What Is an EIN and How to Get One Free (2026)

An EIN is one of those pieces of business admin that sounds intimidating and takes ten minutes. Here's everything you need to know — including how to avoid paying for something the government gives away free.

What is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit federal tax ID for your business. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your company. The IRS uses it to identify your business for tax purposes.

Who needs one?

You need an EIN if you:

• Have employees
• Operate as a corporation or partnership
• File certain tax returns

But you probably want one even if you're not required to, because it lets you:

• Open a business bank account (most banks require it)
• Keep your personal SSN off business forms and W-9s
• Look and operate like a legitimate business

For most LLCs — even single-member ones — getting an EIN is a no-brainer.

How to get one free (the only method you need)

The IRS issues EINs directly and completely free. Here's how:

1. Go to irs.gov and search "apply for EIN online"
2. Use the online application (available weekdays, US business hours)
3. Answer basic questions about your business
4. Receive your EIN immediately at the end

That's it. Ten minutes, zero dollars.

Avoid the EIN scam sites

Search "get an EIN" and you'll find slick sites charging $50–$300 to "help" you. They're just filling out the same free IRS form and pocketing your money. Some are borderline scams that look official but aren't.

The rule: you never need to pay for an EIN. If a site is charging you, close the tab and go straight to irs.gov.

After you get it

Once you have your EIN:

• Open a dedicated business bank account
• Keep it somewhere safe (you'll need it for taxes and forms)
• Use it instead of your SSN on business paperwork

Getting an EIN is a small, free, one-time step that makes you meaningfully more legit. Pair it with an LLC and a business bank account, and you've built the basic legal skeleton of a real business.

It's just business — and the government, for once, isn't charging you for this part.