Get your 9-digit federal tax ID to open US bank accounts, hire employees, and file taxes. Included free in all LLC formation packages.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique 9-digit number issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It works like a Social Security Number (SSN) — but for your business.
The EIN is also referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). You'll see these terms used interchangeably.
Your EIN is permanent — it belongs to your business for its lifetime and does not change, even if you change your business name, address, or structure.
Almost every US business entity requires an EIN
Every LLC — even a single-member LLC with no employees — needs an EIN. Banks require it to open a business checking account.
An EIN is required to pay employees, withhold payroll taxes, and report wages to the IRS and Social Security Administration.
Every US bank — online or traditional — requires your EIN before opening a business account. No EIN means no bank account.
Your EIN is required on all federal and state tax returns, including Form 1120, Form 5472, and state LLC annual reports.
Stripe, PayPal, and other US payment processors require your EIN to verify your business identity and issue 1099-K forms.
Vendors, clients, and lenders often require your EIN for W-9 forms, credit applications, and business contracts.
The IRS online EIN application (EIN Assistant) is restricted to individuals with a valid US SSN or ITIN. If you are a non-US resident without an SSN or ITIN, you cannot apply for an EIN online. The only method available is to fax or mail Form SS-4 to the IRS. This is a common stumbling block for international founders — and exactly why we handle it for you.
We handle the entire process — you just wait for your EIN to arrive
We gather your business information (entity name, address, type of business, purpose of EIN) and complete Form SS-4 — the official IRS application for an Employer Identification Number. We prepare the form to IRS specifications, minimizing the risk of rejection or delays.
For non-resident applicants, the IRS requires Form SS-4 to be submitted by fax (or mail). We fax directly to the IRS International EIN line, which is the appropriate channel for foreign-owned US entities. Fax submissions are typically processed in 4–7 business days; mail submissions take 4–6 weeks.
The IRS reviews the application and issues your EIN, typically within 1–2 weeks for fax submissions. The EIN is issued in writing (CP575 or 147C letter). We track the application and follow up with the IRS if there are any delays or questions.
As soon as we receive your EIN from the IRS, we deliver it to you via email along with the official IRS confirmation letter. We also provide guidance on how to use your EIN to open a US business bank account.
Simple, transparent pricing — no surprises
EIN application is included at no extra charge with our Wyoming LLC and Delaware LLC formation packages.
Already have an LLC but need an EIN? We handle the full application process for a flat $50 fee.
From application to EIN in hand
Common questions about the EIN application process
Yes. Even a single-member LLC with no employees needs an EIN. Banks require it to open a business checking account. It's also required for tax filings including Form 5472 (for foreign-owned LLCs) and state annual reports. Think of the EIN as your business's permanent federal identity number.
No. The IRS online EIN application is only available to applicants with a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a non-US resident without an SSN, you must apply via Form SS-4 by fax or mail. This is a common source of confusion for international founders, and it's why working with a specialist like Markup Valley saves time and frustration.
For fax submissions (the method used for non-residents), the IRS typically processes the application and issues the EIN within 4–7 business days. From start to finish — including our preparation and the IRS processing — the total timeline is usually 1–2 weeks. During peak periods (January through April), IRS processing times can occasionally extend to 3–4 weeks.
No. The IRS online EIN application accepts only SSNs, not ITINs. Even if you have an ITIN, you must still apply for your LLC's EIN via Form SS-4. The ITIN is your personal tax ID; the EIN is your business's tax ID — they are separate numbers obtained through separate processes.
EIN included free with all LLC packages, or get a standalone EIN for $50. Book a free call to get started today.