Get an employer identification number

Use this tool to get an EIN directly from the IRS in minutes for free. Answer questions, and submit the application. If it’s approved, we’ll issue your EIN immediately online.

Beware of websites that charge for an EIN. You never have to pay a fee for an EIN.

How it works

Complete the application in one session. You can't save it for later.
It expires after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you’ll need to start over.
Print your EIN confirmation letter for your records.

Who can use this tool

Use this if:

Your principal place of business is in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
You're the responsible party in control of the entity or its authorized representative.
You have the responsible party’s Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN).

You can't use this:

If your principal place of business is outside the U.S. Apply by phone, fax or mail.
To apply with an EIN. Only government entities may apply with an EIN.

What you need

Your business entity type.
The Social Security number or taxpayer ID number of the responsible party in control of your business or organization.
If you’re a third-party designee, you must have signed authorization to apply.

Get an EIN

Get your EIN straight from the IRS in minutes.

Apply for an EIN

Availability

This tool is available Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.

Daily limit

You can apply for only 1 EIN per responsible party per day.

When to get an EIN

If you are forming a legal entity (LLC, partnership, corporation or tax exempt organization), form your entity through your state before you apply for an EIN. If you don’t form your entity with your state first, your EIN application may be delayed.

Businesses, organizations and some retirement trusts need an EIN to manage their taxes. Generally you need an EIN to:

Hire employees
Operate a partnership or corporation
Pay sales and excise taxes
Change business structures or ownership
Administer certain trusts, retirement plans and estates

Once you get an EIN, you must file required tax returns or information returns.

If you have an existing EIN, see when to get a new EIN.

Other ways to apply

If you can't apply online, find out how to apply by phone, fax or mail.

Report beneficial owners to FinCEN when required

You may be required to report certain information on your beneficial owners to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Certain types of corporations, limited liability companies, and other similar entities created in or registered to do business in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners—the persons who ultimately own or control the company—to FinCEN beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

If you are a company required to report, the initial beneficial ownership information reporting is based on the date your company receives actual notice that its creation or registration is effective, or after a secretary of state or similar office first provides public notice of its creation or registration, whichever is earlier.

Questions such as will my company be required to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN, who is a beneficial owner, and when do I need to report my company's beneficial ownership information are found on FinCEN's website.