How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN? Live Data & Analysis
Mail applications, using Form SS-4, typically take four to five weeks. Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued by the Social Security Administration to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. While SSNs aren’t business tax IDs, sole proprietors without employees can file taxes with them. Since SSNs are linked to personal tax records, they don’t require a separate tax ID application unless the business expands or hires employees. Still, using an EIN is recommended for added security and separation of business and personal finances.
- Whether you’re opening a bank account, filing taxes, or hiring employees, your EIN is a critical piece of your business identity.
- Having an EIN already in place allows you to act quickly when hiring opportunities arise.
- It allows you to operate in the US system, sign up for services like a US-based Stripe account or other payment provider, and access tools that require US business credentials.
- We’ve gone through the latest Reddit threads from 2025 to find real stories from foreign business owners and solo entrepreneurs who applied for their EINs through the IRS.
- Whether you’re applying from the US or overseas, this guide will help you set the right expectations and move forward with confidence.
- Working with a CFO in India who understands both Indian and US tax legislation can help Indian entrepreneurs navigate the process more smoothly and quickly.
She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks. Working with Bizee’s EIN service can get you your number within 1 business day if you provide your Social Security number. We’ve got experts available by phone to answer questions, 7 days a week. Hiring a CFO India might be a wise move if you intend to extend your firm into the United States. A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who is knowledgeable about both the Indian and US tax systems can help you get an EIN number more easily.
Run your business
In addition, it may be more beneficial to start the recruitment process after your EIN application is approved. Single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner’s Social Security Number for tax purposes. Multi-member LLCs always need an EIN since they’re taxed as partnerships by default.
How does an EIN protect my personal assets?
High volumes of applications at the IRS, particularly during peak tax seasons, may also result in longer processing queues. Issues with the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN, such as an incorrect number or a name that does not match IRS records, can further complicate the application. Before applying for an EIN, gather specific information for a smooth submission. You will need to identify the type of entity for which you are applying, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or Limited Liability Company (LLC). The reason for applying must also be determined, whether it is for starting a new business, hiring employees, or changing the entity type.
Sometimes your EIN might be listed on older forms, receipts, or third-party filings. If you don’t have a fax machine, you can use an online fax service (like Fax.Plus or HelloFax) to send your application digitally. But these services come at subscription rates, so be sure to do your research. These real-life experiences show just how varied EIN processing can be.
Who It’s For
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essentially your business’s Social Security Number. It’s your company’s permanent federal ID that follows you through every stage of business growth. If you are forming a legal entity (LLC, partnership, corporation or tax exempt organization), form your entity through your state before you apply for an EIN.
The rate of successful completion of the application process in your applications with us is 100%. In other words, thanks to our guidance, you can only send complete or correct documents to the IRS. In addition, you will not need to come to the USA from your country of residence for the EIN applications you make online. The critical thing in applications made to the IRS is that the documents are complete and up-to-date. It is also essential that the papers you declare during the application process are filled with the correct information. In this way, you can get answers to the question of how long does it take to get an EIN number, which will shorten the process.
Start Your Filing
You don’t need an EIN in order to form an LLC; it’s usually together. This is not an offer to, or implied offer, or a solicitation to, buy or sell any securities. The latest statement of financial condition for Brex Treasury LLC is available here. Brex’s spend management software is also integrated into the card, giving you real-time visibility into company spending. You’ll know instantly whether budgets are on track and can ensure every expense aligns with strategic goals. Getting your EIN is just the beginning of building your business’s financial foundation.
What is the EIN number?
- Its system maintains consistent performance and reliability every day of the year.
- In this way, you can get answers to the question of how long does it take to get an EIN number, which will shorten the process.
- The factors that dictate this depend on the situation and type of legal entity.
- The IRS typically processes mailed applications within four weeks, but this timeline can stretch longer.
But if you are looking for answers to the question of how long does it take to get an EIN number to shorten the process, you can get a consultancy service. Mailing your form to the IRS can take weeks just to arrive, and even longer for them to respond. The EIN waiting time mail route can stretch to 45+ days in 2025, depending on your location. If you’re forming an LLC or corporation in the US, you’ll often need to include your EIN in the paperwork. But most of the time, when people form an LLC or a corporation, they usually apply for an EIN at the same time or as part of the business registration process.
The entire process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll receive your nine-digit number immediately upon approval. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it might be more complicated for you to get an EIN for your business. You might not be able to apply for your EIN online; you might have to apply by phone (during designated hours) or by mail (which can take several weeks).
Once the IRS receives your completed SS-4 form by mail, it can take up to 4 weeks to process and issue your EIN. While the mail application method may not be the fastest way to obtain your EIN, it is still a reliable option for those who prefer traditional paperwork submission. Ein-itin.com is a brand of Cohen Investment LLC, act as a Certified Acceptance Agency. Ein-itin.com provides professional services to prepare and apply for an Individual Tax Identification How Long Will It Take To Get An Ein Number (ITIN) to submit through IRS.
Complete Form SS-4 just as you would for a mail application, ensuring all information is accurate and legible. They never expire, and the same number set is never reissued to another business, even if the original employer goes out of business. This permanence makes your EIN a foundational element of your business identity.
Nonetheless, there are numerous third-party services that charge anywhere from $50 to $300 for something you can do in minutes. These services simply fill out the same Form SS-4 that you could independently complete. Fax applications take about one week when you include a return fax number, or about two weeks without one. However, backlogs can stretch these timelines to several weeks or longer.