How to Register Your Business and Get an EIN for Your Business? 

Whether you are starting an LLC or a corporation, registering your business is one of the first steps. It helps in client identification and makes tax returns easy to navigate. But how to get an EIN for your business, and who should have it? Let’s find out! 

How to Get an EIN for Your Business? 

To get an EIN for your business, you should first set up your business, gather the necessary information, and apply online, by mail, or by fax. Here’s a detailed overview of these steps: 

Collect Essential Details 

Start by collecting critical details about your business, such as: 

• Full legal names of your business or any trade names 
• Mailing address, as well as the physical address of the business 
• Business structure (type of entity)
• Date of business formation 
• Why are you applying for an EIN? State the reason 

Apply Online, Via Mail, or Fax 

You can get an EIN number for your business by applying online or by mail and fax. If you need suggestions, apply online; it’s the fastest and most convenient method. The following are the steps for that: 

• Open the official IRS website and go to the EIN application section. 
• Click “Apply Online” and go through all the guidelines that appear on the screen. 
• Click “Begin Application.” 
• Choose the legal structure of your business and follow the steps accordingly. 
• Enter the legal name, trade name, and the physical address of the business. 
• Mention the county or state where your business operates and the reason for the EIN. 
• The IRS provides a list of business categories; choose the most suitable one for your business. 
• Click “Submit,” and you’ll get your EIN right away. 

However, if you want to apply by fax or mail, simply print the form and fill in all the details by hand. Once done, send the application to the following address:

Within the 50 states or DC 

Fax number

855-641-6935

Mailing address

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EIN Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999

US Territory or Foreign Country 

Fax numbers:

855-215-1627 (sending the fax from the US)

304-707-9471 (sending the fax from a foreign country)

Address

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EIN International Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999

Save the EIN 

Save the EIN in an encrypted PDF or in a permanent business cloud storage location, as you’ll need it often. Use it to file tax returns and link it to your business bank accounts for easy financial management and identification. 

In case you can’t find your EIN, check it on the original IRS letter, old tax forms, or business account statements. Perhaps call the IRS at (800) 829-4933, and they will help you get the EIN again, but it can be a lengthy process. 

Who Should Get an EIN Number for a Business? 

Corporations, non-profit organizations, partnerships, and even sole proprietorships with employees need to get an EIN number for the business. Other than that, you should have it in the following situations: 

• Hiring employees, whether for your business or homework 
• Opening bank accounts in a business name 
• Switching your business entity or structure from a partnership to a corporation, LLC, or any other
• Paying excise taxes 

Despite the circumstances and urgency, you must ensure that you don’t apply for multiple EINs for the same business, enter incorrect data, or work with a legally disputed third party. In addition, if you change your location, let the IRS know by filing the 8822-B. 

Conclusion 

To get an EIN number for your business, you must follow the step-by-step process mentioned in the guide. Online applications may take as little as 15 minutes, while fax or mail takes anywhere between 4 days and 6 weeks.