Cost Guide
EIN Application Fee
The IRS charges $0 for EIN applications. No government fee, filing fee, or processing fee exists. Learn what third-party services actually charge for.
No Fee
The IRS EIN Application Fee Is $0
The Internal Revenue Service does not charge any fee for EIN applications. This is stated clearly on the IRS website: "Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service."
This applies to all application methods:
| Method | Government Fee | Third-Party Fee | Total Cost (DIY) | |--------|---------------|-----------------|-----------------| | Online | $0 | N/A | $0 | | Fax | $0 | N/A | $0 | | Phone | $0 | N/A | $0 | | Mail | $0 | N/A | $0 |
What About Filing Fees?
There is no "filing fee" for an EIN. Some websites use confusing language like "IRS filing fee" or "government processing fee" to justify their charges. These fees do not exist. The IRS processes EIN applications at no cost to the applicant.
Service Fees
What Third-Party Services Charge
Third-party EIN services charge a service fee for labor — not for the EIN. This is an important distinction.
What the service fee covers:
- Form SS-4 completion (21 fields with IRS-specific requirements)
- Fax submission to IRS at 855-215-1627
- Follow-up with IRS if issues arise
- EIN delivery by email
- Customer support
What the service fee does NOT cover:
- The EIN itself (always free from IRS)
- Any government fee (none exists)
- Any IRS processing fee (none exists)
ein.so Pricing
| Plan | Price | Processing Time | What's Included | |------|-------|-----------------|-----------------| | Standard | $49 | 4-7 business days | SS-4 prep + fax + delivery | | Express | $97 | 2-3 business days | Priority handling + faster delivery |
Both plans include the same EIN from the same IRS. The difference is processing priority. Apply now.
Comparison
EIN Fees vs Other Business Fees
Understanding the difference between EIN fees (which don't exist) and other legitimate business fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Who Charges It | Required? | |----------|--------|----------------|-----------| | EIN Application | $0 | IRS | N/A (free) | | LLC Formation (Wyoming) | $100 | State of Wyoming | Yes | | LLC Formation (Delaware) | $90 | State of Delaware | Yes | | Registered Agent | $100-300/year | Private companies | Yes (for non-residents) | | BOI Filing | $0 | FinCEN | Required for most LLCs | | Form 5472 Filing | $0 (self) or $200+ (CPA) | IRS / CPA | Required for foreign-owned LLCs | | Business Bank Account | $0 | Banks | N/A (free at most banks) |
The EIN is one of the few business requirements that is genuinely free. Take advantage of it by applying directly through the IRS or using ein.so for $49 if you need filing assistance.
Learn more: How to get an EIN | Form SS-4 guide | EIN for non-residents
Summary
Summary
- Government EIN fee: $0 (none exists)
- IRS processing fee: $0
- ein.so service fee: $49 Standard / $97 Express
- What you pay for: Form preparation + filing labor
- What you do NOT pay for: The EIN itself
Get your EIN for $49 or apply for free at irs.gov (SSN required).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a government fee for an EIN?
No. The IRS does not charge any fee for EIN applications. The Employer Identification Number is free to obtain through all methods: online, fax, phone, and mail. There is no filing fee, processing fee, or application fee from the government.
Why do some websites show an EIN application fee?
Websites that show an EIN fee are charging for their service, not a government fee. They prepare Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS on your behalf. Legitimate services disclose that the IRS fee is $0 and their charge is a service fee.
How much does ein.so charge?
ein.so charges $49 for Standard EIN processing (4-7 business days) and $97 for Express processing. This covers Form SS-4 preparation, IRS fax submission, and EIN delivery by email. The EIN itself is free from the IRS.
Can I avoid all fees?
Yes. Apply directly through the IRS: online (requires SSN, instant), by fax (Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627, 4-7 days), by phone (267-941-1099, same day), or by mail (4-6 weeks). All IRS methods are free.
Do state EIN fees exist?
There is no such thing as a state EIN. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. States issue their own tax registration numbers through separate processes. State business registration fees vary by state but are unrelated to EIN fees.
Need an EIN? We Handle Everything.
Non-US resident? We file Form SS-4 with the IRS and deliver your EIN by email. Just $49.
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