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Process Guide

EIN Online Application

Step-by-step guide to the IRS EIN Assistant online application. Get your EIN instantly if you have an SSN or ITIN.

The IRS EIN Assistant at irs.gov lets US residents with an SSN or ITIN apply for an EIN online and receive it instantly. The application takes 10-15 minutes and is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Non-US residents without an SSN cannot use this tool and must apply by fax or phone instead.

Step by Step

IRS EIN Assistant: Step-by-Step Guide

1

Go to irs.gov

Navigate to the IRS EIN Assistant page. The direct URL is available on the IRS Small Business page. Do not use third-party websites that mimic the IRS interface.
2

Select Entity Type

Choose your business structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S-corporation, LLC, trust, estate, or other. This determines which IRS forms you will file.
3

Enter Responsible Party

Provide the name and SSN/ITIN of the responsible party. This must be an individual (not a business). For LLCs, this is typically the managing member. See responsible party on EIN.
4

Enter Business Details

Provide: legal name, trade name (DBA), business address, county, state, reason for applying, date started, closing month of accounting year, number of employees expected, and principal activity.
5

Review and Submit

Review all information for accuracy. Submit the application. Your EIN is issued immediately.
6

Save Your EIN

Download and save the EIN confirmation notice (CP 575). Print a copy for your records. You will need this for opening a bank account and filing taxes.

Requirements

| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | SSN or ITIN | Required — no exceptions | | Browser | Modern browser with JavaScript enabled | | Availability | Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM ET | | Cost | $0 (free) | | Processing | Instant | | Result | EIN + CP 575 confirmation |

Limitations

Who Cannot Use the Online Application

The IRS EIN Assistant has strict limitations:

  1. No SSN or ITIN — Non-residents without a US tax ID cannot use this tool
  2. Weekend/evening hours — The system is offline outside Mon-Fri 7am-10pm ET
  3. One per session — You can only apply for one EIN per responsible party per day
  4. US entities only — The entity must be located in the US or its territories
  5. Individual responsible party — The responsible party must be an individual with an SSN/ITIN, not another business

Alternatives for Non-Residents

If you cannot use the online application, you have three options:

| Method | Speed | Cost | |--------|-------|------| | Fax Form SS-4 | 4-7 business days | Free (DIY) or $49 (ein.so) | | Phone 267-941-1099 | Same day | Free (+ international calling) | | Mail Form SS-4 | 4-6 weeks | Free |

Most non-residents use ein.so because we handle the Form SS-4 correctly and fax it to the IRS on your behalf. Apply for $49.

Summary

Summary

  • URL: irs.gov EIN Assistant
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM ET
  • Cost: $0 (free)
  • Speed: Instant
  • Requires: SSN or ITIN
  • Non-residents: Cannot use — apply by fax or through ein.so

For the full overview of all application methods, see how to get an EIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an EIN online?

Yes, if you have a valid SSN or ITIN. The IRS EIN Assistant at irs.gov issues EINs instantly. It is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. The entire process takes 10-15 minutes.

Can non-residents apply for an EIN online?

No. The IRS EIN Assistant requires a valid SSN or ITIN to verify your identity. Non-residents without either must apply by fax (Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627) or by phone (267-941-1099). ein.so handles the fax process for $49.

How long does the online EIN application take?

The online EIN application takes 10-15 minutes. Your EIN is issued immediately upon completion. You can download and print your EIN confirmation (CP 575 notice) right away.

Is the online EIN application free?

Yes. The IRS EIN Assistant is completely free. There is no fee for online EIN applications. The only cost would be if you use a third-party service because you cannot access the online tool.

What information do I need for the online application?

You need: your SSN or ITIN, legal name of the entity, entity type (LLC, corporation, etc.), reason for applying, date business started, number of employees expected, principal business activity, and mailing address.

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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