Form SS-4: Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Yes, completely free. The IRS never charges for an EIN. Avoid third-party websites charging $50-300 to "help" you get one — they're unnecessary. Apply directly at IRS.gov/EIN (online, instant) or use our free Form SS-4 fillable PDF tool to prepare your application for fax or mail submission.

Online at IRS.gov/EIN: instant (5 minutes). Fax Form SS-4: 4 business days. Phone (international applicants only, 267-941-1099): instant during the call. Mail Form SS-4 to Cincinnati: 4-5 weeks. For U.S. business owners with an SSN or ITIN, the online tool is the fastest method.

Not technically required if you have no employees and no excise tax liability. However, nearly all banks require an EIN to open a business bank account for an LLC. Getting one also protects your SSN, helps establish business credit, and prepares you for future hiring. It's free and takes 5 minutes — there's no reason not to get one.

An EIN is permanent and never expires. Once issued, it's yours forever — even if you close your business. If you reopen the same business later (same structure and owner), you can reuse your old EIN. You never need to "renew" an EIN.

Yes, but with limited hours. The IRS online tool is available Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Sunday 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. ET. You can also fax Form SS-4 anytime (24/7), though the IRS processes faxes during business days only.

Minor errors (address typo, wrong business description): file Form 8822-B to correct your records. Major errors (wrong entity type, wrong legal name): call the IRS at 800-829-4933 immediately — you may need a new EIN. Once an EIN is assigned, you cannot change the legal name or entity type online.

Sole proprietors: no — you can operate multiple businesses under different trade names with one EIN. However, each separate legal entity (LLC, corporation, partnership) must have its own EIN. Divisions or branches of the same corporation use the parent company's EIN.

Yes. International applicants must use Form SS-4 (the online tool requires a U.S. location). Fax to 855-215-1627 (U.S. callers) or 304-707-9471 (international callers) for approximately 4-business-day processing. Or call 267-941-1099 Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET for an EIN during the call. On line 7b, write "foreign" or "N/A" if you have no SSN or ITIN.

The CP 575 is the IRS notice mailed to confirm your EIN after it is assigned. It typically arrives 4–6 weeks after a fax or mail application; online applicants receive their EIN immediately on screen and the CP 575 follows by mail. The IRS will not issue a duplicate CP 575. If you have lost it, call 800-829-4933 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time) to request a Letter 147C, which is the official EIN verification replacement and is accepted everywhere a CP 575 is accepted. There is no fee for a 147C letter.

Check these sources in order: (1) your original CP 575 notice or a previously filed tax return (Form 1040 Schedule C, 1065, 1120, 941, etc.); (2) business bank account paperwork — most banks record your EIN at account opening; (3) W-2 or 1099 forms you have issued; (4) call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, where a representative can verify your identity and provide your EIN or mail you a Letter 147C.

Yes, in most states. Your federal EIN from the IRS is for federal tax purposes only. Most states require a separate registration for state income tax withholding, state unemployment insurance, and sales tax. You typically apply for state tax accounts through your state's department of revenue or taxation after you have your federal EIN. Requirements vary significantly by state — confirm current requirements on your state's official government website.

An estate of a deceased person needs its own EIN (separate from the decedent's SSN) to open estate bank accounts and file Form 1041. Most non-grantor trusts also need an EIN once they become irrevocable. Form 1041 is generally due on the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of the entity's tax year — April 15 for calendar-year estates. Because executors and trustees often need the EIN immediately to access estate assets, applying by fax (approximately 4 business days) or by phone (instant, for international fiduciaries) is faster than mail. Verify filing deadlines with a qualified tax professional, as extensions and fiscal-year elections can change the due date.

An EIN cannot be cancelled — it is permanently associated with your entity in IRS records. However, you can request that the IRS close your business account (stop expecting returns) by writing to the IRS with your legal name, EIN, business address, and the reason for closure. Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Include a copy of your CP 575 or EIN assignment letter if available. All outstanding tax returns must be filed and taxes paid before requesting closure. If you later reopen the same business, you can reactivate and reuse the original EIN.

There are two sets of fax numbers depending on where your business is located. For applicants with a U.S. principal place of business: fax to 855-641-6935. For applicants with a principal place of business outside the United States: use 855-215-1627 (if calling from the U.S.) or 304-707-9471 (if calling from outside the U.S.). Processing is approximately 4 business days; the IRS will fax a cover sheet with your EIN back to the fax number you provide. These numbers are from IRS.gov and were current as of the December 2025 form revision — verify on the official IRS website before submitting.