TingoTaxApplying for an EIN? The IRS application is free
Before paying an intermediary, check the official service requirements and prepare your business information.
Start with the official source
Starting a business involves important decisions. One may be applying for an employer identification number, or EIN. This federal guide is for people organizing a business in the United States. The IRS does not charge to issue an EIN. If you hire professional help, distinguish the adviser’s fee from the agency’s free application. This is not a promotion or a new tax benefit.
Check whether the online tool is right for you
The online application has eligibility requirements. The organization must have been formed in the United States or its territories and have its principal place of business there. You must be the responsible party or an authorized representative and have the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN. If you do not meet these requirements, review the official alternatives before starting. Do not enter someone else’s information to get around a requirement.
Prepare before starting the session
Determine the entity type and verify its legal name. If you are creating an LLC or corporation, the IRS says to form it with the state first. An EIN does not replace that step. Gather the requested information and allow time to finish in one session: you cannot save the application to complete it later.
Keep the result and protect your information
If approved, the system issues the EIN online. Keep the confirmation letter securely. Do not share identifiers or business documents in social media comments. If you already have an EIN, check when a new one is actually necessary rather than automatically applying again.
Your next step
Start at IRS.gov and review current instructions and tool availability. Reviewed October 20, 2026; this guide covers a federal procedure, not a rule limited to one tax year. Follow @tingotax for clear, practical tax education. TingoTax is independent of the IRS.