How to Apply for an EIN with SS-4: Guide for Single-Member LLCs [2026]

Need an Employer Identification Number for your LLC? Learn when you actually need one, how to apply using Form SS-4, and get your EIN in as little as a few minutes.

Apply for EIN Online | Generate SS-4 Form

Quick Facts

• Online application time: ~15 min
• EIN issued online: Instant
• Cost: Free (Via IRS directly)
• Form required: SS-4

What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need One?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business. It's formatted as XX-XXXXXXX.

Even though it's called an "Employer" Identification Number, you don't need employees to get one. Many single-member LLC owners get an EIN for reasons beyond hiring.

You NEED an EIN If You...

• Have employees or plan to hire employees
• Operate your LLC as a corporation or partnership for tax purposes
• File employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
• Have a Keogh plan (a retirement plan for self-employed)
• Are involved with trusts, estates, non-profits, or certain other entities

You SHOULD Get an EIN If You...

• Want to open a business bank account (most banks require an EIN)
• Want to protect your SSN on W-9 forms
• Work with clients or vendors who prefer to see an EIN
• Want to build business credit separately from personal credit

What Is Form SS-4?

IRS Form SS-4, "Application for Employer Identification Number," is the form you use to apply for an EIN. Whether you apply online, by fax, by mail, or by phone, you're providing the same information that's on Form SS-4.

For online applications, you don't actually submit a paper SS-4—the online system collects the same information. However, having a completed SS-4 ready makes the online process faster since you'll have all the answers prepared.

Pro Tip: Prepare First Before starting your online EIN application, use our SS-4 generator to fill out the form. This ensures you have all the information ready, and gives you a PDF record of what you submitted.

4 Ways to Apply for an EIN

1. Online (Recommended)

Processing Time: Instant EIN The fastest and easiest method. Apply directly on the IRS website or use a service like EIN National Filing for guided assistance.

Pros:

• EIN issued immediately
• Available M-F, 7am-10pm ET
• Free through IRS

Cons:

• Requires SSN or ITIN
• Limited hours
• Session times out after 15 min

2. Fax

Processing Time: 4 Business Days Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the appropriate IRS fax number based on your state. The IRS will fax your EIN back to you.

• Fax Numbers: (855) 641-6935 — If your principal business is in one of the 50 states or DC

3. Mail

Processing Time: 4-5 Weeks Mail your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. This is the slowest option but works if you can't use online or fax.

• Mailing Address: Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999

4. Phone (International Only)

Processing Time: Immediate Only available for applicants with no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office in the U.S.

• Phone Number: 267-941-1099 (Not toll-free)
• Hours: 6am-11pm ET, Monday-Friday

Step-by-Step: Applying Online

Here's exactly what to expect when applying for your EIN online:

1. Identify Your Entity Type Select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" from the list of entity types. The system will ask follow-up questions about the number of members and how the LLC is taxed.
2. Answer LLC-Specific Questions For a single-member LLC, you'll indicate:
   • Number of members: 1
   • State where LLC was organized
   • Whether you elected to be taxed as a corporation (most select "No")
3. Select Reason for Applying Common reasons for single-member LLCs:
   • "Started a new business" — Most common choice
   • "Banking purposes" — If that's your main reason
   • "Hired employees" — If you're getting an EIN to hire
4. Enter Responsible Party Information As the sole owner of your LLC, you are the "responsible party." Enter your full legal name, SSN (or ITIN), and title (typically "Owner" or "Member").
5. Provide Business Details Enter your LLC's information:
   • Legal name of LLC (as registered with the state)
   • Trade name/DBA if different
   • Business address
   • Mailing address (if different)
   • County
6. Describe Your Business Activity Select the category that best describes your business (e.g., "Professional Services," "Retail," "Construction") and provide a brief description of your specific activity.
7. Review and Submit Double-check all information for accuracy. Once you submit, you'll receive your EIN immediately on screen. You can also download or print your confirmation letter (CP 575).

Apply for EIN | Generate SS-4 Form

Form SS-4 Line-by-Line for Single-Member LLCs

If you're applying by fax or mail (or just want to prepare), here's how to complete each section of Form SS-4:

| Line | What to Enter | |---|---| | Line 1 | Legal name of your LLC (e.g., "Smith Consulting LLC") | | Line 2 | Trade name/DBA if different from Line 1 (or leave blank) | | Line 3 | Name of responsible party (your name as sole owner) | | Line 4a-b | Mailing address (street, city, state, ZIP) | | Line 5a-b | Street address if different from mailing address | | Line 6 | County and state where LLC's principal business is located | | Line 7a | Responsible party's SSN (or ITIN) | | Line 8a | Check "LLC" (Limited Liability Company) | | Line 8b | Enter "1" for number of LLC members | | Line 8c | If organized in a foreign country, enter country name | | Line 9a | Check "Started new business" or applicable reason | | Line 10 | Date business started or acquired | | Line 11 | Closing month of accounting year (usually December = "12") | | Line 12 | Expected number of employees in first 12 months (can be 0) | | Line 13 | First date wages paid (or N/A if no employees) | | Line 14 | Check box indicating highest number of employees expected | | Line 15 | Check if first wages include agricultural employees | | Line 16 | Check boxes for type of taxes you'll pay (if applicable) | | Line 17 | Principal activity description (e.g., "consulting services") | | Line 18 | Products or services (e.g., "web development services") |

Common EIN Application Mistakes

Using LLC Name for Responsible Party The responsible party must be an individual with an SSN or ITIN—not the LLC itself. As the sole member, enter your personal name and SSN.

Selecting Wrong Entity Type Make sure to select "LLC" not "Sole Proprietor" even if you're a single-member LLC. They're legally different entities even though they may be taxed similarly.

Not Saving Confirmation After receiving your EIN online, immediately save or print your confirmation notice (CP 575). You can't retrieve it later from the IRS website, and you'll need proof of your EIN for banking and other purposes.

Applying Before LLC Is Formed Your LLC must be legally formed (filed with your state) before you can apply for an EIN. The IRS may ask for your LLC's formation date.

After You Get Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, here's what to do next:

• Open a Business Bank Account: Take your EIN confirmation letter to your bank to open a business checking account.
• Update Your W-9: Use your EIN instead of SSN on W-9 forms for clients.
• Keep Records: Store your CP 575 confirmation letter safely. You may need it for loans, contracts, or IRS correspondence.
• Set Up Payroll (If Hiring): If you're hiring employees, use your EIN to register for payroll taxes and create paystubs.

FAQ

Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?

Not always. A single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's SSN for tax purposes since it's treated as a 'disregarded entity.' However, you DO need an EIN if you: (1) have or plan to hire employees, (2) have a Keogh plan, (3) file excise tax returns, (4) want to open a business bank account (most banks require it), (5) want to keep your SSN private on W-9 forms, or (6) your state requires it.

Is applying for an EIN free?

Yes, applying for an EIN directly through the IRS is completely free. You can apply online at IRS.gov, by fax, by mail, or by phone (international applicants only). Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees—while some provide legitimate assistance, the IRS itself charges nothing.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

It depends on how you apply. Online applications receive an EIN immediately upon completion. Fax applications typically receive a response within 4 business days. Mail applications can take 4-5 weeks. Phone applications (international only) receive an EIN during the call.

Can I apply for an EIN online?

Yes, the IRS online EIN application is available Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm Eastern Time. You'll receive your EIN immediately after completing the application. Note: The responsible party must have a valid SSN or ITIN to apply online.

What information do I need to apply for an EIN?

You'll need: (1) Legal name of the entity, (2) Trade name/DBA if different, (3) Mailing address, (4) County and state where the LLC is located, (5) Name and SSN/ITIN of the responsible party, (6) Type of entity (LLC), (7) Reason for applying, (8) Date business started or acquired, (9) Principal business activity, and (10) Number of employees expected (can be zero).

What is a 'responsible party' on the SS-4?

The responsible party is the individual who owns or controls the entity, or who exercises ultimate effective control. For a single-member LLC, this is you—the sole owner. The responsible party must have an SSN or ITIN (you cannot use another EIN).

Can I apply for an EIN if I don't have an SSN?

Yes, but not online. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN, you can apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. International applicants without an SSN or ITIN can apply by phone at 267-941-1099.

Do I need a new EIN if I convert from sole proprietor to LLC?

Generally yes. When you form an LLC, you're creating a new legal entity that typically needs its own EIN—even if you're the sole owner. However, if your single-member LLC is taxed as a disregarded entity and has no employees, you may continue using your SSN. Consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.

What to do after getting your EIN

• Update your W-9 forms - Use your new EIN instead of SSN for client paperwork
• Set up payroll (if hiring) - Create paystubs for any employees you bring on
• Issue 1099s to contractors - If you pay contractors $600+, you'll need these at year end

Related Resources

• Generate SS-4 Form - Create your SS-4 form to prepare for your EIN application.
• How to Fill Out W-9 - Use your new EIN on W-9 forms for clients.
• W-9 Generator - Create W-9 forms with your EIN for client onboarding.
• 1099 Generator - Issue 1099s to contractors using your business EIN.
• How to Fill Out W-2 - Guide to completing W-2 forms when you hire employees.
• Paystub Creator - Create paystubs for employees once you start hiring.