How to Register a Business & Get an EIN — LLC Formation Guide
To get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), apply online at irs.gov using the free EIN Assistant. The process takes 15 minutes and your EIN is issued instantly. First, register your business entity (LLC or corporation) with your state, then apply for the EIN.
Do you need an EIN?
You need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if:
- You form an LLC or corporation
- You plan to hire employees
- You operate as a partnership
- You file excise tax returns or pension plan returns
- You need to open a business bank account
Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number instead, but many choose to get an EIN anyway to keep personal and business finances separate.
What you'll need
To form an LLC or corporation with your state:
- Chosen business name (must be available and include "LLC" or "Inc.")
- Registered agent with a physical address in your state
- Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation)
- State filing fee (typically $40-$500 depending on state)
To apply for an EIN:
- Your business legal name and structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, etc.)
- Business formation date and state
- Responsible party's name and SSN or ITIN
- Business address (cannot be a P.O. box)
- Reason for applying (starting new business, hiring employees, etc.)
Step-by-step: Form your business entity
Choose your business structure
Decide between LLC (most common for small businesses), S-Corp, C-Corp, or sole proprietorship. LLCs offer liability protection with simpler tax filing.
Check name availability
Search your state's business registry to ensure your desired business name is available. Most states require "LLC" or "L.L.C." at the end of the name.
Choose a registered agent
A registered agent is a person or service with a physical address in your state who receives legal documents on behalf of your business. You can serve as your own agent.
File formation documents with your state
Submit Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) to your state's Secretary of State office. Most states allow online filing.
Wait for approval
Your state will review and approve your formation documents. You'll receive a stamped copy or certificate of formation.
Step-by-step: Get your EIN
Go to the IRS EIN Assistant
Visit irs.gov and search for "EIN Assistant" or navigate directly to the online application. The portal is only open Monday-Friday, 7:00am-10:00pm Eastern Time.
Complete the online interview
Answer questions about your business structure, formation date, industry, and responsible party. The interview takes 10-15 minutes.
Receive your EIN immediately
Upon completion, your EIN will display on screen. The system will generate Form CP 575 (EIN Confirmation Letter) as a PDF.
Save your CP 575 form
This confirmation letter is required to open business bank accounts and apply for business licenses. Print multiple copies and store the PDF securely.
How much does it cost?
State business registration costs by entity type:
| Entity Type | Typical State Fee Range | Annual Report Fee |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | $40 - $500 | $0 - $800/year |
| Corporation | $50 - $500 | $25 - $800/year |
| Sole Proprietor (DBA) | $10 - $100 | Usually none |
EIN application cost: $0 (Free)
The IRS does not charge any fee to apply for or receive an EIN, whether online, by fax, or by mail.
After you get your EIN
Once you have your EIN, you can:
- Open a business bank account: Most banks require your EIN, Articles of Organization, and CP 575
- Apply for business licenses: Check your city and county requirements
- Register for state taxes: Sales tax, unemployment insurance, withholding tax
- Hire employees: Set up payroll and withholding
- Apply for business credit: Build your business credit profile
Common mistakes to avoid
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