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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.

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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
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.

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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.

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Apply online — the fast way

The IRS website is the quickest method. It’s free, and you get your EIN immediately.
1

Go to the IRS EIN Assistant

Visit irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
2

Start the application

Click “Apply Online Now” and then “Begin Application.”
3

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
4

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)
5

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.
6

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
7

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.

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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.

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If you can’t use online

Apply by mail or fax:
  1. Download Form SS-4 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

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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.

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Common questions

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.
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.
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.
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
Each legal entity needs its own EIN. If you have three companies (even under the same ownership), you need three EINs.

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What’s next

Open a bank account

Use your EIN and formation documents. Banks typically want both.

File your BOI report

Required within 90 days for most new companies. Don’t miss this deadline.