Apply for EIN: A Complete IRS EIN Application Guide for 2026

Starting a business involves more than just a good idea and a name. You’ve got to handle all the legal and money stuff right to avoid getting penalized. Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of the first and most important things a new business owner will do to hire people, open a business bank account, and file some tax returns.

The IRS assigns you an EIN, which serves as your official tax ID to help the government keep track of tax returns. Like a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals, an EIN is essential to operate a business efficiently, whether you’re establishing a corporation, LLC, or partnership.

Even though registering for an EIN is not tough, many business owners don’t know when they need one, what information they need to provide, or how to fill out the application correctly. If you know these things, you’ll save time, avoid mistakes, and get your business set up faster. This blog will provide you with all the information you require to apply for an EIN, including a step-by-step breakdown of the IRS application procedure.

What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and Who Needs One?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number given by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It functions like a Social Security Number (SSN). An EIN is required for many types of businesses, including corporations (C-Corps and S-Corps), partnerships, limited liability companies (multi-member or single LLCs), nonprofit organizations, certain government agencies, trusts, and estates. Sole proprietors with or without employees may require an EIN if they operate under a business name, establish business credit, open a business bank account, and protect their SSN from being used on W-9 forms and other documents. An EIN is required to file employment tax returns (Form 941, 940, and more), file excise tax returns, withhold taxes on income paid to non-residents, purchase or inherit an existing business, and to change their business structure.

Benefits of Getting an EIN

The IRS uses an EIN to keep track of tax filings, payroll reports, and other financial activities associated with a business entity. Also, an EIN helps to protect your personal information and lessens the use of your personal Social Security Number when opening a business bank account. Keeping your business and personal money separate makes accounting easier and protects your business from expensive mistakes.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• Should have a valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) (mandatory to apply for the online IRS EIN application).
• The business must be legally formed and located in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
• The individual who controls most of the business, makes financial decisions, and manages funds should be the applicant.

Additional Information

• Must apply for an EIN if your business has employees, operates as a corporation or partnership, files employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns, maintains certain retirement plans, and withholds taxes on income paid to non-residents.
• Typically, a business needs only one EIN. You should not apply multiple times unless there are changes in business structure, significant changes in ownership, or the formation of a new entity.

Note: Non-residents of the U.S. and foreign-owned businesses need to fill out Form SS-4 additionally with the application and send a fax or mail to the IRS.

Requirements

Before filing an EIN application, collect the following information:

• Valid SSN or TIN of the responsible party’s name
• Legal business name and address with county and state of operation
• Trade name (if applicable)
• Date business started or was acquired.
• Type of entity
• Reason for applying
• Number of expected employees and principal business activity

Step-by-Step Procedure for Applying for an EIN

An EIN can be applied in three ways.

• Apply online and get an EIN now, free and direct from the
• Fax Form SS-4, application for EIN, to 855-641-6935, and the IRS will fax you the cover sheet with the EIN back in 4 business days.
• Mail or post an application to the IRS; get your EIN in about 4 weeks.

If you meet the previously mentioned eligibility criteria and have gathered the required information, these are the steps to file online.

• Navigate to the IRS official website or use an IRS-authorized platform like Tax2efile, then log in and select “Apply for an EIN Online.”
• Review the guidelines on the information page and click “Begin Application.”
• Choose your legal business structure or entity type (sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC).
• The steps vary depending on the type of business. For example, when applying as an LLC, you need to specify the number of members and the physical location of the business. For a single proprietor, you must include additional details, such as the reason for applying. Also specify that you are the business owner or a third-party designee.
• Fill in the legal name, trade name (if you have one), and where the business is located (include county and state) for tax purposes.
• Determine the core function you specialize in and give a short description of your services or products.
• Always save a digital and printed copy by downloading the EIN confirmation notice (CP 575) or save the confirmation letter for banking and tax purposes.
• Review all the details carefully and submit.
• If all the details are correct, your EIN will be issued instantly on the screen.

Securing an Employer Identification Number is more than just completing a form—it’s a foundational step in building a compliant, credible, and growth-ready business. Hopefully, after reading this blog, you understand who needs an EIN, what information is required, and how the IRS EIN application process works. To eliminate delays, get instant confirmation, and avoid costly mistakes, choose an IRS-authorized platform like tax2efile to simplify the process and set up your business to move forward for smoother operations and long-term success.