You can get an EIN for a Texas LLC free from the IRS in about 15 minutes, as long as you apply online after Texas approves your Certificate of Formation. The number is issued the moment you finish. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business: it’s what the IRS, your bank and your vendors use to identify the LLC.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is nine digits in the format XX-XXXXXXX, for example 12-3456789. You’ll also see it called a Federal Tax ID Number, a Federal Employer Identification Number or an FEIN. They’re all the same thing.
Does your Texas LLC need an EIN?
The IRS requires one if your LLC has employees, has more than one member (and so is taxed as a partnership), files employment, excise or alcohol/tobacco/firearms returns, or withholds tax on income paid to non-resident aliens.
A single-member LLC with no employees isn’t strictly required to have one. Get it anyway. Most banks won’t open a business account without it, vendors often ask for a tax ID, and it lets you build business credit and keep your Social Security Number off invoices and forms. It’s free and it takes minutes.
What do you need before you apply?
First, a formed LLC. The IRS won’t issue an EIN until the LLC legally exists, so wait for Texas to approve your Certificate of Formation. Then have these ready:
- The LLC’s legal name exactly as filed with Texas, including “LLC”
- The principal place of business address
- The responsible party’s name and SSN or ITIN
- The formation date (when Texas approved your Certificate of Formation)
- Whether the LLC has one member or several
- Your reason for applying, such as starting a new business or hiring employees
Who is the responsible party?
The individual who controls, manages or directs the LLC and its funds. In a single-member LLC, that’s the owner. In a multi-member LLC it’s a managing member or manager, and in a manager-managed LLC it’s the designated manager.
The responsible party has to be an individual (not another business), with a valid SSN or ITIN and authority over the LLC’s finances. The IRS uses this person to track who controls the entity, verify identity and send tax correspondence. Only one person applies, representing the LLC.
How to get an EIN for a Texas LLC online
Use the IRS EIN Online Application. It’s available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Click “Apply Online Now.”
- Select “Limited Liability Company” as the entity type.
- Confirm you’re the responsible party or an authorized representative.
- Enter the LLC’s information.
- Enter the responsible party’s information.
- Review everything and confirm.
- Get your EIN on the spot.
- Download and save the confirmation letter (CP 575).
The whole thing takes 10-15 minutes. Step 8 is the one to take seriously. The IRS doesn’t automatically replace a lost confirmation letter, and your bank will ask for it. Save a copy with your business records the same day.
Can you apply by fax or mail?
Yes, using Form SS-4, but there’s rarely a reason to.
| Method | Where to send it | Time to receive EIN |
|---|---|---|
| Online | IRS online application | Immediate |
| Fax | (855) 641-6935 (within the U.S.) | 4 business days |
| Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 | 4-5 weeks |
Apply online unless you can’t. The main exception is a responsible party without an SSN or ITIN: you can’t use the online application, but international applicants can apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 with their foreign identification.
What should you do once you have it?
Save the confirmation letter, add the EIN to your LLC records, and open your business bank account. From then on, use the EIN (not your SSN) for business purposes: federal tax returns, Texas franchise tax filings, bank accounts, contracts and vendor applications, hiring and credit applications.
Your EIN is federal. Texas has its own number for state taxes.
| Number | Issued by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | IRS | Federal taxes, banking |
| Texas Taxpayer ID | Texas Comptroller | State franchise tax |
You’ll receive your Texas Taxpayer Number when you file your first Texas Franchise Tax report.
When do you need a new EIN?
Generally, you keep the same EIN for the life of the LLC. Adding or removing members doesn’t change it. You do need a new one if:
- The LLC becomes a corporation
- A sole proprietorship incorporates or forms an LLC
- A partnership becomes a sole proprietorship
- A new partnership is formed
That second one catches people. If you’ve been a sole proprietor with your own EIN and you form an LLC, the LLC needs a new EIN, even if it’s single-member.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything?
No. The IRS issues EINs for free. Never pay a third party just to “get your EIN.” It’s a free government service, so apply directly.
Can I apply before my LLC is formed?
No. Form your Texas LLC first, then apply.
What mistakes should I avoid?
The common ones are applying before Texas approves the LLC, entering a name that doesn’t exactly match your Certificate of Formation, and losing the confirmation letter.
Get your Texas LLC and EIN together
The order matters: approval first, EIN second, bank account third. IncCraft includes the EIN application with every Texas LLC formation package, so we file your Certificate of Formation and obtain your EIN for you.
Start your Texas LLC with IncCraft today.