An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's tax ID number. You need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees. And despite what formation services would have you believe, getting one is completely free and takes about 10 minutes.
Why You Need an EIN
- Banking: Most banks require an EIN to open a business account.
- Taxes: Multi-member LLCs must have an EIN. Single-member LLCs can use the owner's SSN but should get an EIN anyway for privacy.
- Hiring: Required if you have employees.
- Contracts: Many clients and vendors require an EIN on W-9 forms.
How to Apply (Free, 10 Minutes)
Form your LLC the honest way
No hidden fees, no upsells. Sedes includes everything — formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent — starting at $29.
Start Free- Go to irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
- Click "Apply Online Now"
- Select "Limited Liability Company" as the entity type
- Enter the number of members
- Select why you need an EIN (usually "Started a new business")
- Enter the responsible party's name and SSN (this is typically the primary member)
- Enter your LLC's legal name and address
- Choose your fiscal year (most choose January)
- Review and submit
You will receive your EIN immediately on screen. Print or save the confirmation letter — you will need it to open your bank account.
When to Apply
Apply for your EIN after your LLC has been officially formed (Articles of Organization approved by the state). The IRS requires that your LLC already exists before issuing an EIN.
The online application is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time. Outside these hours, you can apply by mail using Form SS-4, but it takes 4-6 weeks.
Do Not Pay for This
Formation services charge $70–$99 to "file your EIN." They are filling out the same free form described above on your behalf. While there is nothing wrong with paying for convenience, you should know that the service itself is free from the IRS.
At Sedes, we handle EIN filing for you at no charge because it should be free. We believe in transparency about what things actually cost.
Start your LLC with Sedes
$29 all-in. Formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent included. No hidden fees. Ready in minutes.
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