EIN Application Online — Complete Guide
The EIN application can be completed online with instant issuance during IRS hours. Prefer a guided, accuracy-first filing? Start below and we’ll handle it end-to-end.
*IRS online EIN system: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern.
What You’ll Need
- Legal name & mailing address for the business/organization
- Entity type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Prop, Nonprofit, Trust, Estate, etc.)
- Responsible party’s legal name & SSN/ITIN
- Reason for applying (new business, hiring employees, banking, etc.)
- Start date & principal activity
Short answer: You can submit the EIN application online and receive your number immediately when approved during IRS operating hours. If you want a done-for-you process with zero guesswork, start with TaxIDFast and we’ll prepare and file it for you.
What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit federal tax ID used to identify your business or organization for banking, licenses, payroll, and tax filings.
Note: The IRS issues EINs at no cost. TaxIDFast is a private preparation & filing service.
EIN Application (Step-by-Step)
Who Needs an EIN?
- Businesses that hire employees
- Partnerships, Corporations, LLCs, Nonprofits
- Trusts, Estates, Retirement plans
- Anyone opening a business bank account or obtaining certain licenses
Requirements & Responsible Party
The EIN application must list a responsible party — the individual who owns or controls the entity and manages its assets. For most entities, this must be a person (not another company) and that person’s SSN or ITIN is required.
Limit: One EIN per responsible party per day
IRS Hours & Ways to Apply
- Online: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET (instant issuance when approved)
- Fax: Send Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935 (~4 business days with return fax)
- Mail: IRS, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 (~4 weeks)
- International by phone: 267-941-1099, Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET
Prefer Done-For-You?
Complete our secure intake and we’ll prepare and file your EIN request the right way, the first time.
Start ApplicationWe are not the IRS. We help prepare and submit your request to the IRS.
Common EIN Application Mistakes
- Applying before your LLC/corporation is legally formed with the state
- Listing the wrong responsible party or missing SSN/ITIN
- Timing submissions outside IRS online hours and expecting instant issuance
- Submitting multiple times (can trigger duplicates or mismatches)
- Using special characters in names/addresses that the IRS system doesn’t accept
Quick Scenarios
LLC (single or multi-member)
Use the owner as responsible party. If multi-member, any member with control can be listed.
Sole Proprietor
Use your legal name and SSN/ITIN as responsible party; you can still brand with a DBA.
Nonprofit/Church
Form the organization first (articles/bylaws), then apply. Choose the correct nonprofit type when prompted.
After Your EIN Is Issued: Next Steps
- Update IRS if your address or responsible party changes (Form 8822-B)
- Check whether your entity must report beneficial owners to FinCEN
- Set up payroll and tax deposits if you have/will have employees
- Save the confirmation letter — you’ll need it for banking and licenses
About the Author
Richard Lang, MBA — Finance Manager & EIN Filing Specialist
I’ve prepared and reviewed hundreds of business filings and finance workflows. At TaxIDFast, my focus is simple: a clean, complete EIN application with the right details the first time—so you can open accounts, hire, and move forward without delays.
Editorial policy: We fact-check all EIN guidance against official IRS sources and update this page regularly. If you spot an error, tell us and we’ll correct it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the EIN application take?
Online applications are issued immediately when approved during IRS hours. Faxed applications typically take about four business days; mailed applications about four weeks.
Is there a fee for the EIN application?
No. The IRS issues EINs at no cost. TaxIDFast charges a service fee for preparation and submission.
Can I apply without an SSN/ITIN?
International applicants without an SSN/ITIN can apply by phone with the IRS or by submitting Form SS-4 by fax or mail.
How many EINs can I obtain per day?
Only one EIN per responsible party per day, regardless of method (online, phone, fax, or mail).
Where can I get help?
Use our Contact page or review our How It Works guide. You can also consult the official IRS instructions for Form SS-4.
Helpful Links
Disclaimer: TaxIDFast is a private document preparation and filing service. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS. The IRS issues EINs at no cost; our fee is for preparation and submission assistance.