I filed for an EIN online last week for a new LLC and still haven't gotten it. The IRS site said it should be immediate, but I'm starting to worry something went wrong. How long did it actually take for you? Did anyone have to wait weeks or call in?
EIN
How long does it really take to receive an EIN?
Applied online on a Tuesday morning, got the number on screen right after submitting. Maybe 10 minutes total. But I've heard some people get flagged for manual review, especially if the responsible party info doesn't match IRS records.
Mine was instant online. That was two years ago though. A friend filed by fax recently and waited almost three weeks.
I filed by fax because I don't have a Social Security number, and it took about 12 business days. Called the IRS after a week and they said they had it but were backd up. Not much you can do but wait.
What error did you get, if any? The online system usually giVes you the EIN immediately unless there's an issue with the name or address. Did you use a business name that's too similar to an existing one? That can trigger a review.
Weeks? I thought it was always instant online. Maybe you should check your spam folder or the confirmation page.
if you didn't get it on the confirmation screen, something is off. The IRS doesn't email it. You either see it right then or you haxve to wait for a letter or call. I'd call the Business & Specialty Tax Line and ask. Wait times are long but they can tell you if it's pending.
I applied online for a single-member LLC, and got it immediately. This was in March. But I've seen threads where people had to fax additional documentation and it took over a month. Depends on your situation.
No idea why some go through instantly and others don't. I filed last year and got it right away, but my brother filed a month later and never saw the number online. He ended up calling and they gave it to him over the phoone. Took him three days to get through though.