--- title: "How to Apply for an EIN: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Your Business" description: Need an EIN for your LLC? Follow this simple step-by-step guide to apply for an EIN and ensure your business is ready for taxes and banking. image: https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/people%20being%20handed%20more%20money-1-1.jpg --- 3 min read # How to Apply for an EIN: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Your Business LegalGPS : Aug. 3, 2024 How to Apply for an EIN: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Your Business 3:40 An Employer Identification Number (or EIN) is how the IRS recognizes your business. It's similar to a Social Security Number, but for your company. If you’re [forming ](https://www.legalgps.com/llc)a [single-member LLC](https://www.legalgps.com/blogs/3-reasons-why-your-single-member-llc-must-have-an-operating-agreement) taxed as a sole proprietor, you don’t “technically” need an EIN unless you have employees. But, most banks require you to have one to open your company’s bank account, so most businesses get one.  And if you’re a [multi-member LLC](https://www.legalgps.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-multi-member-llc-operating-agreements), you need to have one. Here's an example of why it's good to have one.     ![Legal GPS Subscription](https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Legal%20GPS%20Hero%20Image%204-1.avif) Legal GPS Pro Protect your business with our complete legal subscription service, designed by top startup attorneys. - ✅ Complete Legal Toolkit - ✅ 100+ Editable Contracts - ✅ Affordable Legal Guidance - ✅ Custom Legal Status Report [![Subscribe Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21594562/27270ef7-5633-463f-9059-b51051fbbfdf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21594562/27270ef7-5633-463f-9059-b51051fbbfdf)[Learn more](https://www.legalgps.com/legal-gps-for-business) ## How To Get An EIN If you’ve concluded you need an EIN, here are the steps for obtaining one. The process is done online, but it’s important to note that it must be done Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m Eastern Standard Time. ### Step 1: Go to the IRS Website [Click here for the link](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online). Click “Apply online now.” Then click “okay” and “begin application” to begin the process. ### Step 2: Select Appropriate Entity And Purpose Next, you will need to [choose the type of entity](https://www.legalgps.com/business-entity-comparison) you are forming. Select your entity and click “Continue.” Then you’ll be asked why are you requesting the EIN? For most, it’s “Started a new business” but select the purpose most appropriate for you.  ### Step 3: Fill Out Your Business Information The next page requires your information, including name and social security number. Complete the fields and make the appropriate selection for President, CEO, or other corporate officer permitted to file for an EIN and select “Continue.” On the next page, enter the address you’ll be using for your business and your business phone number. (Enter your cell phone number if you don’t have a business number.) Finally, you’ll be asked if you have a different mailing address. Most people answer no to this. If you want a different mailing address, choose “Yes” and then click “Continue." Next, you might see a page pop up stating that the database address is slightly different. Ensure that the address is correct, and click “Accept Database Version.”  ### Step 4: Answer Questions about your Business Next you will be asked basic questions about your business.  First, type in the name of your business. Remember that punctuation is very important, and the site does not allow commas so, even if your business name actually has a comma, don’t include it there.   ![person weighing pros and cons-1](https://www.legalgps.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/person%20weighing%20pros%20and%20cons-1.jpg?width=595&height=396&name=person%20weighing%20pros%20and%20cons-1.jpg)   ![Legal GPS Subscription](https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Legal%20GPS%20Hero%20Image%204-1.avif) Legal GPS Pro Protect your business with our complete legal subscription service, designed by top startup attorneys. - ✅ Complete Legal Toolkit - ✅ 100+ Editable Contracts - ✅ Affordable Legal Guidance - ✅ Custom Legal Status Report [![Subscribe Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21594562/27270ef7-5633-463f-9059-b51051fbbfdf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21594562/27270ef7-5633-463f-9059-b51051fbbfdf)[Learn more ](https://www.legalgps.com/legal-gps-for-business)   #### If you have a d/b/a If your [business has a d/b/a](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/file-dba-fictitious-name), include it here. Then enter the county and state where the corporation is located. Select the state where you filed your organizing documents and the month and year you did so, and then click continue.  #### Additional Questions on EIN Form This next page stumps some people. Take a look at these questions. Some of these might apply to you, but more often than not most or all won’t apply. After looking it over, choose “Yes” or “No” where appropriate, and click “Continue.” The next page asks about what your business does. Pick the right category or if its not applicable, scroll to the bottom, click “Other,” and then click “Continue.” If you click other, you’ll be asked to write a short description of your company (3-7 words).  #### EIN Confirmation Now the site will ask how you wish to receive your EIN confirmation. Choose the best option (almost everyone receives it electronically). This last page shows a summary of all the information you’ve submitted. Carefully review and save this webpage for your records, as it shows all the details of your application. If you prefer a physical copy, you can print it. Finally, click “Submit.” Congrats on getting your new EIN. You should now see that a PDF has been created. Go ahead and save this page, print it if you’d like, and make sure you record your EIN in a safe place. Now follow [how to create an LLC, step-by-step](https://www.legalgps.com/llc), to complete your company setup.    ## Do I need a lawyer to start an LLC? The biggest question now is, "[Does your business need an attorney?](https://www.legalgps.com/when-to-hire-attorney)” For most businesses and in most cases, you don't need a lawyer to start your business. Instead, many business owners rely on Legal GPS Pro to help with legal issues. Legal GPS Pro is your [All-In-One Legal Toolkit for Businesses.](https://www.legalgps.com/legal-gps-pro) Developed by top startup attorneys, Pro gives you access to 100+ expertly crafted templates including operating agreements, NDAs, and service agreements, and an interactive platform. All designed to protect your company and set it up for lasting success.   ![Legal GPS Subscription](https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Legal%20GPS%20Hero%20Image%204-1.avif) Legal GPS Pro Protect your business with our complete legal subscription service, designed by top startup attorneys. - ✅ Complete Legal Toolkit - ✅ 100+ Editable Contracts - ✅ Affordable Legal Guidance - ✅ Custom Legal Status Report [![Subscribe Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21594562/27270ef7-5633-463f-9059-b51051fbbfdf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21594562/27270ef7-5633-463f-9059-b51051fbbfdf)[Learn more ](https://www.legalgps.com/legal-gps-for-business)     Popular | Premium Template Single-use Template | Legal GPS Pro Unlimited Access, Best Value | | --- | --- | | - 📝 Custom Operating Agreement Templates for any LLC - ✔️ Simple to Use & Fully Editable | - 📝 100+ Premium Templates, including all Operating Agreements - ✔️ Personalized legal checkup for your LLC | | [ Choose Template ](https://www.legalgps.com/llc-operating-agreement) | [ Learn More ](https://www.legalgps.com/legal-gps-pro) | | Trusted by 1000+ businesses | |   **Table of Contents** [How To Get An EIN](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A) [Step 1: Go to the IRS Website](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A1) [Step 2: Select Appropriate Entity And Purpose](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A2) [Step 3: Fill Out Your Business Information](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A3) [Step 4: Answer Questions about your Business](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A4) [If you have a d/b/a](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A5) [Additional Questions on EIN Form](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A6) [EIN Confirmation](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#A7) [Do I need a lawyer to start an LLC?](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein#B) [![How to Convert a Partnership to an LLC: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/getty-images-WaWD5fGgmkE-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/convert-partnership-to-llc) #### [How to Convert a Partnership to an LLC: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/convert-partnership-to-llc) [LegalGPS](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/author/legalgps) : Sep. 26, 2024 Running a partnership has its benefits, but converting to a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer significant advantages for your business. An LLC [Read More](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/convert-partnership-to-llc) [![How to File a DBA or Fictitious Name for Your LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/person%20choosing%20a%20location-1-Apr-17-2023-09-24-17-8246-PM.jpg) ](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/file-dba-fictitious-name) #### [How to File a DBA or Fictitious Name for Your LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/file-dba-fictitious-name) [LegalGPS](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/author/legalgps) : Aug. 2, 2024 A D/B/A (Doing Business As), also known as a fictitious name or trade name, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its official legal... [Read More](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/file-dba-fictitious-name) [![What is a Foreign LLC and Do You Need to Register? A Complete Guide](https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Businessman%20stressed%20out%20at%20work%20in%20casual%20office.jpeg) ](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/what-is-foreign-llc-do-you-need-to-register) 1 min read #### [What is a Foreign LLC and Do You Need to Register? A Complete Guide](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/what-is-foreign-llc-do-you-need-to-register) ![Picture of Chris Daming, J.D., LL.M.](https://www.legalgps.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chris-li-photo-1.jpg?width=30&name=chris-li-photo-1.jpg) [Chris Daming, J.D., LL.M.](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/author/chris-daming) : Oct. 25, 2024 If you formed your LLC and you “do business” in other states, you need to file for foreign registration in those states that tells the state that... [Read More](https://www.legalgps.com/llc/what-is-foreign-llc-do-you-need-to-register) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "LegalGPS", "url" : "https://www.legalgps.com/llc/author/legalgps" }, "dateModified" : "2024-11-22T16:09:09.359Z", "datePublished" : "2024-08-03T15:20:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Apply for an EIN: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Your Business", "image" : [ "https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/people%20being%20handed%20more%20money-1-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.legalgps.com/llc/how-to-apply-for-ein", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.legalgps.com/hubfs/GLOBAL%20Legal%20GPS%20Assets/Logos/Legal%20GPS%20Logo%20no%20icon.png" }, "name" : "Legal GPS, Inc." } } ```