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What Is an EIN? How to Get One Free From the IRS

An EIN is your business's tax ID number. The IRS gives it out free, often in minutes online. See who needs one, how to apply, and how to find a lost one.

By AssistQuote Editorial Team

Published September 26, 2026 · Updated September 30, 2026 · 3 min read

Quick answer

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a 9-digit tax ID for your business, like a Social Security number for a company. You get it from the IRS, and it's always free. If you apply online and you're approved, you get it right away.

What is an EIN?

An EIN is a number the IRS uses to identify a business. It looks like this: 12-3456789. You'll use it to file business taxes, open a business bank account, hire workers, and apply for business licenses and loans.

Is an EIN the same as a tax ID?

Mostly, yes. "Tax ID number" (TIN) is the big umbrella. It includes:

  • EIN: for businesses and other organizations
  • SSN: your Social Security number, for people
  • ITIN: for people who can't get an SSN

So an EIN is one kind of tax ID. When a form asks for your business's "federal tax ID," it means your EIN.

Do I need an EIN?

You need one if your business:

  • Has employees
  • Is a corporation or a partnership
  • Files employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms tax returns
  • Has a Keogh retirement plan

Trusts and nonprofits need one too.

What about an LLC or sole proprietorship?

Many single-member LLCs and sole proprietors with no employees don't have to get one. But banks often ask for one, and it keeps you from giving out your Social Security number to clients. If you plan to hire, you'll need one. Starting a business? See how to start an LLC.

How to get an EIN (free)

  1. Go to IRS.gov and search "apply for EIN." Make sure the web address ends in .gov.
  2. Have your info ready: your business name, address, business type, and the responsible person's Social Security number or ITIN.
  3. Apply online during open hours. The IRS online tool is open Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight.
  4. Finish in one sitting. You can't save and come back later.
  5. Save your confirmation. If approved, you get your EIN right away. Download and save the confirmation letter.

Can't apply online? You can fax or mail Form SS-4. Fax takes about 4 business days, and mail takes about 4 weeks.

How much does an EIN cost?

Nothing. The IRS says you never have to pay for an EIN. Some websites charge a fee to "file" for you. They're filling out the same free form you can fill out yourself.

What to do after you get your EIN

  • Open a business bank account.
  • Give it to your payroll service if you hire. See payroll services.
  • Use it on business licenses, loan applications, and insurance. See small business insurance costs.
  • Store the IRS confirmation letter somewhere safe.

How to find a lost EIN

  • Check your IRS confirmation notice (CP 575) from when you applied.
  • Look at old tax returns, bank records, or business license paperwork.
  • Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. They'll check your identity and can give you the number.

Good to know

  • One per day. The IRS lets each responsible person get only one EIN per day.
  • Your business must be U.S.-based to apply online.
  • Keep it safe. Treat your EIN like a Social Security number. Share it only when needed.

The catch: search results are full of sites that look official but charge a fee. Only apply at IRS.gov. If a site asks for payment, you're in the wrong place.

Related pages

Run your business: Business formation · Registered agent · Payroll services · Merchant processing · POS systems · Business phone · Business internet · How to start an LLC · Business license · DBA (doing business as) · All business services

Questions people ask

A 9-digit tax ID the IRS gives to businesses. It's like a Social Security number for a company.

Apply for free on IRS.gov during open hours. If approved, you get it right away.

Not always. Single-member LLCs with no employees may not need one, but banks often ask for it. You'll need one if you hire.

Nothing. The IRS never charges for an EIN.

Check your CP 575 notice, old tax returns, or bank records, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
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