Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
We know dealing with the IRS can be intimidating, but getting an EIN for your LLC doesn’t have to be scary.
This page explains what an EIN is and we provide step-by-step instructions on getting an EIN for free for a Florida LLC.
What is an EIN Number?
EIN stands for Employer Identification Number and is assigned to your LLC by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a division within the federal government.
The EIN identifies your business to the IRS, the same way a Social Security Number identifies a person. You could also think of the EIN as your “account number” with the IRS.
Note: An EIN is not issued by the Florida Secretary of State or SunBIZ. It is only issued by the IRS.
Don't have an LLC yet? Hire Northwest to form your LLC for $39 + state fee (then add EIN to your order).
Have an LLC, but no EIN? Hire Northwest to get your EIN:
I have an SSN | I don't have an SSN
EIN Synonyms
You might see your EIN Number referred to in many different ways. They all mean the same thing, though.
Other terms for an EIN include:
- EIN Number
- Employer Identification Number
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Federal Tax ID Numbers
- Florida Federal Tax ID Number
- Federal Tax Identification Number
Note: An EIN Number is not the same thing as a Florida Tax ID Number. An EIN is issued by the IRS. And a Florida Tax ID Number is issued by the Florida Department of Revenue.
What’s an EIN used for?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used by several different government agencies to identify your LLC.
Having an EIN for your Florida Limited Liability Company lets you:
- Open an LLC business bank account
- File federal, state, and local tax returns
- File Florida income tax
- Obtain business lines of credit or business loans
- Get a business credit card for your LLC
- Apply for business licenses or permits
- Handle employee payroll (if applicable)
How much does it cost to get an EIN?
Applying for an EIN for your Florida LLC is completely free. The IRS doesn’t charge any service fees for the EIN online application.
When should you get an EIN?
Don’t apply for an EIN until your Florida LLC is approved.
Tip: If you applied for an EIN before your LLC is approved, or made another mistake, please see our FAQs below. We explain how to fix the most common EIN mistakes.
How do I file an EIN Application for my Florida LLC?
Important: Make sure you finalize how many LLC Members you have before you apply for an EIN. Changing from a Single-Member LLC to a Multi-Member LLC (or vice versa) requires filing paperwork with the IRS and the state. Additionally, you’ll need to transfer LLC ownership, amend your Operating Agreement, and update your accountant (since your tax filing will change).
Note: An LLC doesn’t stand for Limited Liability Corporation. It stands for Limited Liability Company.
Apply for an EIN (US Citizens and US Residents)
We recommend applying for an EIN online if you have a SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
This is the easiest filing method and it has the fastest approval time. Your EIN Number will be issued at the end of the online application, which takes about 15 minutes to complete.
We have step-by-step instructions on this page:
How to apply for an EIN online
Note: You can also apply for an EIN by mail or fax, but this is really slow compared to the online filing. We only recommend this if you get an error message (called an EIN reference number) and the IRS says that you have to.
Apply for an EIN (Non-US residents)
If you’re a non-US resident (and don’t have an SSN or ITIN), you can still get an EIN for your Florida LLC. You just can’t apply for a Federal tax EIN online.
Instead, you need to mail or fax Form SS-4 to the IRS. The SS-4 is the application form. We have step-by-step instructions on this page:
How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN
Note: If you’ve read somewhere that you have to hire a third party designee, this is not true. You can obtain your EIN yourself without using a third party designee.
EIN Approval (EIN Confirmation Letter)
Once the IRS issues an EIN for your Florida LLC, you will receive your official approval, known as an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575). This contains the nine-digit number assigned to your LLC (your EIN).
The method you use to apply for an EIN will determine how you receive your EIN Confirmation Letter. If you apply online, you can download the EIN Confirmation Letter at the end. If you mail or fax SS-4, the IRS mails your EIN Confirmation Letter.
Here is what the EIN Confirmation Letter looks like:
LLC Business Bank Account
After getting an EIN, you can open business bank accounts for your Florida LLC. The bank will need your EIN Confirmation Letter (or EIN Verification Letter) to open the account.
Please see business bank account for LLC for a list of recommended banks (and the documents you should bring).
If you’re a non-US resident, you can still open a US bank account for your LLC. Please see this page: Non-US resident opening US bank account for an LLC
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Contact Information
If you have any questions, you can call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-829-4933. Their office hours are 7am – 7pm, Monday through Friday.
Use these options to speak to a live person:
- Press option 1 for English.
- Then press option 1 for Employer Identification Numbers.
- Then press option 3 for “If you already have an EIN, but you can’t remember it, etc.”
Note: Pressing option 3 is the only way to get a live person.
We recommend calling the IRS right after they open to avoid long hold times.
The IRS won’t give you legal guidance, legal services, or tax advice, but they will answer questions about the EIN application process.
EIN Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Single-Member LLC need an EIN?
You may have seen other articles online say that Single-Member LLCs don’t need an EIN. While this is technically true, it’s bad advice.
Having an EIN can protect you from identity theft, and you’ll need an EIN for other things – not just federal tax purposes. Your Florida LLC needs an EIN to:
- Open an LLC business bank account
- Obtain business lines of credit or business loans
- Get a business credit card
- Apply for business licenses or permits
- Handle employee payroll (if applicable)
Plus, getting an EIN is free and takes just 10 minutes online. Said another way, we strongly recommend getting an EIN for your Single-Member LLC.
Does a Multi-Member LLC need an EIN?
Yes, all Multi-Member LLCs are required to get an EIN from the IRS. This is because it’s required by the Internal Revenue Code.
Do I need an EIN for my DBA?
No. A DBA can’t have an EIN. Remember, a DBA is just a nickname for a business or a person(s).
However, the business or person(s) that owns the DBA may need an EIN.
DBA owned by an LLC
If you have an LLC, your LLC needs its own EIN.
If your LLC has a DBA, don’t get an EIN for the DBA. The DBA is just a nickname for your LLC, and the IRS doesn’t recognize DBAs.
DBA owned by individual(s)
If you registered a DBA, but didn’t form a legal entity (like an LLC), then you’re operating a Sole Proprietorship (1 owner) or a General Partnership (2 or more owners).
Sole Proprietorship: Your Florida Sole Proprietorship (with or without a DBA) isn’t required to have an EIN, but it’s optional.
General Partnership: Your Florida General Partnership (with or without a DBA) must get an EIN. It’s required by the IRS.
Again, in both cases, the DBA itself doesn’t get the EIN. It’s the underlying business entity that gets the EIN.
Do I need an EIN for an LLC with no employees?
Yes, you should still get an EIN for your Florida business even if you don’t hire employees.
Even though it’s called an Employer Identification Number, it doesn’t mean you have to have employees. Again, the EIN Number is just a way for the IRS to identify your business.
(Note: If you are the only owner in your business, you are not considered an employee. You are simply the owner.)
How should a husband and wife LLC get an EIN?
In most states, husband and wife LLCs can only be treated as a Multi-Member LLC taxed as a Partnership.
However, in community property states, married couples can choose between:
- Husband and wife LLC taxed as a Partnership
- Husband and wife LLC taxed as a Single-Member LLC (aka Qualified Joint Venture)
Florida is not a community property state. So Florida husband and wife LLCs can’t choose to be taxed as a Qualified Joint Venture (Single-Member LLC).
How you complete your EIN application determines the LLC’s tax status. For more information, please see Husband and Wife LLC (Qualified Joint Venture).
Common EIN mistakes and how to fix them
How do I find my EIN number online?
If you lose your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575), or forget to download it online, you can’t get another one.
However, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C), and you can use that instead.
Both forms are accepted by everyone (including banks and the state government).
I thought applying for my EIN is what forms my LLC, right?
No, just getting an EIN from the IRS doesn’t form an LLC. LLCs aren’t formed with the IRS. They are formed with your state.
You are supposed to form an LLC in your state, and then apply for an EIN (aka Federal Tax ID Number).
If you’ve been operating your business by having an EIN and have not formed an LLC, you have unknowingly been operating as a Sole Proprietorship and the EIN is “attached” to you, personally.
Said another way, the EIN is not connected to your company – because the company (the LLC) hasn’t been formed.
If you want to have your company be an LLC: First, form an LLC, wait for it to be approved, and then apply for a new EIN. Later you can cancel your first EIN.
What if I applied for an EIN before my LLC was approved?
If your LLC gets approved (using the name you listed on your EIN application), there is nothing to worry about. As long as the name on your EIN Confirmation Letter matches your LLC name, then you can use that EIN for your LLC.
If your LLC is rejected, then you need to refile with the state and wait for your new LLC name to be approved. Then get a new EIN from the IRS. And cancel the old EIN.
How do I cancel an EIN?
If you need to cancel your EIN Number, you need to mail a cancellation letter to the IRS.
We have instructions and the cancellation letter here: How to cancel an EIN.
References
IRS: About LLCs
IRS: Taxation of LLCs
IRS: Employer ID Numbers
IRS: Apply for an EIN Online
IRS: Understanding Your EIN
IRS: Do You Need a New EIN?
IRS: About Single-Member LLCs
IRS: Links for Small Businesses in Florida
Code of Federal Regulations: Section 422.112
Code of Federal Regulations: Section 25.169
Code of Federal Regulations: Section 40.361
Code of Federal Regulations: Section 24.47
Code of Federal Regulations: Section 301.7701-3
Code of Federal Regulations: Section 301.6109-1
Florida Tax Workshops, Meetings and Seminars
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Florida LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Florida LLC
Greetings,
I have an EIN for my Florida based LLC which will be an e-commerce based business. Do I need a TIN or will the EIN work for both identification numbers?
Thanks,
Jerry Eaton
Hi Gerald, please see understanding Tax Identification Numbers. An EIN is a type of TIN. Hope that helps!
If I register with Sunbiz, then do I have to register with the IRS?
Hi James, if you are forming an LLC in Florida, the LLC is formed with the Florida Department of State (Florida Division of Corporations/SunBiz). Then you obtain an EIN for your LLC by applying for one with the IRS. Hope that helps answer your question.
Hi Matt,
Thanks for your lessons! Great job very helpful!
My LLC has 2 members. One has SSN and I am as Foreign Nationals without ITIN. Is it allowed to get EIN if only one member has SSN or I have to get my ITIN? and then get EIN?
I apologize in advance for my English.
Hi Nikita, thank you for the kind words! Yes, you are correct. Only 1 EIN Responsible Party is needed for the LLC. Either one of you can be the Responsible Party since you don’t need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. We’ve since updated this page with 3 different sets of instructions on how to get an EIN for your LLC. Hope that helps!
Hello,
We are 3 members and we have the llc,
When we do the EIN the site recommends to do as a partnership, and then we did so, but then the site gives only option to select individual!
Could you please advise how to get EIN for multi-members LLC?
Hi Mag, that “individual” is the EIN Responsible Party for the LLC. The LLC will still be taxed as a Partnership. Hope that helps!
I already have my LLC and got my EIN by fax over a month ago and until now, the EIN does not appear in the sunbiz website… is there any procedure or anything I must do for it to appear there? Is it normal to take that long? Can I open a bank account only with the fax I received?
Hi Thais, I’m guessing you’re assuming that the IRS notifies the Florida Department of State after they issue your LLC an EIN, correct? If so, that’s not how it works. The IRS doesn’t contact the state to give them your LLC’s EIN. If desired, that needs to be done by you. If a filer wants to disclose their LLC’s EIN on their state record, you can enter your EIN when you complete your Annual Report next year. Also keep in mind that you’re not required to disclose your EIN to the Florida Department of State, however, something does need to be entered into that field (in the FL Annual Report filing). If you’d rather not disclose your EIN, you can just enter “Applied for” or “None”. And yes, you can certainly open an LLC bank account with your fax from the IRS. Hope that helps!
I have already created/registered my new LLC on sunbiz in FL. I want to use it for my side business for repairs, and I am the sole member/owner/manager. I see that you can use a SSN or register for a EIN, so I wonder what is the difference? If I do the EIN, then my LLC taxes are filed separately from my personal taxes correct? And if I do not apply for the EIN, then all my earnings (personal and LLC) are combined and filed together? Sorry I am a little confused.
Hi Lashley, first, we recommend hiring an accountant as that should take the worry out filing your taxes correctly. And no, whether or not you get an EIN does not affect how your taxes are filed. Single-Member LLCs are by default taxed like a Sole Proprietorship. Meaning, instead of filing a separate federal-level corporate return (like an 1120 or 1120S), your business incomes, expenses, credits, and deductions are usually listed on a Schedule C, which is a part of your personal 1040 federal income return. The amount of tax you pay is the exactly the same. Also check out how are LLCs taxed. Hope that helps!
all was great, helped a lot, got it all done, thanks Mat.
Awesome. Glad to hear hear Jorge. Best wishes with your business!
I would like to have one LLC, but I would like to have several tradenames under the one. How do I register multiple tradenames under the LLC?
Hi Ann, you would form an LLC with the state of Florida, wait for it to be approved, and then get your Federal Tax ID Number. Once you have all that, you would file your Tradenames (known as Fictitious Names in Florida) with the Department of State. Please see here: Florida Fictitious Name Registration. There is a portion of the filing where you list the owner. Don’t enter your name, but below that, you’ll see a spot to enter your existing LLC. You would just repeat the process for each Fictitious Name you need to register. Florida Fictitious Names cost $50 each to register and must be renewed every 5 years. We don’t have a lesson on this yet, but there is information and instructions on the link I provided.
I found the following text on LegalZoom:
“Single-member LLCs
LLC owners are called “members.” Single-member LLCs may or may not need an EIN. If your LLC is a home-based business and you act as owner, manager, director and maintenance department, you are not required to have an EIN. You can simply elect to be treated as a sole proprietorship for tax purposes and use your social security number as your LLC EIN.
”
My LLC is home-based and is used solely for a rental property at a different address. I have no employees. In Florida, do I need an EIN or can I just use my SSN?
Thanks
Hey Karen, yes, you can use your SSN as a single-member LLC, but you will need an EIN when opening an LLC bank account. Additionally, most people prefer using an EIN wherever possible for privacy and identity theft reasons. Hope that helps.
I have not yet received the LLC approval letter yet by mail, but I do see that the LLC is Active with all my information and document number when I looked it up in the sunbiz website.. Is this sufficient enough for me to apply for the new EIN? Also, I have a EIN that is listed as sole proprietorship that has never been used. Do I have to dissolve this first before applying for the new LLC EIN, or can I apply and then dissolve it? Thank you…
Hey Joe, apologies for the slow reply. Your comment accidentally went into the spam folder. If the LLC is approved on SunBiz, you are good to apply for the EIN. The LLC’s approval (stamped and approved copy of your Articles of Organization) always takes a few business days before it’s sent to you. And no, you don’t have to close out your existing EIN first before applying for a new one. Hope that helps! When you’re ready to close out that old EIN, we have instructions for you here: Cancel EIN