How to get an EIN for your business (free, from the IRS)
Edited by Moe Ameen · Published
Get an EIN free from the IRS. Applying online is fastest: when the IRS accepts the application, you get the number right away. The online application runs Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 6 p.m. to midnight, Eastern time. A faxed Form SS-4 takes about 4 business days, and mail takes about 4 weeks.
Key takeaways
- An EIN costs nothing. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for one.
- Online is fastest: an accepted application gets its EIN immediately.
- Applying online needs a US business location and the responsible party's SSN or ITIN.
- The IRS issues one EIN per responsible party per day.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS charges nothing for an EIN and warns people about websites that charge a fee to get one for them.
The IRS's own wording is blunt: you never have to pay a fee for an EIN [1]. Services that file it for you are charging for something the IRS gives away.
How do I apply for an EIN online?
Use the IRS online application during its open hours. When the IRS accepts it, the EIN is issued on the spot.
- Form your business first. If you're setting up an LLC or corporation, file with your state, so the legal name you enter matches. See LLC cost by state.
- Have the responsible party's SSN or ITIN ready. The online application asks for it [2].
- Apply during the open hours. Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day, Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m. to midnight, Eastern time [2].
- Save a copy of your EIN. Keep it with your formation papers. You'll need it for the bank account, taxes and business credit.
Who can apply for an EIN online?
The business has to be located in the US or a US territory, and you need the responsible party's Social Security number or ITIN.
Both conditions come from the IRS online application page [2]. If either doesn't fit, use Form SS-4 by fax or mail instead. The IRS also limits it to one EIN per responsible party per day [2].
How long does an EIN take by fax or mail?
A faxed Form SS-4 usually returns an EIN within 4 business days. A mailed one takes about 4 weeks.
What should I do after I get an EIN?
Open a business bank account, set up bookkeeping and get a D-U-N-S Number. The checklist below keeps track of each step.
Several lenders list a business checking account as a requirement, so the bank account is usually next. A D-U-N-S Number from Dun & Bradstreet is free and usually takes up to 30 business days [4].
Glisten tool
Where the EIN fits in your business setup
Glisten tool · Business setup checklist
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Is this right for you?
Best for
- New LLCs and corporations that need a federal tax ID.
- Owners about to open a business bank account or start building business credit.
Not ideal for
- Businesses without a US location, or without an owner who has an SSN or ITIN. Use Form SS-4 by fax or mail instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EIN the same day?
Yes, if you apply online during the open hours and the IRS accepts the application. The number is issued immediately [1].
Should I pay a website to get my EIN?
No. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN [1].
How many EINs can I get in one day?
One per responsible party per day [2].
Why won't the IRS EIN site open?
The online application only runs during set hours: weekdays 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 6 p.m. to midnight, Eastern time [2].
How long does a faxed SS-4 take?
Generally within 4 business days, according to the Form SS-4 instructions [3].
How we know this
We read the IRS's EIN pages and the Instructions for Form SS-4 on October 28, 2026. Every figure on this page comes from those pages, apart from the D-U-N-S timing, which is Dun & Bradstreet's.
- Get an employer identification number, IRS. Checked October 28, 2026.
- Apply for an EIN online, IRS. Checked October 28, 2026.
- Instructions for Form SS-4, IRS. Checked October 28, 2026.
- Get a D-U-N-S Number, Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.