How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?

Quick Answer

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) can be obtained instantly by applying online at IRS.gov. Fax applications take about 4 business days, and mail applications take 4–5 weeks. The online method is free, available Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern, and is the fastest option by far.

EIN Processing Time by Application Method

Method	Processing Time	Cost	Best For
Online (IRS.gov)	Instant	Free	U.S.-based applicants with SSN/ITIN
Phone (267-941-1099)	Same day	Free	International applicants without SSN
Fax (Form SS-4)	4 business days	Free	Applicants who cannot use online system
Mail (Form SS-4)	4–5 weeks	Free	Last resort; no advantages over other methods
Third-party service	1–3 business days	$50–$300	Unnecessary; the IRS process is free

Online Application: Step by Step

The IRS EIN Assistant at irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online is the recommended method.

Step	Time	Details
Determine eligibility	2 min	Must have SSN or ITIN; entity must be in the U.S.
Select entity type	1 min	LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, partnership, etc.
Enter responsible party info	3–5 min	Name, SSN/ITIN of the principal officer or owner
Provide business details	2–3 min	Legal name, address, reason for applying
Review and submit	1–2 min	Verify all information before final submission
Receive EIN	Instant	EIN displayed on screen; download confirmation letter

Total time: approximately 10–15 minutes from start to finish.

Who Needs an EIN?

Situation	EIN Required?
Hiring employees	Yes
Operating as a corporation or partnership	Yes
Filing excise tax returns	Yes
Withholding taxes on non-resident alien income	Yes
Operating a trust, estate, or nonprofit	Yes
Single-member LLC (no employees)	Recommended but not always required
Sole proprietor (no employees)	Only if filing excise taxes or pension plans
Opening a business bank account	Most banks require it

Fax Application Process

Fax Form SS-4 to the appropriate IRS fax number based on location:

Location	Fax Number
All U.S. states	(855) 641-6935
International	(304) 707-9471

The IRS will fax the EIN back to the number provided on the form within 4 business days. Ensure the fax number on the form is correct and can receive incoming faxes.

Mail Application Process

Mail completed Form SS-4 to:

• Domestic: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
• International: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999

Allow 4–5 weeks for processing. The EIN will be mailed back to the address on the application.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

• Applying outside business hours online. The IRS EIN Assistant is only available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Mismatched responsible party info. The name and SSN/ITIN must exactly match IRS records.
• Applying for multiple EINs in one day. The online system limits each responsible party to one EIN per day.
• Using a third-party paid service. The IRS application is free. Paid services add cost and often take longer than applying directly.
• Incomplete Form SS-4. Missing fields on fax or mail applications cause the IRS to return the form, restarting the process.

After Receiving the EIN

• Save the confirmation letter (CP 575). This is the official IRS notice and may be needed when opening bank accounts or filing returns.
• The EIN never expires. Once assigned, an EIN is permanent, even if the business closes.
• Update if ownership changes. A new EIN may be required if the business structure changes (e.g., sole proprietorship to LLC).