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How to Get an EIN for Your Business

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To get an EIN through ZenBusiness, add EIN service to your formation order at checkout (included in Pro and Premium plans) or purchase it separately from your dashboard after your LLC is formed. ZenBusiness files with the IRS after your state formation is approved. You can also apply directly with the IRS for free at irs.gov — the online application takes about 10 minutes.

Option 1: Through ZenBusiness (Recommended)

During Formation

  1. Go to zenbusiness.com/pricing-formation-plans
  2. Choose a plan — EIN is included in Pro and Premium; it's an add-on for Starter
  3. Complete formation checkout
  4. ZenBusiness files for your EIN after your state approves the formation
  5. Your EIN appears in your dashboard Documents section (typically 3–7 business days after formation approval)

After Formation (Already Have an LLC)

  1. Log in at app.zenbusiness.com
  2. Go to My Services → Add Services
  3. Find and purchase the EIN service
  4. ZenBusiness files with the IRS — you'll receive your EIN in your dashboard documents

Option 2: Apply Directly With the IRS (Free)

The IRS online EIN application is free and available to U.S. residents with an SSN or ITIN:

  1. Go to IRS EIN Application
  2. Select your entity type (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.)
  3. Answer questions about your business and responsible party
  4. Submit — your EIN is issued immediately if you apply online
  5. Save the confirmation page — print or screenshot your EIN immediately

IRS online application hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM–10 PM Eastern Time. The IRS website is unavailable outside these hours.

Prerequisites: You must apply with your own SSN or ITIN as the "responsible party." Non-U.S. residents without an SSN need to use Form SS-4 — see How to Get an EIN Without a Social Security Number.

What You'll Need

Regardless of how you apply:
- Your business's legal name (exactly as registered with the state)
- Business type (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation)
- State of formation
- Your name and Social Security number (or ITIN) as the responsible party
- Business address
- Reason for applying (started a new business, opened a bank account, hired employees, etc.)

After You Get Your EIN

Your EIN is permanent — it stays with your business entity for life. Once you have it:
- Open your business bank account
- Set up payroll if you're hiring
- Use it on W-9 forms for vendors and clients
- Include it on your business tax returns

Store your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or equivalent) in a secure location — it's the official IRS confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EIN?

IRS direct: Immediately (online application, during IRS hours). Through ZenBusiness: 3–7 business days after your state formation is approved. SS-4 by mail/fax (for non-residents): 4–8 weeks.

Does ZenBusiness charge for the EIN service?

Yes — ZenBusiness charges a service fee to file for your EIN on your behalf. The IRS does not charge a fee for the EIN itself. If you apply directly with the IRS online, there's no charge at all.

I applied directly with the IRS before my formation was complete. Is that ok?

The IRS can issue an EIN before state formation is complete, but banks and some agencies prefer the EIN to be issued after the LLC legally exists. If you applied early, your EIN is still valid — just make sure the name on the EIN exactly matches your state-registered business name.

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