Get Your EIN
Fast, Accurate, Compliant.
An Employer Identification Number is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal taxes, and establish your business’s identity with the IRS. Manay CPA obtains your EIN from the IRS on your behalf — including for non-U.S. nationals who cannot apply online.
- EIN registration for U.S. residents and non-U.S. nationals
- Fast processing with direct IRS submission
- Required for business banking, payroll, and federal tax filing
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What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number — also called a Federal Tax Identification Number — is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity for federal tax purposes. It functions as the business equivalent of a Social Security number, and it is required for virtually every business activity that involves the federal government or a financial institution.
Every corporation, LLC, partnership, and nonprofit must have an EIN. Sole proprietors who hire employees or operate certain types of businesses also need one. Without an EIN, a business cannot open a bank account, process payroll, file a federal business tax return, or apply for most business licenses and permits.
Steps
Eligibility Review
We confirm your entity type, ownership structure, and residency status to determine the correct EIN application method — online, by fax, or by mail — for your specific situation.
Application Preparation
We prepare your Form SS-4 with accurate information about your business structure, responsible party, and intended use of the EIN, ensuring the application is complete and correctly classified.
IRS Submission
We submit your EIN application directly to the IRS through the appropriate channel and manage the process from submission through issuance, including any follow-up required by the IRS.
EIN Delivery and Setup
We deliver your EIN confirmation letter and assist with the initial steps that require it — business bank account opening, state tax registrations, and payroll setup — so your business is operational immediately.
Table of Contents
Who Is Required to Obtain an EIN
Most business entities in the United States are required to obtain an EIN. This includes all corporations, all multi-member LLCs, all partnerships, all nonprofit organizations, and any business that has or plans to hire employees. Single-member LLCs that have no employees and are taxed as sole proprietors are not technically required to obtain an EIN, but it is strongly recommended in order to open a business bank account and avoid using a Social Security number for business purposes.
Foreign nationals and international business owners who do not have a Social Security number cannot apply for an EIN online through the IRS website. They must apply by fax or by mail using Form SS-4, a process that Manay CPA manages for international clients as a routine part of every business formation engagement.
The EIN Is Used for Far More Than Just Taxes
While the EIN is best known as a tax identification number, its uses extend well beyond tax filing. Banks require an EIN to open a business checking account. The EIN is required on all payroll documents, W-2s, and 1099s issued to employees and contractors. It is required on applications for business licenses, permits, and many state tax registrations.
In practice, the EIN functions as the primary identifier for your business across all federal and many state interactions. Obtaining it correctly and promptly at formation — with the correct entity type and responsible party information — prevents downstream complications with banking, payroll, and tax filing that can be difficult and time-consuming to correct later.
The Responsible Party Designation Matters
When applying for an EIN, the IRS requires identification of a responsible party — the individual who controls, manages, or directs the entity and its funds. For most small businesses, this is the owner. The responsible party must provide their Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number on the application.
The IRS made changes to its responsible party rules in 2019 that affect who can serve in this role. Getting this designation wrong at the time of application can cause problems when the business later needs to update its EIN information or apply for IRS programs. Manay CPA ensures the responsible party is correctly identified before the application is submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions about EIN
How long does it take to get an EIN?
U.S. citizens and residents who apply online through the IRS website can obtain an EIN immediately upon submission. For foreign nationals who must apply by fax, the IRS typically processes the application within four business days. Applications submitted by mail can take four to six weeks. Manay CPA uses the fastest available method for each client’s situation.
Can a foreign national without a Social Security number get an EIN?
Yes. Foreign nationals who do not have a Social Security number can obtain an EIN by submitting Form SS-4 to the IRS by fax or by mail, with the responsible party section completed using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if one has been issued. If the foreign national has neither an SSN nor an ITIN, the form must be faxed or mailed with a written explanation. Manay CPA manages this process for international clients.
Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?
A single-member LLC that has no employees and is taxed as a sole proprietor is not technically required to have an EIN for federal tax purposes. However, most banks require an EIN to open a business bank account, and using an EIN rather than a Social Security number for business transactions protects your personal information. Manay CPA recommends that all LLCs obtain an EIN at formation regardless of their size.
What happens if I made an error on my EIN application?
If incorrect information was submitted on your EIN application — such as the wrong entity type or an incorrect responsible party — the correction must be made by contacting the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line. Depending on the nature of the error, an amended Form SS-4 may need to be submitted. Manay CPA reviews every application carefully before submission to prevent errors.
Can I apply for an EIN myself, or do I need a CPA?
Anyone can apply for an EIN directly with the IRS. However, errors in the application — particularly in the entity type classification or responsible party designation — can create tax complications that are difficult to correct. For international applicants, the process is more complex and requires fax or mail submission. Manay CPA ensures the application is completed correctly the first time.
Do you have other questions?
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