Applying for a Free EIN quickly and easily

The IRS has several requirements for new businesses and most people believe the process is complicated or maybe it is just easier to pay someone else to complete the forms for them. However sometimes with just a little time, effort, and preparation, anyone can complete the forms without much hassle and the process can go smoothly and quickly. Some of the reasons you would need an EIN number would include if you are starting a business, hiring an employee, applying for a business bank account, or you plan on using an LLC for protection on your budding business. An EIN or IRS Employer Identification Number is one of the required for any new business which is used for business tax filings. An EIN number can only be used for tax purposes and not for other requests for unique ID numbers such as lottery winnings, tax sales, buying a car, etc.

When starting a business applying for and receiving an EIN is one of the first steps during the formation of the company and it can seem a little complicated but the process can be completed for free in a few minutes of time with the right preparation. There are several companies that offer to complete this process for you but paying someone to do this is not required or necessary and can be done easily by any person needing an EIN number. Some of the basic information required to apply for an EIN number include the name and tax identification number (such as SSN, ITIN, or EIN) of the principal partner in the business or any partners or co-owners identification information.

Like any process, there are some steps to consider prior to applying for an EIN which will help the process go quickly and smoothly. For example, if your company is applying for tax-exempt status, you must confirm that your tax-exempt company is legally formed prior to applying for the EIN number. If your venture is forming an LLC you must have completed the LLC process prior and received confirmation of acceptance prior to filing for an EIN number. The IRS requires business information such as the date the LLC was formed and a legal business name for the application. If you apply for an EIN number before the LLC information is finalized your business name could be rejected which in turn invalidates your EIN number. An invalid EIN number will then require you to apply for a new EIN number. When a company changes the structure or has been purchased by another company a new EIN application will also be required. The IRS puts a limit on the number of times a party can apply for an EIN daily which would be one application per day.

There are four different ways a company can apply for an EIN number with some being quicker than others. Each way has its own process depending on how much support you are looking for when completing the application. The easiest and most efficient way to apply for an EIN number is through the website www.irs.gov with the online application. You can scroll to the bottom of the IRS homepage to click a button to apply. The IRS also has a dedicated link to the application called IRS EIN located here. The IRS provides a basic interview-style form to gather the needed information efficiently with 10-15 questions that must be answered. You are presented with the following options to help categorize your application: Individual/Sole Proprietor, LLC, Estate of Deceased Individual, Trust, Non-Profit Organization, C-Corporation, Partnership, Church Organisation, and Personal Service Corporation, or Single-Member LLC.

The process is so quick and easy once you have completed your application and the IRS validates the information you have submitted for the EIN number it is approved almost immediately. The EIN number is given to you after the completion and approval. When using the IRS service it provides help topics and keywords and definitions to help with the understanding of the application. The online application is for businesses, an office or agency, or anyone located legally in the United States or territory of the United States. The primary person applying for an EIN number must have a valid Social Security number, an EIN number of their own, or an ITIN number in order to apply with the online application.

The IRS offers another quick option when applying for an EIN number and that is via a call to the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The hours that line is staffed are Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm. This option is for people that would prefer to not use its online application and receive a little extra help from an advisor. The interviewer will ask the application questions. After completing the application on the phone call and when the information is validated through the IRS the operator can provide you with your new EIN number. If you are an international applicant they do have a number available and it is 267-941-1099.

A third way to apply for an EIN number from the IRS is by fax using the Form SS-4 which is located at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf and faxing it to the Internal Revenue Service Attn EIN Operation in Cincinnati, Ohio at 1-855-641-6935. This option does not take a lot of time to apply however after verification of information provided the IRS will return an EIN number within four business days.

The fourth option on applying for an EIN number from the IRS is by mail but this is definitely the longest option and could take up to four weeks to receive your new EIN number. You must mail I completed To the internal revenue service attention EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. This option requires the same form as the fax option which is Form SS-4.Once you do receive your EIN number it is strongly suggested that you write down your number or print a page. The IRS does send out a hardcopy through the mail at a later date.