Is an EIN free? Yes, from the IRS

Yes, an EIN is free. The IRS: "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN." Its own online tool gets you one "directly from the IRS in minutes for free," and if the application is approved, "we'll issue your EIN immediately online." The IRS also warns: "Beware of websites that charge for an EIN." Start at irs.gov: Get an employer identification number.

• One sitting: "Complete the application in one session. You can't save it for later." It "expires after 15 minutes of inactivity."
• Who can use it: a business formed in the U.S. with its main place of business here, applied for by the responsible party (or its authorized representative), with that person's Social Security number or ITIN.
• One a day: "only 1 EIN per responsible party per day."
• Keep the letter: "Print your EIN confirmation letter for your records."

Hours (the IRS lists Eastern; Pacific alongside): Monday to Friday 6am to 1am the next day Eastern (3am to 10pm Pacific) · Saturday 6am to 9pm Eastern (3am to 6pm Pacific) · Sunday 6pm to midnight Eastern (3pm to 9pm Pacific).

From the IRS's own page, read November 4, 2026.

The IRS says: "If you are creating a corporation or LLC, form your entity through the secretary of state before you apply for an EIN. If you don't form your entity with the state first, your EIN application may be delayed." In California that's bizfile Online. The rest of the starter filings: the 4 filings to start a small business.

1. Skip the paid sites. Go straight to the IRS page; the EIN costs nothing.
2. Have ready: your business entity type and the responsible party's Social Security number or ITIN.
3. Do it in one sitting during the hours above, and print the confirmation letter.

Rather just ask? Text your question to PJ, a real person in Cardiff, and he answers it. Asking is free. Not sure which entity type to pick, or stuck on a screen? Text PJ a photo of the screen (cover the numbers) and he answers. Text PJ

• Letter Fix: PJ sits with you while you apply on irs.gov, step by step: $25 flat. The EIN itself stays free. He doesn't give tax or legal advice.

Text PJ (858) 461-8054

"It's about being nice and showing up." PJ, a real person in Cardiff and Solana Beach. Prices are set in one place and shown before anything starts.

Send this to a friend starting a business. The message is already written; you just pick who.

Text it to a friend starting a business

"An EIN is free from the IRS in minutes. The IRS says beware of websites that charge for one. How to do it:"

More for small businesses: the Statement of Information letter · Certificate of Status, $5 · labor law posters, free · Letter Fix

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