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IRS EIN Application Online 2026 – Applying for an IRS EIN online is the fastest, easiest, and completely free way to obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Whether you’re launching a new business, forming an LLC, hiring your first employees, or opening a business bank account, the official IRS online EIN application delivers your 9-digit tax ID instantly upon approval—no fees, no waiting weeks.
As of February 2026, the IRS continues to recommend the online tool for U.S.-based applicants. This guide uses the most current official IRS information (pages last reviewed January 12, 2026 and Instructions for Form SS-4 revised December 2025) to walk you through every detail.
What is an EIN and Why Do You Need One?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called a Federal Tax ID, is a unique 9-digit number (format: XX-XXXXXXX) assigned by the IRS to businesses, estates, trusts, and other entities. It functions like a Social Security number for your business.
You need an EIN if you:
- Hire employees (even one)
- Operate as a partnership, corporation, LLC (multi-member), or certain single-member LLCs
- File employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
- Open a business bank account or apply for business credit
- Administer a trust, estate, or retirement plan
- Change your business structure or ownership
Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN, but most experts recommend getting an EIN anyway for privacy and professionalism.
Who Is Eligible for the IRS EIN Online Application?
You can use the free IRS online EIN tool if:
- Your principal place of business, legal residence, or principal office is in the United States or U.S. territories
- You (or the responsible party) have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- You are the responsible party (person who controls the entity and its assets) or an authorized representative with proper documentation
Not eligible for online application:
- Entities with principal place of business outside the U.S. or territories
- International applicants without a U.S. presence
Required Information for Your IRS EIN Online Application
Gather these details before starting (you must complete the entire application in one session):
- Legal name of the entity (exactly as on formation documents)
- Trade name/DBA (if different)
- Responsible party’s full name and SSN or ITIN (this is the person who ultimately controls the entity)
- Physical and mailing address of the business
- County and state where the principal business is located
- Type of entity (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, etc.)
- Reason for applying (e.g., “Started a new business,” “Hired employees,” “Banking purpose”)
- Principal activity and detailed description of your business (e.g., “Residential construction – general contractor”)
- Expected number of employees in the next 12 months
- Date business started or acquired
- For LLCs: Number of members and state of formation
Important: Form your legal entity with your state first before applying for most LLCs, corporations, and partnerships to avoid delays.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an IRS EIN Online (2026)?
- Visit the Official IRS Page
Go directly to the IRS EIN application page: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number or simply search “IRS EIN” on IRS.gov. Never use third-party sites that charge fees. - Click “Apply Online Now”
Review the brief guidelines and click to begin the application. - Answer the Guided Questions
The interactive tool walks you through questions equivalent to Form SS-4. Select your entity type, enter responsible party details, business address, reason for applying, and principal activity. - Review and Submit
Double-check all information. Submit the application. - Receive Your EIN Immediately
If approved (most applications are), your EIN appears on screen instantly. Print or save the confirmation letter (CP 575 equivalent) right away—it will not be available later.
Pro Tip: Have the information ready—the system times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you’ll have to start over.
IRS Online EIN Application Availability Hours (Eastern Time, 2026)
- Monday–Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. (next day)
- Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
Only one EIN per responsible party per day is allowed across all methods.
What Happens After You Get Your EIN?
- Use the EIN on all federal tax forms, W-2s, 1099s, and banking applications.
- Print and store the confirmation letter safely.
- Update your business records and inform your bank, accountant, and state agencies.
- Report changes (name, address, responsible party) using Form 8822-B within 60 days.
- If you need to hire employees, register for state taxes and unemployment insurance.
Alternatives If You Can’t Apply Online
- Fax: Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935 (4 business days if you include a fax number).
- Mail: Form SS-4 to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 (4–5 weeks).
- Phone (international only): Call 267-941-1099 (Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET).
Download Form SS-4 and instructions at irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying before forming your LLC or corporation with the state.
- Using a nominee instead of the true responsible party.
- Paying third-party services that charge $50–$300 (the IRS application is always free).
- Trying to save and resume the online form—it’s one session only.
- Submitting multiple applications in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the IRS EIN application really free?
Yes. The IRS never charges for an EIN. Beware of scam sites.
How long does it take?
Instant for approved online applications.
Can I apply for an EIN without an SSN?
Generally no for online (ITIN is accepted). International applicants use fax/mail/phone.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name or address?
No. Only for major ownership or structure changes.
Can I apply for multiple EINs?
One per responsible party per day.
Final Thoughts: Get Your EIN Today
The IRS EIN application online process has never been simpler or faster. In under 15 minutes, you can have your official federal tax ID and move forward with banking, hiring, and growing your business—completely free and 100% legitimate.
Start now at the official IRS page:
Apply for an EIN Online – IRS.gov
For the most current details, always refer directly to IRS.gov. Information is based on official IRS resources updated in January 2026.
Ready to launch? Apply today and take the first official step toward business success.