Getting an EIN for your Florida LLC is free, and if you apply online at IRS.gov you get the number in 5-10 minutes. Apply right after Florida approves your Articles of Organization, because the bank will ask for it before it opens your business account.
The name is misleading. It’s an “employer” identification number, but you’ll want one even if you never hire anyone.
What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number is a unique nine-digit number the IRS assigns to identify your business for tax purposes. It looks like XX-XXXXXXX (for example, 12-3456789). You’ll also see it called a Federal Tax ID Number, a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. You use it to file federal tax returns, open business bank accounts, apply for business credit cards and loans, hire employees and report payroll taxes, register for state taxes and fill out W-9 forms for clients.
Does your Florida LLC need an EIN?
Almost certainly. The IRS requires one if your LLC:
- Has more than one member
- Will hire employees
- Elects to be taxed as a corporation (S-corp or C-corp)
- Has any excise tax obligations
- Files employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms returns
A single-member LLC with no employees could technically use the owner’s SSN instead. We’d still get the EIN. Without one, your SSN goes on every W-9 you hand a client, which is an identity theft risk, and you can’t build business credit under the LLC’s own identity. An EIN keeps your SSN private and keeps business and personal records separate. It’s free and takes minutes, so there’s little reason to skip it.
How do you get an EIN for a Florida LLC?
There are four ways to apply. All of them are free.
| Method | How long it takes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Immediate | Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-10:00 PM ET |
| Fax | 4 business days | Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935 |
| 4-6 weeks | Form SS-4 to the IRS address for your state | |
| Phone | Immediate | International applicants only, (267) 941-1099 |
Apply online unless you can’t. It’s just as free and weeks faster than mail.
Applying online, step by step
- Go to the IRS EIN application at irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online.
- Choose “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” as the entity type and enter the number of members.
- Enter the LLC’s legal name (exactly as filed with Florida), your Florida business address, the county and state where the LLC was formed, the formation date, and the reason you’re applying (started a new business).
- Identify the responsible party: the name and SSN or ITIN of a member or manager who has authority to control the LLC’s funds.
- Answer the business questions: expected number of employees, the first date wages will be paid (if any) and your principal business activity.
- Get your EIN. It’s assigned immediately. Download and save the confirmation notice (CP 575) before you close the page.
Fax, mail and phone
For fax or mail, download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov and fill it out. Faxed applications go to (855) 641-6935, and the EIN comes back by fax within 4 business days. Mailed applications go to the IRS address for your state, and the EIN comes back by mail in 4-6 weeks.
The phone option is only for applicants outside the US. Call (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free) between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM Eastern Time.
What do you need before you apply?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| LLC legal name | Exactly as registered with Florida |
| LLC address | Physical Florida street address |
| Formation date | Date the Articles of Organization were approved |
| Responsible party | Name and SSN/ITIN of a member or manager |
| Member information | How many members the LLC has |
| Business activity | Primary purpose of the business |
The responsible party must be an individual, not another business, with authority over the LLC’s finances.
Does the LLC’s tax structure change anything?
It changes whether the EIN is optional and which return you file with it.
| LLC structure | EIN | Tax return |
|---|---|---|
| Single-member LLC | Recommended, not always required | Can report under your SSN (but shouldn’t) |
| Multi-member LLC | Required, can’t use an individual SSN | Partnership return, Form 1065 |
| LLC taxed as S-corp | Required | Form 1120-S, with payroll for owner-employees |
| LLC taxed as C-corp | Required | Form 1120, subject to corporate taxation |
A single-member LLC also needs an EIN as soon as it elects S-corp taxation or hires employees.
What should you do once you have the EIN?
Save the CP 575 confirmation right away. It’s your official IRS documentation, and banks ask for it. Keep a copy with your LLC formation documents plus a digital backup. Add the EIN to your operating agreement, and to invoices or business cards where you need it.
Then put it to work:
- Open a business bank account. Bring the EIN confirmation, your Articles of Organization and your operating agreement.
- Register for Florida sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services. You’ll use the EIN on the DR-1 application.
- If you’re hiring, set up payroll tax accounts with the EIN and register with the Florida Department of Revenue.
How do you protect your EIN?
Treat it like your SSN. Keep the confirmation stored securely, give the number out only when there’s a real reason (official business documents, a client’s W-9), and never give it to an unknown caller claiming to be the IRS. Don’t post it publicly or put it on marketing materials.
Your EIN does show up publicly through certain IRS filings, but that’s no reason to spread it further than you need to.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an EIN cost?
Nothing, if you get it directly from the IRS. Be wary of third-party websites that charge for this free service.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online applications get an EIN immediately. Fax takes 4 business days. Mail takes 4-6 weeks.
Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is approved?
No. You need your LLC’s formation date and exact legal name, so apply after Florida approves your Articles of Organization.
What if I make a mistake on my EIN application?
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 to request corrections.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC’s name?
Generally no. A name change doesn’t require a new EIN. Changes in ownership structure might.
Does my single-member LLC need an EIN?
It’s not always legally required, but we strongly recommend one for banking, privacy and professionalism.
What if I lose my EIN?
Call the IRS at (800) 829-4933. They can look it up after verifying your identity.
Let IncCraft get your EIN
The EIN application is included in IncCraft’s Standard and Premium packages at no additional fee. We apply the same day your LLC is approved and put the confirmation in your dashboard, so you can open your business bank account without waiting.
Already have an LLC? We can help you get your EIN. Call (352) 557-9713.