EIN cost: an EIN is free from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) costs $0. The IRS issues EINs free of charge, and its own guidance says so plainly: “You can get an EIN for free directly from the IRS in minutes. Apply online.” Any website charging you $50–$300 for an EIN is selling form-filling assistance, not the number — and a surprising share of new LLC owners pay it without realising the IRS route exists.
Your three free ways to get an EIN
Online — minutes
The IRS EIN Assistant issues the number immediately at the end of the session. Available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern. The responsible party needs a valid SSN or ITIN. You get one EIN per responsible party per day.
Form SS-4 by fax
The same free application on paper. Fax the completed SS-4 to the IRS number for your state; the IRS cites about four business days for a faxed application with a return fax number.
Form SS-4 by mail
Slowest — the IRS cites about four weeks — but it is the route for applicants without a US address or SSN/ITIN in some cases. Still free.
Do you even need an EIN?
- Required if you have employees, file excise returns, or the LLC has more than one member (partnership taxation).
- Practically required to open most business bank accounts, even for a single-member LLC.
- Optional for a single-member LLC with no employees — it can use the owner’s SSN — but most owners get one anyway to avoid handing out their SSN to clients and vendors.
Already paid a service?
The number they obtained for you is genuine — the IRS issued it; you simply paid for typing. There is nothing to redo, but there is also no ongoing relationship you need: the EIN is yours permanently, needs no renewal, and has no annual fee of any kind. Ignore any “EIN renewal” or “EIN maintenance” solicitation.
EIN sorted — what about the state charges?
The EIN is free; the state filing is not. See exactly what your state charges in the calculator: Open the LLC cost calculator →
Educational information only. LLC Cost Guide is not a law firm, accounting firm, or filing service, and nothing on this page is legal or tax advice. Fees and deadlines change; confirm the current figures with your Secretary of State (or Division of Corporations) before filing, and consult a licensed attorney or CPA for advice about your specific situation.