What it is for
An EIN identifies the organization to the IRS. You need one to open a bank account, file Form 1023, file annual returns, and hire employees. You need it even if you never have staff.
When to apply
Apply after your state has approved your articles of incorporation. The IRS asks for the legal name and formation date exactly as they appear in your state records. Applying before the entity exists can create mismatches that are tedious to correct.
How to apply
The fastest route is the IRS online EIN application at irs.gov, which issues the number immediately at the end of the session. The online system is available during limited hours on weekdays. You can also apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4.
The application requires a responsible party, an individual who controls the organization, with a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
It is free
The IRS does not charge for an EIN. Many websites that appear in search results charge a fee to submit the same form on your behalf. Use irs.gov directly.
Keep the confirmation
At the end of the online application the IRS provides a confirmation notice, commonly called the CP 575. Save it as a PDF immediately. Banks often ask for it, and replacement letters take longer to obtain.
A note on exemption
Having an EIN does not make the organization tax-exempt. Exemption comes from an approved Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, covered in the next chapter.
Checklist
- State approval received before applying
- Application submitted through irs.gov
- Confirmation notice saved
- Responsible party recorded in organization files
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm current requirements with the IRS, your state, or a qualified professional. Updated September 2026.