Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) takes about 5 minutes and costs exactly $0. The IRS gives them out for free through a straightforward online application. You don’t need a service, a lawyer, or an accountant to get one.
That said, plenty of websites will happily charge you $50–$100 to “apply for your EIN.” Don’t pay. This guide shows you exactly how to do it yourself.
Do You Need an EIN?
An EIN is your business’s tax identification number — the equivalent of a Social Security number, but for your business. The IRS uses it to identify your business entity for tax purposes.
You’re required to have one if:
- Your LLC has more than one member
- You have employees (or plan to hire)
- Your business is structured as a corporation or partnership
- You’re required to file certain federal tax returns (excise, employment, etc.)
You’re not technically required to have one if you’re a single-member LLC with no employees — in that case, you can use your personal Social Security number. But you probably shouldn’t.
Here’s why: every time you hand over a W-9 to a client, fill out a vendor application, or open accounts with suppliers, you’d be writing your SSN on business paperwork. An EIN keeps your Social Security number off those forms entirely.
You’ll also need an EIN to:
- Open a business bank account (most Virginia banks require it)
- Apply for business credit
- File certain tax returns at the state and federal level
Short version: just get one. It’s free, takes five minutes, and you’ll need it eventually anyway.
How to Apply for an EIN Online (Step by Step)
The online application is by far the fastest option — you get your EIN the same day, usually within minutes of submitting.
Go directly to https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. That’s the only legitimate URL for this. If you end up somewhere else, back out.
Warning: Scam websites are designed to look like official IRS pages. Some rank high in search results and charge $50–$100+ to “process” your EIN application. The IRS charges nothing. Before entering any information, confirm the URL contains irs.gov — not irs-ein.com, ein-application.org, or anything similar. Those are not the IRS.
Here’s how the application works:
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Click “Apply Online Now” to begin. The application opens as a guided interview — it walks you through each step.
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Select your entity type. Choose the structure that matches your Virginia business: LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, etc. If you’ve formed an LLC with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), select LLC.
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Choose the number of members (for LLCs). Single-member or multi-member — this affects how your LLC is taxed by default.
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Enter the responsible party. This is the person who controls, manages, or directs the entity — typically the owner. You’ll need to provide their Social Security number or ITIN. This information goes to the IRS and is not public.
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Enter your business name and address. Use the exact legal name of your Virginia LLC as it appears in your SCC filing. Use your Virginia business address.
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Select your reason for applying. For a new business, choose “Started a new business.”
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Answer questions about your business activities. The application asks what your business does (retail, services, construction, etc.) and how many employees you expect in the next 12 months. These questions determine your filing requirements going forward — answer them accurately.
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Submit. Your EIN appears on screen immediately. Don’t close the window before saving it.
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Print or download your confirmation. The IRS will show you a confirmation page you can print. You’ll also receive a CP 575 confirmation letter by mail within a few weeks. Keep both. Some banks require the CP 575 letter — not just the number — when you open a business bank account.
Total time: 5–10 minutes for most applicants.
Availability: The online application runs Monday through Friday, 7am to 10pm Eastern time. It’s not available on weekends or federal holidays.
Alternative Application Methods
If you can’t use the online application for some reason, there are three other options:
| Method | How | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Fax | Complete Form SS-4, fax to (855) 641-6935 | ~4 business days |
| Complete Form SS-4, mail to the IRS | 4–5 weeks | |
| Phone | Call (267) 941-1099 — international applicants only | Same call |
There’s no practical reason to use fax or mail if you have internet access. The online application is faster, free of errors from manual transcription, and delivers your EIN immediately.
The phone option is only for applicants who don’t have a legal residence or principal place of business in the United States.
After You Get Your EIN
A few things to do once you have your number:
Save your CP 575. The IRS mails this confirmation letter to your business address a few weeks after you apply online. It’s the official documentation of your EIN. Some banks will accept a printed screen confirmation to open your account; others want the actual CP 575. File it with your other business formation documents.
Lost your EIN? Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933, Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm local time. They can look it up and confirm your number. You can also find it on any previously filed federal tax return, or on the original CP 575 letter.
Use your EIN everywhere. Going forward, use your EIN — not your SSN — on all business tax forms, invoices, 1099s, W-9s, and vendor applications. That’s the whole point.
One EIN is enough. You don’t need a separate EIN for Virginia state taxes or for operating in multiple states. A single federal EIN covers your business everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EIN free?
Yes. Always. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. If any website is asking you to pay for an EIN application, it is not the IRS. The only place to apply is irs.gov.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online: immediately — your EIN appears on screen after you submit. By fax: approximately 4 business days. By mail: 4–5 weeks. There’s no reason to wait if you apply online.
Can I get an EIN before my LLC is approved in Virginia?
Technically yes, but it’s better to wait. Once your LLC is approved by the SCC, you’ll have the exact legal name of your business. If you apply for an EIN before formation and something changes — a name conflict, a spelling correction — you may end up with a mismatch. Apply after you have your SCC approval in hand.
Does my Virginia sole proprietorship need an EIN?
Only if you have employees. If you’re a solo operator with no employees, you can file taxes using your SSN. That said, getting an EIN is still worth considering — it keeps your Social Security number off invoices and business documents, and you’ll need one if your business grows and you hire anyone.
Can I use my EIN to build business credit?
An EIN is the starting point for business credit, but having the number alone doesn’t build credit. You’ll also need a dedicated business bank account, trade credit accounts (net-30 vendors, business credit cards), and consistent on-time payments. Over time, that activity gets reported to business credit bureaus under your EIN. But it starts here.
What to Do Next
- Apply for your EIN at irs.gov — takes about 5 minutes, costs $0
- Print or save your confirmation page immediately
- Watch for your CP 575 in the mail — file it with your business documents
- Open your business bank account — you’ll need your EIN and typically your CP 575 or SCC filing documents
That’s it. The EIN is one of the least complicated parts of starting a business in Virginia. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise — or charge you for it.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified CPA or attorney for guidance specific to your situation.