An EIN costs nothing when you get it directly from the IRS, and the IRS says you can get it in minutes. If your principal place of business is in the United States, apply online; if not, apply by phone, fax or mail.
The IRS says “You can get an EIN for free directly from the IRS in minutes.” This guide summarizes the IRS EIN page updated 17 July 2026 and read on 20 October 2026.
The short answer first
- Cost: free directly from the IRS. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN.
- Online: for a U.S. principal place of business. If approved, the IRS issues your EIN immediately online.
- Otherwise: phone, fax or mail.
- Limit: one EIN per responsible party per day online.
Who can use the online application?
You must be a domestic organization formed in the U.S. or its territories, with your principal place of business there. You must also be the responsible party or its authorized representative. The responsible party is the person who controls the entity.
You cannot use the online tool if your principal place of business is outside the U.S. You also cannot use it if you are applying with an existing EIN, unless you are a government entity.
What do you need before you start?
- The responsible party’s Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN).
- Your business entity type.
- A formed entity, if you are a corporation or LLC. The IRS says to form it with the state before you apply, or the application may be delayed.
- Signed authorization, if a third-party designee applies for you.
When can you apply, and how long do you have?
The online tool runs on Eastern Time:
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day.
- Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
You must finish in one session. You cannot save your work, and the session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity. Gather your details first.
How do you get an EIN if you are outside the U.S.?
Apply by phone, fax or mail. The IRS directs these applicants to its Employer Identification Number page for the details. Do not pay a site that charges a fee for what the IRS provides free.
What should you do next?
- New LLC owner: form the LLC with your state first, then apply. See what an LLC is and how the IRS classifies it.
- Applying for several businesses: plan one application per day for each responsible party.
- Use only the IRS site: we suggest typing the address from the Sources section instead of clicking an ad.
Questions and answers about EIN applications
Is an EIN free?
Yes. You never have to pay a fee for an EIN when you apply directly with the IRS.
How fast do I get the number online?
If the IRS approves your application, it issues the EIN immediately online.
Can I apply for two EINs in one day?
Not online. The limit is one EIN per responsible party per day.
Can I save my application and finish later?
No. You must complete it in one session, and it expires after 15 minutes of inactivity.
What ID number do I need?
The responsible party’s Social Security number or ITIN, plus your business entity type.
I run my business from outside the U.S. How do I apply?
Apply by phone, fax or mail. The online application is only for a U.S. principal place of business.
Sources
This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Facts last checked on 20 October 2026.
