Get an EIN (Tax ID): When You Need One and How to Apply

What Is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It's also called a Tax ID Number, Federal Tax ID, or FEIN.

Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business. While individuals use SSNs, businesses use EINs to identify themselves to the IRS, banks, and other entities.

When You Need an EIN

Even single-member LLCs should get an EIN. It's free, takes minutes, and protects your SSN from being shared with banks, clients, and vendors.

Your LLC legally needs an EIN if you:

• Have employees or plan to hire
• Have multiple members (multi-member LLC)
• Choose to be taxed as a corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp election)
• Need to open a US business bank account (most banks require it)

Getting an EIN Without an SSN

International founders without a Social Security Number cannot use the IRS online application, so the process requires faxing or mailing Form SS-4. But don't worry, our LLC formation package handles this entirely for you. We will acquire your EIN directly from the IRS rapidly on your behalf, so you don't need to deal with the paperwork or long wait times.

Using Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, you can use it for opening your business bank accounts, filing zero-tax informational returns (Forms 1120/5472) for non-residents, and connecting to global payment processors like Stripe and PayPal.