> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pluvel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get your EIN

> Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS.

You just formed your LLC or corporation. Before you can open a business bank account, hire anyone, or file taxes, you need one more thing: an EIN.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax ID from the IRS. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. It takes about 5 minutes to get one, and it's completely free.

## Why you need an EIN

* **Open a business bank account** — Banks require an EIN. No exceptions.
* **Hire employees** — Needed for payroll tax reporting
* **File business taxes** — Goes on every tax return
* **Apply for business credit** — Credit applications ask for it
* **Work with clients** — Some clients need your EIN for their 1099 reporting

<Info>
  Single-member LLCs without employees can technically use the owner's SSN for taxes. But getting an EIN is still smart — it keeps your personal Social Security number off business documents and invoices.
</Info>

## When to apply

Apply after your company is formed and approved by the state. You'll need your formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation) to answer the questions.

## Apply online — the fast way

The IRS website is the quickest method. It's free, and you get your EIN immediately.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the IRS EIN Assistant">
    Visit [irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the application">
    Click "Apply Online Now" and then "Begin Application."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your entity type">
    Choose the one that matches your formation:

    * **Limited Liability Company** — For LLCs
    * **Corporation** — For C-Corps and S-Corps
    * **Non-Profit Organization** — For 501(c) organizations
  </Step>

  <Step title="Answer the questions">
    The IRS asks about:

    * Why you need an EIN
    * Number of members/shareholders
    * State of formation
    * Date business started (use your formation date)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the responsible party">
    This is the person who controls the business:

    * Full legal name
    * Social Security Number
    * Home address

    For single-member LLCs, that's you. For multi-member entities, typically the managing member or CEO.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter business information">
    * Legal business name (exactly as on formation documents — character for character)
    * Trade name / DBA (if you use a different name publicly)
    * Business address
    * Mailing address
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get your EIN instantly">
    After submitting, you'll see your EIN on screen. Save the confirmation letter — you'll need it to open bank accounts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Timing matters

The IRS online application is only available:

* **Monday–Friday:** 7 AM – 10 PM Eastern
* **Not available** on weekends or federal holidays

Try outside these hours and you'll have to apply by mail or fax.

## If you can't use online

Apply by mail or fax:

1. Download [Form SS-4](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf) from the IRS website
2. Complete the form
3. Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
4. Or fax to: (855) 641-6935

Processing time:

* **Fax:** 4 business days
* **Mail:** 4-5 weeks

## Add your EIN to Pluvel

Once you have your EIN:

1. Go to **Settings → Company → Tax Information**
2. Enter your EIN
3. Click **Save**

Your EIN will appear on invoices, W-9 forms, and tax documents generated by Pluvel.

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I apply before my company is formed?">
    No. The IRS requires your company to legally exist before issuing an EIN. Wait until you receive confirmation that your state has approved your formation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my EIN the same as my state tax ID?">
    No. Your EIN is federal — it's for the IRS. State tax IDs (for sales tax, state income tax, etc.) are separate and come from your state's tax agency.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I lose my EIN confirmation letter?">
    Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. They can verify your EIN over the phone after asking security questions. You can also find it on previous tax returns or bank statements.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need a new EIN if my business changes?">
    It depends:

    * **Name change only** — No, keep the same EIN
    * **New address** — No, keep the same EIN
    * **Convert LLC to corporation** — Yes, new EIN required
    * **Change in ownership structure** — Usually needs a new EIN
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I have multiple EINs?">
    Each legal entity needs its own EIN. If you have three companies (even under the same ownership), you need three EINs.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Open a bank account" icon="building-columns" href="/guides/money/connect-bank">
    Use your EIN and formation documents. Banks typically want both.
  </Card>

  <Card title="File your BOI report" icon="file-lines" href="/guides/formation/boi-report">
    Required within 90 days for most new companies. Don't miss this deadline.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>