What is an EIN and why do I need one?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit federal tax ID for your business. Think of it like a Social Security Number, but for the business instead of you personally.
Format: XX-XXXXXXX (the IRS calls it the "Federal Tax Identification Number" sometimes; same thing).
You need an EIN if you...
Hire employees or pay contractors
Open a business bank account (almost every bank requires it)
Apply for business licenses, loans, or credit cards
File business income tax returns
Operate as anything other than a single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietor
You technically DON'T need an EIN if you...
Are a single-member LLC with no employees, treated as a sole proprietorship for tax purposes, AND you're comfortable using your SSN on every business form.
Most banks still require an EIN even in this case, so we recommend getting one regardless.
How to get one
There are 3 paths:
Free path: directly with the IRS
Apply at https://www.irs.gov/ein
Limitations:
Only US residents with an SSN can use the online application
Only available M-F 7am-10pm ET (yes, really)
1 EIN per "responsible party" per day
The web form is clunky and the slightest error sends you to a "we'll mail your EIN in 4 weeks" path
Result: instant EIN if everything goes smoothly
Mail/fax path: form SS-4
Download Form SS-4, fill it out, fax to (855) 641-6935
Processing time: 4 business days by fax, 4 weeks by mail
Use this if you're a non-US resident or if the online form keeps erroring on you
FormationHub path: we do it for you
Pay $79, we handle the SS-4 form
Typical turnaround: 2-5 business days from submission
We handle the e-signature, IRS submission, and reply-letter PDF storage
Useful if you want it just done, or if you're a non-US resident (we handle the harder paths)
Common questions
"I have an SSN — do I still need an EIN?"
For an LLC: yes, almost always (banks ask for it). For a sole proprietorship (no LLC): you can use your SSN on tax forms, but you'll still want an EIN to open a separate business bank account.
"Can I use the same EIN for multiple businesses?"
No. Each separate legal entity (LLC, corporation) needs its own EIN. A DBA under the same LLC shares the LLC's EIN.
"I lost my EIN confirmation letter — how do I get a new one?"
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: 800-829-4933. They'll issue a 147C letter as a replacement after identity verification.
If you got your EIN through us, the confirmation letter is in your portal under Documents → EIN Confirmation Letter.
"Can I cancel an EIN?"
Sort of. The IRS doesn't "cancel" EINs — they just deactivate the business account associated with one. Send a written request to the IRS at the EIN-issuance address explaining that the business is dissolved.
"Is the EIN public information?"
Partially. The EIN number itself isn't public, but any 1099 you issue or government filing that includes your EIN can be FOIA'd. Don't share it on social media or unsecured forms.
Security note
We never include your EIN value in marketing emails or chat messages — only in authenticated portal links. If you ever see your EIN number in an email claiming to be from FormationHub, it's a phishing attempt. Report it to [email protected].
Next steps
Need an EIN? https://www.formationhub.com/
Already filed an LLC with us? Your EIN add-on (if purchased) is in progress automatically — check status in your portal.