What you need to know to apply for and receive your Employer Identification Number—without the wait or the stress
Starting a business? You’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN)—and fast. Whether you’re forming an LLC, opening a business bank account, hiring employees, or applying for permits, your EIN is a must-have.
But the EIN process can trip people up. Between outdated instructions, IRS processing delays, and confusing forms, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even get started. This guide breaks it all down—what an EIN is, who needs one, how to apply, and how to get it as quickly as possible.
Let’s simplify the red tape and show you how BizUpUSA can get your EIN done right.
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN)—also called a Federal Tax Identification Number—is a unique, 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it like a Social Security number for your company.
Your EIN is used to:
- File business taxes
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees
- Apply for business licenses or permits
- Set up payroll
- Establish business credit
Even if you’re a one-person operation or don’t plan to hire employees, there’s a good chance you still need one.
Who Needs an EIN?
You need an EIN if:
- You’re forming an LLC or Corporation
- You plan to hire employees
- Your business has more than one owner (like a multi-member LLC or partnership)
- You’re opening a business bank account
- You’re changing your business structure or ownership
- You want to build business credit
Even sole proprietors often apply for an EIN to keep their SSN private when dealing with vendors or clients.
How to Get an EIN: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Form Your Legal Business Structure
Before applying for an EIN, you’ll need to form your business entity—like an LLC, S Corp, or C Corp. The IRS requires you to know your legal structure before assigning an EIN.
Need to form an LLC first? Use BizUpUSA’s LLC Formation Service to get your business set up fast, with state-specific documents, Registered Agent Services, Operating Agreements, and EIN service available.
Step 2: Gather Your Information
You’ll need:
- Your legal business name (must match state records)
- Responsible party’s name and SSN or ITIN
- Business address
- Type of entity and reason for applying
- Estimated number of employees (if any)
- Principal business activity
Step 3: Apply Online, by Fax, or by Mail
The IRS offers a few ways to apply:
- Online (Fastest): Immediate processing, but only available Mon–Fri, 7am–10pm ET
- Fax: Takes about 4–7 business days
- Mail: Takes up to 4 weeks
Step 4: Get Your EIN Confirmation
If applying online, you’ll receive your EIN immediately in PDF format. Fax and mail take longer and require a bit of follow-up.
How to Get Your EIN Fast (Without Doing It Yourself)
If you don’t want to navigate the IRS site, worry about typos, or deal with delays, there’s a faster, smarter way: Let BizUpUSA handle it.
When you form your business with BizUpUSA, you can select the Growth or Complete Plan with EIN service, and we’ll take care of it for you—accurately, quickly, and stress-free.
Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
Getting an EIN isn’t hard, but it is easy to mess up if you’re not careful.
Watch out for:
- Filing before your business is legally formed
- Using the wrong legal business name
- Selecting the wrong entity type
- Applying for multiple EINs when you don’t need to
- Misunderstanding the “responsible party” designation
BizUpUSA Tip: Get peace of mind by letting us do the EIN work for you. It’s included in our LLC Growth and Complete plans—or available as a simple add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get an EIN?
A: If you apply online, you can get it instantly. If you go through BizUpUSA, we handle everything for you and return your EIN—typically within 1–2 business days.
Q: Can I get an EIN before forming my LLC?
A: No. Your legal entity must be formed first. BizUpUSA can handle both steps together so you don’t delay.
Q: Is an EIN the same as a Tax ID?
A: Yes. The IRS uses the terms interchangeably. An EIN is a type of federal Tax ID.
Don’t Let Paperwork Slow You Down
Getting your EIN shouldn’t be a bottleneck. With BizUpUSA, you can move faster, skip the confusion, and stay compliant from day one.
Whether you’re just forming your business or checking EIN off your to-do list, we’re here to help. Start strong, stay protected, and focus on what matters: building your business.
Get Your EIN - Fast and Hassle-Free
Skip the IRS confusion and start building your business today.
Fast processing. State-specific expertise. EIN included in select plans.
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