Confirm you need an EIN (for business entities, hiring employees, opening business accounts, taxes, or estates/trusts)
Gather required information (legal name, trade name if any, address, responsible party details, entity type, and start date/ownership details if applicable)
Choose how to apply
Apply online (fastest) if you have a principal business in the U.S. and can complete the process during IRS business hours
Apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 if you cannot apply online
Apply by phone only in limited cases (international applicants) using the IRS EIN line
Complete Form SS-4 if applying by fax/mail (or provide the requested fields for the online application)
Submit your application
Receive your EIN immediately if applying online (or receive confirmation after processing for fax/mail)
Save your EIN confirmation notice for your records
Use the EIN on required federal tax filings and business registrations