I recently formed a single-member LLC in my state and I keep seeing ads for services that will get my EIN for a fee. I looked at the IRS site but it felt a bit confusing. Is there a way to apply directly without paying anyone? I don't mind a little paperwork but want to avoid scams or unnecessary costs.
LLC Formation
How can i get an ein for my llc without paying a third-party service?
Yeah just go to the IRS website and use the online application. It's free and takes like 10 minutes. The only catch is it's only available during certain hours on weekdays. No need to pay anyone.
The online assistant is the easiest way. Search for 'apply for EIN online' on irs.gov. It's for entities with a U.S. address and responsible party with an SSN/ITIN. If you're a foreign person or don't have an SSN, you have to mail or fax Form SS-4.
Just to add, make sure you actually have your LLC approved by the state before applying. The EIN application asks for for your entity type and formation date. If the LLC isn't officially formed yet it could cause issues. Some people file for the EIN right after they get their articles stamped.
i used the online portal last month. it was free. took about 15 min. got the letter in the mail about a week later. just read each question carefully and use the help bubbles.
Thanks for the quick replies. I do have an SSN and the LLC is already formed formed with the state. So it sounds like the online route is the way to go. I was just worried I might mess up the responsible party part or something. I'll try the IRS site tomorrow during the day.
One thing to watch out for: the online application times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Have your info ready before you start. Also, the responsible party is generally the owner of a single-member LLC, so that's you. If you get stuck, the SS-4 form has detailed instructions.
Yeah, don't pay those services. I paid one $99 a few years ago because I didn't know better. Then I found out it's literally just filling kut the same free form. Live and learn.
If you have to mail the SS-4, fax is actually faster than mail. The IRS has a fax number for EIN applications. I did that for an estate EIN and got the number back in a few days. But for online it's instant.
Also, you can only have one EIN per responsible party per day online. If you need more than one, you have to wait until the next business day or mail it in. Not sure if that's still the case but it was when I last checked.
To clarify my earlier post: the online tool is called the EIN Assistant. It's avaiable Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. I think that's still correct. If you're on the West Coast, adjust accordingly.
side note: once you get the EIN, save the confirmation letter as a PDF. you'll need it for bank accounts and some vendors. don't lose it. the IRS can replace it but it's a hassle.
Since your LLC is single-member and you have an SSN, the online form is definitely the way to go. Just be careful that you don't accidentally elect corporate tax status on the form unless that's what yu want. The default is disregarded entity. Most small LLCs just keep that.
Also, if you have an existing EIN as a sole proprietor, you generally can't use the online tool to get a new EIN for the LLC; you might have to paper file. But if this is your first EIN, you're fine. I ran into that issue once.