should match character-for-character.
3. Prepare responsible-party identification (SSN/ITIN) and a physical/mailing address that can receive IRS mail.
4. Draft ownership and operating records (operating agreement, bylaws, partnership agreement) so your later assertions about control are consistent.

The IRS application — use only the official channel

Apply only at irs.gov — Employer ID Numbers or the phone line listed on that page. The IRS online application is available Mon–Fri, 7am–10pm ET. Do not use a paid "EIN filing" site that charges $75–$300 for forwarding the same form.

Online (fastest for eligible domestic entities)

• Complete the interview-style application in one session — it times out and cannot be saved.
• Each responsible party is limited to one EIN per day under the current limit.
• On approval you receive the EIN immediately on screen and a CP 575 confirmation letter by mail within ~2 weeks. Save both.

Phone or mail for others

International or complex filers without an SSN may apply by phone or by mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS center listed on the instructions. Use the version of Form SS-4 posted on irs.gov for the current year.

After you receive the EIN

• Keep the CP 575 in a restricted, backed-up location. Banks, payment processors and SAM.gov will ask for it.
• Use the EIN consistently on returns, payroll, W-2s, 1099s, and financial accounts. Do not apply again if you already have one — call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line for a verification letter (147C) if you lost it.
• Update the IRS by letter if the responsible party, legal name, address or entity type changes. Some changes require a new EIN per IRS rules — read the "Do You Need a New EIN?" page before requesting one.
• Check state obligations separately: many states require a state tax account, sales-tax permit, or unemployment account even after the federal EIN is issued.

State and bank steps people forget

An EIN does not create a corporation, license your activity, or replace city/county permits, professional licensing, or sales-tax registration. After the federal number, open the correct state tax account (withholding, sales/use), register for unemployment insurance where you will have payroll, and give the bank the CP 575 plus the state formation certificate.

Scams and look-alikes

• Sites named "irs-ein-apply" or "government-ein-center" that charge a fee are not the IRS. The IRS application itself is free.
• Never email a copy of your CP 575 to an unverified recipient. Store it encrypted and share only through the bank or agency portal that requested it.
• The IRS will not text you an EIN or demand payment by gift card.

Primary source

IRS — Employer ID Numbers. Verify eligibility, responsible-party definition, online hours, and the correct Form SS-4 on the live page before applying; this guide is educational and not tax advice.

Frequently asked question

Q: Does an EIN make me tax-exempt? No. EIN, tax-exempt determination, S-corporation election, payroll registration and sales-tax treatment are separate filings with separate outcomes.