Applying for an EIN
What an EIN is, why your business needs one, and how to get yours through ZenBusiness.
Overview
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business's federal tax identification number — the business equivalent of a Social Security number. The IRS uses it to identify your business for tax purposes. Despite the name "employer" in the title, you don't need employees to need an EIN. Most businesses need one regardless of size.
Your EIN is a 9-digit number (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) assigned permanently to your business. Once issued, it doesn't change — it follows your business for its entire life. If you dissolve and re-form the business, you'll get a new EIN for the new entity.
ZenBusiness can obtain your EIN on your behalf. It's available as an add-on during formation checkout or as a standalone purchase from your dashboard after formation is complete. The IRS doesn't release EINs until your business formation is approved by the state — so if you ordered an EIN with your formation, it will arrive after your LLC or corporation is officially formed.
Why You Need an EIN
Almost every business needs an EIN. Specifically, you need one to:
- Open a business bank account — virtually all banks require an EIN for business accounts
- File federal business taxes — even sole proprietors and single-member LLCs need an EIN for certain tax forms
- Hire employees — you report payroll taxes under your EIN
- Apply for business credit — lenders and credit card issuers require an EIN
- Apply for business licenses and permits — many state and local agencies require it
- Work with vendors and contractors — some require your EIN on W-9 forms
- Protect your privacy — using an EIN instead of your SSN on business forms reduces identity theft risk
Even if none of these currently apply to you, getting an EIN early is a good practice. It establishes your business as a separate entity and keeps your personal SSN off business documents.
How to Get Your EIN Through ZenBusiness
During Formation
The fastest option is to add EIN service to your order when you form your business:
- Go to zenbusiness.com/pricing-formation-plans
- Choose your formation plan (EIN is included in Pro and Premium plans)
- Complete your formation order
ZenBusiness will file for your EIN once your state formation is approved. You'll receive the EIN in your dashboard documents.
After Formation (Standalone)
If you didn't add EIN service during formation:
- Log in to app.zenbusiness.com
- Go to My Services or Add Services
- Find and purchase the EIN service
ZenBusiness will prepare and file with the IRS on your behalf after receiving your order.
What You'll Need to Provide
To apply for your EIN, ZenBusiness needs:
- Your business's legal name
- Your name (as the responsible party)
- Your Social Security number (or ITIN — see below for non-U.S. residents)
- Your business address and registered agent information
Applying Without a Social Security Number (Non-U.S. Residents)
If you're a non-U.S. resident forming an LLC in the United States, you may not have a Social Security number. You have two options:
Option 1: Apply with an ITIN
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to non-U.S. residents who need a U.S. tax identification number but don't qualify for an SSN. To get an ITIN:
- Complete IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS ITIN)
- Submit it to the IRS with your tax return or other qualifying documents
- Once you have your ITIN, you can use it in place of an SSN on the EIN application (Form SS-4)
Important: An ITIN is a tax processing number only — it cannot be used for employment purposes and does not authorize you to work in the U.S.
Option 2: File Form SS-4 Directly with the IRS
Without an SSN or ITIN, you'll need to complete IRS Form SS-4 (the EIN application) manually:
- Complete Form SS-4 with your foreign address, business information, and ITIN (if you have one)
- Include your registered agent's name and address
- Submit to the IRS by mail or fax
ZenBusiness can help prepare the SS-4 form. Contact our support team to discuss the process for your situation.
What You Cannot Use
You cannot use a CPN (Credit Privacy Number) or SPN (Secondary Credit Number) in place of an SSN. These numbers exist to protect your SSN in credit contexts — they are not valid IRS tax identifiers. Using a CPN in place of an SSN on an EIN application is considered federal fraud. ZenBusiness does not offer CPNs, and we strongly advise against their use. For more information, see the FTC's guidance on CPNs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor with no employees?
Most sole proprietors can technically use their SSN instead of an EIN, but getting an EIN is strongly recommended. Using an EIN keeps your SSN off business documents and reduces identity theft risk. Banks, vendors, and clients often prefer or require an EIN for business accounts and forms.
Can I get an EIN before my formation is complete?
ZenBusiness cannot file for your EIN until your state formation is approved. The IRS requires the business to exist as a legal entity before issuing an EIN. If you've ordered an EIN service with your formation, it will be filed as soon as your LLC or corporation is officially formed.
How long does it take to receive my EIN?
Once ZenBusiness files with the IRS on your behalf, EINs are typically processed within a few business days. You'll receive your EIN in your ZenBusiness dashboard documents section.
Is my EIN the same as my state tax ID?
No. Your EIN is your federal tax ID (issued by the IRS). Many states also require a separate state tax ID number for state tax reporting. See our Small Business Fundamentals article for information on state tax IDs.
Can I apply for an EIN myself for free?
Yes. You can apply directly with the IRS at irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. The IRS online application is free and available 7 AM – 10 PM ET on weekdays. The ZenBusiness EIN service handles the process on your behalf if you'd prefer not to navigate the IRS system yourself.
Still need help?
If you still have questions our support team is happy to help!