Apply for EIN Online: Complete IRS Guide

Apply for EIN Online: Complete IRS Guide

If you are starting a business in the United States, getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) may be an important step in setting up your business.

An EIN is a federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Businesses may use an EIN for federal tax purposes, business banking, hiring employees, and other official business activities.

The IRS allows eligible applicants to apply for an EIN online. However, the online EIN application is not available to every business owner, especially entrepreneurs whose principal place of business is outside the United States.

This guide explains who can apply for an EIN online, what information you need, how the application works, and what options are available to non-U.S. residents.

What Is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number, commonly called an EIN, is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify a business or other entity for federal tax purposes.

An EIN may be required or useful for businesses such as:

• LLCs

• Corporations

• Partnerships

• Certain sole proprietorships

• Trusts and estates

• Other entities with federal tax obligations

If you are forming a new U.S. LLC or corporation, obtaining an EIN can be an important part of establishing the business.

An EIN is different from an individual's Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The EIN identifies the business or entity, while an SSN or ITIN identifies an individual for tax purposes.

Can You Apply for an EIN Online?

Yes, eligible applicants can apply for an EIN online through the IRS.

However, the IRS online application has eligibility requirements.

Generally, the applicant must have a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or a U.S. territory. The responsible party must also meet the applicable taxpayer identification requirements for the online application.

This means that not every foreign entrepreneur can use the IRS online EIN application.

For example, if you live in India and your business's principal place of business is also outside the United States, you should not assume that you can apply through the IRS online system.

International applicants may need to use another IRS application method.

How to Apply for an EIN Online

If you meet the IRS requirements for online application, the process is relatively straightforward.

1. Make Sure Your Business Information Is Ready

Before starting the application, prepare the basic information about your business.

You may need information such as:

• Legal business name

• Trade name, if applicable

• Business address

• Mailing address

• State of formation

• Type of business entity

• Responsible party information

• Reason for applying

• Date the business started or was acquired

• Principal business activity

• Employee information, when applicable

Having the information ready can help you complete the application without unnecessary interruptions.

2. Identify the Responsible Party

The EIN application asks for information about the responsible party.

The responsible party is generally the individual who ultimately owns or controls the business entity.

For an LLC, this will generally be an individual owner or another individual who ultimately controls the entity.

It is important to provide accurate information because the IRS uses this information when establishing the business's federal tax account.

3. Check Your Online Eligibility

Before applying online, confirm that you are eligible for the IRS online EIN application.

This is particularly important for international business owners.

If the principal place of business is outside the United States and U.S. territories, the IRS online application cannot be used.

In that situation, you will need to use one of the IRS methods available to international applicants.

4. Complete the IRS Application

Once you have confirmed eligibility, complete the IRS online EIN application.

Enter the requested information carefully and make sure the business name, entity type, address, and responsible-party information are accurate.

The online application must be completed in one session, so it is better to have your information ready before you begin.

5. Receive Your EIN

For eligible online applicants, the IRS can issue the EIN immediately after the application is successfully completed.

Save the EIN confirmation notice for your records.

You may need the EIN later when dealing with banks, tax authorities, payment providers, licensing agencies, or other business-related services.

Is an EIN Free?

Yes. The IRS does not charge a fee to issue an EIN.

You can apply directly through the IRS without paying an EIN application fee.

Some private companies offer EIN application assistance for a service fee. That fee is separate from the IRS and is not a fee required by the government to issue an EIN.

If you use a professional service, make sure you understand exactly what the service fee covers.

Can a Non-Resident Apply for an EIN?

Yes, a non-resident can potentially obtain an EIN for a U.S. business.

However, the application method is important.

If you are a non-U.S. resident and your principal place of business is outside the United States, you generally cannot use the IRS online EIN application.

Instead, international applicants can apply through IRS methods such as:

• Phone

• Fax

• Mail

This distinction is important for entrepreneurs forming U.S. businesses remotely from countries such as India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or other countries.

If you are based in India and planning to establish a U.S. business, you can also learn more about Registering a Company in USA from India.

How Can a Non-Resident Apply for an EIN?

If you cannot use the online application, the IRS provides alternative application methods.

Apply by Phone

International applicants can apply for an EIN by telephone.

The IRS provides an international EIN telephone number for applicants who are not eligible to use the online application.

The person applying must be authorized to receive the EIN and should have the required business information available.

Because the IRS may ask questions about the business and responsible party, prepare your Form SS-4 information before calling.

Apply by Fax

International applicants can also submit Form SS-4 by fax.

The IRS provides separate fax numbers depending on whether the application is being sent from inside or outside the United States.

Fax processing is generally faster than mail when the application contains all required information.

Apply by Mail

Another option is to complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the IRS.

Mail processing generally takes longer than online or fax applications, so international entrepreneurs should consider the expected processing time when planning their business setup.

What Is Form SS-4?

Form SS-4 is the IRS form used to apply for an Employer Identification Number.

It collects important information about the business and its responsible party.

The form may ask for:

• Legal name of the entity

• Trade name

• Mailing address

• Business location

• Responsible party

• Type of entity

• Reason for applying

• Date the business started

• Principal business activity

• Expected number of employees

• Other applicable information

International applicants who cannot use the online application may need Form SS-4 when applying by phone, fax, or mail.

Do You Need an SSN or ITIN for an EIN?

Not every foreign business owner has an SSN or ITIN.

The IRS instructions provide a way for certain foreign responsible parties who do not have and are ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN to indicate that situation on Form SS-4.

Depending on the circumstances, a foreign responsible party may enter "foreign" or "N/A" where applicable.

Therefore, having no U.S. SSN does not automatically mean that a foreign entrepreneur cannot obtain an EIN.

However, the correct answer depends on the applicant's specific circumstances, so the information submitted to the IRS should always be accurate.

EIN for a U.S. LLC

If you are forming an LLC in the United States, the EIN is often one of the steps involved in setting up the business.

A typical process may include:

1. Choose a state.

2. Select a business name.

3. Appoint a registered agent.

4. Prepare the LLC formation information.

5. File the formation documents.

6. Receive confirmation of LLC formation.

7. Apply for an EIN.

8. Prepare an operating agreement.

9. Set up appropriate business banking.

10. Review applicable licenses and compliance requirements.

If you need help with the first part of the process, you can explore LLC Formation Services from Jupiter Filing.

Do You Need a Registered Agent?

Most U.S. LLCs need a registered agent in the state where the company is formed.

A registered agent is responsible for receiving certain official and legal documents on behalf of the business.

For entrepreneurs who live outside the United States, having an appropriate registered agent can be particularly important because the business owner may not have a physical presence in the formation state.

You can learn more about Registered Agent Services before forming your U.S. business.

What Can You Use an EIN For?

An EIN may be used for several business-related activities.

Depending on your business and circumstances, an EIN may be needed for:

• Federal tax filings

• Business banking

• Hiring employees

• Certain tax reporting requirements

• Business licenses

• Payment and financial services

• Other official business activities

Getting an EIN does not automatically satisfy every tax or compliance requirement.

A business may have additional federal, state, and local obligations depending on its structure, ownership, location, and activities.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?

The processing time depends on the application method.

For eligible applicants using the IRS online system, the EIN can generally be issued immediately after successful completion of the application.

International applicants using fax or mail should allow additional processing time.

The IRS indicates that properly completed fax applications can generally be processed faster than applications submitted by mail.

If your EIN is needed for another part of your business setup, such as banking, consider the processing time when planning your formation timeline.

Common EIN Application Mistakes

Using the Online Application When You Are Not Eligible

One of the most common mistakes made by international entrepreneurs is assuming that the online EIN application is available to everyone.

If your principal place of business is outside the United States, review the IRS international application options before starting.

Entering the Wrong Business Name

Use the correct legal name of the entity.

Do not confuse your brand name or website name with the legal name of your LLC or corporation.

Providing Incorrect Responsible-Party Information

The responsible party should be identified according to IRS requirements.

Incorrect information can create problems with the application and future tax records.

Submitting Multiple Applications

Avoid submitting multiple EIN applications for the same business simply because you have not yet received a response.

The IRS has rules limiting EIN issuance to one EIN per responsible party per day.

Paying Someone for the EIN Without Understanding the Fee

The EIN itself is free from the IRS.

If you use a third-party service, the amount you pay is for their assistance rather than an IRS EIN fee.

Can Jupiter Filing Help With an EIN?

Jupiter Filing helps entrepreneurs with U.S. business formation and related business services.

If you need assistance with the EIN process, you can explore EIN Application Services.

For entrepreneurs who are starting a complete U.S. business, Jupiter Filing also provides LLC Formation Services and Registered Agent Services.

If you are an entrepreneur in India planning to establish a U.S. company, you can also explore Register a Company in USA from India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an EIN online?

Yes, if you meet the IRS eligibility requirements for the online EIN application.

Can I apply for an EIN online from India?

If your principal place of business is outside the United States, you generally cannot use the IRS online EIN application. International applicants can use the IRS phone, fax, or mail options.

Is an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS issues EINs without charging an application fee.

Can a non-resident get an EIN?

Yes. Non-residents can potentially obtain an EIN for a U.S. business, but the application method depends on their circumstances.

Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?

Not necessarily. Certain foreign responsible parties who do not have and are ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN can provide the appropriate information on Form SS-4.

How quickly can I get an EIN online?

Eligible online applicants can generally receive the EIN immediately after successfully completing the IRS online application.

Can I get an EIN for my U.S. LLC?

Yes. An LLC may obtain an EIN when it meets the applicable IRS requirements.

Can I start a U.S. LLC from outside the United States?

In many circumstances, non-U.S. residents can form a U.S. LLC. However, state requirements, registered-agent requirements, tax considerations, and other obligations can vary.

Final Thoughts

An EIN is an important part of the setup process for many U.S. businesses.

For eligible applicants, the IRS online application provides a convenient way to obtain an EIN. However, international entrepreneurs should pay close attention to the online eligibility requirements.

If your principal place of business is outside the United States, the IRS online EIN application is generally not available to you. Instead, you can use the international application methods provided by the IRS, including phone, fax, or mail.

Before applying, prepare your business information, identify the correct responsible party, and make sure the information you provide is accurate.

If you are building a U.S. business from outside the country, remember that an EIN is only one part of the process. You may also need business formation, a registered agent, banking arrangements, and ongoing compliance support.

Jupiter Filing can help you with the broader U.S. business formation and compliance process.