How To Get An EIN Number Fast

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit taxpayer ID issued by the IRS that is unique to your business. Even if your business never intends to have employees, it still needs an EIN. The most common reasons a business owner chooses to obtain an EIN is to open a business bank account, hire employees, establish credit, separate business and personal finances, or need to file tax documents. Find out how to get your EIN below.

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax ID Number, is the unique identifying number assigned to a business by the IRS. The EIN number functions like a Social Security Number (SSN) assigned to individuals. The EIN number is crucial for identifying your business with the IRS and is used in various business activities, including banking, payments, and tax filing.

How to Apply for an EIN for Your New LLC or Corporation

Once you’ve formed a new LLC or corporation, your next step is to apply for an EIN. You can order EIN service during or after your business formation with IncNow® or apply directly with the IRS. 

The EIN application process involves providing some personal information, however, this is solely for assigning the EIN and does not link personal details to your business.

How Long Does It Take to Get An EIN?

The amount of time that it takes to obtain an EIN number from the IRS depends on how you submit the application:

• Online; Same Business Day: You will receive an EIN number immediately when applying online.

• By Fax; 2 – 5 Weeks: Obtaining an EIN number can take several weeks if you need to fax the Form SS-4 Application to the IRS. 
• By Mail; 4-5 Weeks: The IRS takes approximately 4 weeks to process Form SS-4 Applications that are received by mail. 

In order to submit the EIN application online, the responsible party for the business must have a U.S. Social Security Number. If the responsible party does not have an SSN, then the EIN application will need to be submitted to the IRS by fax. 

What’s the Difference Between an EIN and a Tax ID Number?

An EIN specifically refers to the “Employer Identification Number,” which is the unique identifier for businesses with the IRS. A Tax ID Number is a more general term that can refer to any tax identification number, including Social Security Numbers and ITINs (Individual Tax Identification Numbers) for individuals.

How And Where To Apply For An EIN

Applying for an EIN is a simple process that can be done through a Registered Agent, like IncNow, or directly with the IRS. Keep in mind that you, as the responsible party, need to have a U.S. Social Security Number in order to expedite the process when obtaining an EIN online.

If the responsible party does not have a Social Security Number, an EIN may not be obtained online, but it may be obtained by faxing the completed Form SS4 to the IRS with a copy of your passport and the stamped filed copy of your Certificate of Formation. This process may take the IRS 4 to 6 weeks to issue the EIN, but it remains the fastest available alternative for many Delaware LLC owners who are not citizens or green-card holders.

IncNow can assist with the application process as a third party designee.

How Long Does the EIN Application Process Take?

It is possible to obtain your Federal Tax ID Number instantly on the IRS website. However, many novice entrepreneurs are intimidated by the process and the complicated questions. IncNow offers a service to obtain your EIN by completing the IRS Form SS5 as your third-party designee. This EIN service typically only takes one business day. For non-citizens applying for an EIN for a US business, the IRS may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to issue the EIN.

Where To Find Your EIN If You’ve Lost It

If you need to find your EIN, there are several methods you can try. You can check with your business bank, review past tax returns, contact your registered agent, or call the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line for assistance.

Can A Single EIN Cover Multiple Businesses?

Every business should have its own Employer Identification Number (EIN). 

A Series LLC might use one EIN for its master LLC, however, different EINs are recommended for each protected series within the LLC.

How Many Numbers Is An EIN?

EIN numbers are nine digits and have the following format: two digits, a dash, followed by seven more digits (e.g., 12-3456789).

Can You Get An EIN Before Incorporating?

Yes, you can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) before forming your company. However, it is often not advised to do so. It is recommended that you wait for LLC or corporation to be formed before applying for an EIN number from the IRS. By doing this, you can ensure that your company name is approved and gets attached to the EIN. 

When Does A Business Need A New EIN?

Are you wondering if your business changes require a new EIN? Generally, changing your company’s name or location doesn’t require a new EIN if the business operation remains unchanged. However, the IRS specifies certain situations where getting a new EIN is essential, like forming a new corporation after a merger or if a single-member LLC elects S-Corporation tax status.

Do LLCs Need EIN Numbers?

An LLC should obtain an EIN number before beginning to conduct business. An EIN number is required to complete many necessary business functions, like paying payroll taxes, opening bank accounts and obtaining business licenses. 

Do Corporations Need EIN Numbers?

Yes, corporations need to have an EIN number in order to do business. An EIN number is required to pay federal taxes, open business bank accounts, run payroll and obtain business licenses. 

The owners of a corporation are not able to use their personal Social Security Numbers as the federal tax ID number for the company. The corporation must obtain its own EIN. 

What’s The Difference Between An EIN And ITIN?

An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)  is a type of federal tax ID number for individuals, while an Employer Identification Number  (EIN) is for businesses. 

ITIN’s are typically obtained by non-U.S residents who need to file taxes in the U.S. but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. 

EIN numbers are assigned to business entities, like LLCs and corporations. 

Can You Share An EIN?

No, businesses cannot share the same EIN number. EIN numbers are unique identifying numbers and can only be used by one business entity at a time. 

IncNow Can Help You Obtain an EIN

Obtaining your EIN can be quick and straightforward. You can order IncNow’s® EIN Application service by visiting our easy to use online order form.

You can also contact IncNow by phone or by email to order our EIN Application service

Call IncNow to order at 1-800-759-2248.

Email IncNow to order at agents@incnow.com.

For U.S. customers, IncNow can often secure your EIN the same day you form your business. 

For international customers, obtaining the EIN number can take between 2-5 weeks. Foreign individuals who do not have a U.S. Social Security Number cannot complete the EIN application online and must submit the application to the IRS by fax.