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Federal tax ID, included with every order
How to get an EIN for your LLC
The IRS issues EINs for free, and you can apply yourself at IRS.gov. Here is what an EIN is, who needs one, and how we handle it for you, together with your state filing.
What an EIN is
An Employer Identification Number is a nine digit federal tax ID that the IRS assigns to a business. It works like a Social Security number for your LLC: banks ask for it to open a business account, payroll runs on it, and your business tax filings carry it. It is issued by the IRS, and the IRS does not charge for it.
Who needs one
- Any LLC with employees.
- Any LLC with more than one member (the IRS treats it as a partnership and requires an EIN).
- Any LLC that elects to be taxed as an S corporation or C corporation.
- A single member LLC that wants a business bank account, since nearly every bank asks for an EIN rather than your personal Social Security number.
- An LLC that files excise, alcohol, tobacco or firearms returns.
A single member LLC with no employees can technically use the owner's Social Security number for federal taxes, but in practice almost every owner gets an EIN so the business account and paperwork are not tied to a personal number.
When we apply
We apply for your EIN together with your state filing, so there is no separate step to wait for. The IRS application asks for the LLC's legal name and the state it is formed in, and the name has to match the state's records, so we use the exact name you file with the state.
The responsible party
The IRS requires one individual, called the responsible party, who controls the LLC. That person's Social Security number or ITIN goes on the application. An EIN cannot be the responsible party's ID. Owners without a Social Security number or ITIN can still get an EIN by applying to the IRS by fax or mail instead of online; it takes longer.
How to get it yourself
You can apply directly at IRS.gov. The online application is free, is available Monday to Friday during IRS hours, and gives you the number immediately when it goes through. Our step by step guide walks through every screen.
Or let us do it. Every HourLLC order includes EIN preparation: we prepare and submit the application together with your state filing and send you the IRS confirmation letter with your other documents. There is no extra charge, and we never charge for the EIN itself, because the IRS does not either.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS issues EINs at no charge. Anyone who charges for the EIN itself is charging for the paperwork, not the number. With HourLLC the preparation is included in the $99 service fee.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
The IRS online application gives you the number immediately if it goes through. We submit yours together with your state filing and send the confirmation letter with your documents. Applications by fax or mail, for owners without a Social Security number, take the IRS days to weeks.
Do I need an EIN for a single member LLC?
Not always for taxes, but almost always in practice: banks want one to open a business account, and you need one the moment you hire anyone or elect S corporation status.
Can I use my Social Security number instead of an EIN?
A single member LLC with no employees can, for federal tax purposes. Most owners still get an EIN so their personal number stays off business paperwork.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC's name?
Usually not. A name change is reported to the IRS, and the EIN stays the same. A new EIN is generally needed only when the business structure changes, for example from a sole proprietorship to an LLC with a new owner structure. Ask an accountant for your situation.