How to Get an in Texas (Official IRS Method) EIN for Free

What Is an EIN and Do You Need One?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also called a Federal Tax Identification Number — is a unique 9-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. It works like a Social Security number for your company: you use it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal taxes, apply for business licenses, and establish business credit.

In Texas, you almost certainly need one. You are required to have an EIN if any of the following apply:

• You formed an LLC, corporation, or partnership
• You have or plan to hire employees
• You operate a sole proprietorship with employees
• You are required to file employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
• You withhold taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien
• You have a Keogh plan (self-employed retirement)
• You are involved with certain types of trusts, estates, or nonprofits

Even if you are a sole proprietor with no employees, getting an EIN is strongly recommended — it lets you avoid putting your personal Social Security number on vendor forms, invoices, and contractor agreements, which reduces your identity theft exposure.

The good news: an EIN from the IRS costs absolutely nothing. You do not need to pay any website, service, or legal firm to get one. The process takes under 15 minutes online. Below is the exact step-by-step method.

Method 1: Apply Online (Fastest — Get Your EIN Immediately)

The IRS online EIN application is available at irs.gov — look for "Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online." This is the official IRS page. The URL will always end in .gov — if it does not, close the tab immediately (more on scam sites below).

Step-by-Step: IRS Online EIN Application

1. Go to the official IRS EIN page — navigate directly to irs.gov and search "Apply for EIN Online." Do not use Google ads or any link that does not end in .gov.
2. Select your entity type — the first screen asks what type of entity is applying: Sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporation, Partnership, Estate, Trust, or Other. Select the option that matches your Texas business structure.
3. Answer the reason for applying — common reasons include "Started a new business," "Hired employees," or "Banking purposes." Select the one that applies.
4. Enter the responsible party's information — this is the individual who controls the entity (typically the owner or managing member). You will need their legal name and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This information is required by the IRS and is not shared publicly.
5. Enter your business details — legal business name, Texas mailing address, county, state, and the date your business started or will start.
6. Confirm your information — review a summary screen. The IRS will flag any errors before submission.
7. Submit and receive your EIN immediately — once approved, your EIN is displayed on screen. Save or print this page immediately. You can also download a confirmation letter (CP 575) as a PDF. This letter is your official proof of EIN and is frequently required by banks when opening a business checking account.

Method 2: Apply by Fax (1–4 Business Days)

If you cannot use the online tool — or if you prefer a paper record — you can fax Form SS-4 to the IRS at no cost (other than your fax charges).

1. Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov (search "Form SS-4 PDF").
2. Complete all required fields. Line 7a requires the responsible party's SSN or ITIN. Line 9a asks for the type of entity. Line 10 is the reason for applying.
3. Fax the completed form to the IRS. The fax number depends on your state:
   • Texas businesses (domestic): Fax to (855) 641-6935
4. The IRS will fax back your EIN within 4 business days if you include a return fax number on the form.

Method 3: Apply by Mail (4–5 Weeks)

Mail is the slowest option but works for any situation. Send your completed Form SS-4 to:

The IRS will mail your EIN confirmation letter to the address on the form. Allow 4–5 weeks. Do not mail to any other address — verify the current mailing address on irs.gov if you apply after May 2026, as IRS addresses occasionally change.

Method 4: International Applicants (Phone)

If your principal business address is outside the United States and you cannot use the online tool, call the IRS at +1 (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern). Ask for the EIN Operations line. Have Form SS-4 completed before calling — the agent will walk through it with you and issue an EIN by phone.

The EIN Scam: What to Avoid

Searching "apply for EIN" on Google will surface dozens of paid services — some charging $50 to $300 — that handle the IRS application on your behalf. These services are not illegal, but they are entirely unnecessary. The IRS application is free, takes 15 minutes, and requires no legal expertise.

Common red flags of third-party EIN services:

• Website URLs that look official but do not end in .gov (e.g., "ein-irs-application.com," "ein-filing-service.net")
• Fees listed as "government processing fee" — the IRS charges no such fee
• Google ads appearing above the actual IRS.gov result for "apply for EIN" searches
• Offers to "expedite" your EIN — the IRS online tool is already immediate

What to Do With Your EIN Once You Have It

Once you receive your EIN, here are the immediate next steps for your Texas business:

1. Open a business bank account — bring your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575), your Texas LLC or corporation formation documents, and a government-issued ID. Keeping business and personal finances separate is essential for liability protection and clean bookkeeping.
2. Register with the Texas Comptroller — if your business collects sales tax (most product-based businesses do), register for a Texas Sales Tax Permit at comptroller.texas.gov. This is also free.
3. Apply for any required local licenses — Austin, Houston, and Dallas may require city-specific business licenses depending on your industry. Check with your city's permitting office.
4. Set up payroll (if hiring) — your EIN is required to process payroll and file quarterly 941 forms with the IRS.
5. Build your online presence — your business is now officially established. A professional website and a local SEO strategy are the fastest ways to start generating leads in Austin and the surrounding Texas market.

EIN Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Businesses

Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor with no employees?

Technically no — sole proprietors with no employees and no special filing requirements can use their SSN for tax purposes. However, getting an EIN is strongly recommended because it keeps your SSN off invoices, vendor agreements, and 1099 forms, significantly reducing identity theft risk. The application is free and takes 15 minutes.

Can I get an EIN for a Texas LLC on the same day I form it?

Yes. You can file your Texas LLC Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State, then immediately apply for an EIN online through irs.gov on the same day. The online tool issues your EIN in minutes. You do not need to wait for your physical formation documents to arrive.

Does my Texas EIN ever expire?

No. An EIN is permanent and does not expire. If your business structure changes significantly (e.g., a sole proprietorship incorporates as an LLC or corporation), you may need a new EIN — but in most standard changes, your original EIN remains valid. Check irs.gov or consult a CPA if you are changing entity types.

I lost my EIN confirmation letter. How do I find my EIN?

Check your original IRS confirmation email or printed CP 575 letter. If you cannot locate it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time). They will verify your identity and provide your EIN over the phone. You can also find it on previously filed tax returns or on your business bank account documents.

How many EINs can one business owner have?

The IRS limits online EIN applications to one per responsible party per day. Each separate legal entity (each LLC, each corporation) needs its own EIN. If you own multiple businesses, each entity gets its own EIN — but you can only apply for one per day using the online tool.