# The Easiest Way to Get an Employer Identification Number Secure your EIN to hire employees, set up a business bank account, and file taxes ## Essential for Filing Taxes, Hiring Help and Opening a Business Bank Account An EIN is the nine-digit Employer ID number, also called a Tax ID Number, that the IRS requires for many businesses, including those with multiple owners or employees. It’s used for the business to file taxes. Most banks require an EIN to open a business bank account. ### Separate your finances An EIN lets the IRS, banks, and credit cards track your business and personal finances separately, which helps organize your finances for tax time. ### Open a bank account An EIN is required by most banks and credit unions to open a bank account. Once an EIN is secured, you can open an account with the bank of your choice. ### Hire help anytime An EIN is required by the IRS for you to hire employees or offer benefits. It’s also required for all businesses that have more than one owner or meet other conditions set by the IRS. ## How our EIN service works We make obtaining Employer Identification Numbers easy and hassle-free. We will handle all of the paperwork to file for an EIN on your behalf using the business info you provided to file your LLC. 1. - Request an EIN when you register a business or set it up for an existing business from your dashboard. 2. - Our team files for your EIN with the IRS using the information you provide us during the sign up process. 3. - We will notify you when your EIN is ready and then provide help as needed to open your bank account. ### EIN FAQs #### What is an EIN and why do I need it? An EIN (Employer Identification Number) or federal tax ID is a unique 9-digit number assigned to a business by the IRS. An EIN allows the IRS, banks, credit card companies, and other institutions to track your business and personal finances separately. You need an EIN to file business taxes, hire employees, and open a business bank account. #### Which types of businesses must have an EIN? Many new business entities will need an EIN (Employer ID Number), sometimes called Tax ID Number. This includes corporations, partnerships, S corporations, non-profit organizations, many limited liabilities companies (LLCs), and certain sole proprietorships. An EIN is required to hire employees and, in most cases, to open a business bank account. #### How does an EIN protect my personal assets? An EIN helps establish that you and your business are separate entities, which helps preserve limited liability should your company ever be sued. Having an EIN is one more way to demonstrate to the courts that you are treating your business as a separate entity from yourself. #### Does EIN protect my privacy? An EIN prevents you from having to give your Social Security number to suppliers or lenders, which significantly reduces the risk of identity theft. #### How long does it take to obtain an EIN after the formation is completed? The EIN is typically obtained within 24 to 48 business hours after the formation is completed. However, if there are delays from the IRS, it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks. #### Can I use my personal Social Security Number (SSN) for my business’s EIN application? Yes, you can use your SSN, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or another EIN to apply for an EIN. #### Is an EIN included in the ZenBusiness Pro Package? Yes, an EIN is included in the ZenBusiness Pro Package which starts at $199 plus state fees and includes 1-day processing, an operating agreement, EIN, logo builder, a free quote from Next Insurance, and ongoing compliance support. #### How do I access my EIN on the ZenBusiness dashboard? Once the EIN is obtained, it is uploaded to the customer’s dashboard and can be found in the Business Profile section or the Documents section. #### Can I open a business bank account without an EIN? Most banks require an EIN for opening a business bank account. If you don’t have an EIN yet, you may need to wait until it’s processed and available. #### How do I apply for an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)? If you don’t have an SSN, you will need to fill out an SS-4 form and mail it to the IRS for processing. This can take 6 to 8 weeks, so it’s recommended to start the process as early as possible. #### Can I expedite the EIN processing time? Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite the EIN processing time. It’s entirely up to the IRS and can take anywhere from 1 to 2 business days to 6 to 8 weeks, depending on various factors. However, you will usually receive your EIN immediately when applying online. #### Do I need an EIN for tax purposes? That depends on the type of business entity you have and other factors. All corporations, businesses with multiple owners, and businesses with employees will need an EIN. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs with no employees may not need an EIN unless they meet any of the other [IRS criteria](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed) for requiring an EIN. #### Can I use the same EIN for multiple businesses? No, each business needs its own unique EIN. If you have multiple businesses, you will need to obtain separate EINs for each one.