Home / Published: December 21, 2022
Does an LLC need an EIN?

Does an LLC need an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the LLC’s federal tax identification number and is required in most situations.

An EIN is REQUIRED when:

Any one of these facts would require the LLC to get an EIN:

  • The LLC has more than one member/owner
  • The LLC has W-2 employees
  • The LLC needs a bank account
  • You elected to be taxed as an S Corporation by filing Form 2553
  • You elected to be taxed as a C Corporation by filing Form 8832
  • The LLC has an excise tax filing requirement (i.e. if the LLC will be selling gasoline, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.)

An EIN is NOT required when:

  • The LLC is a single-member LLC and it has zero employees (w-2) and no excise tax filing requirements*

*Even in this situation, the LLC will likely need an EIN to open a bank account.
If your LLC needs an EIN, there are several ways to obtain one. The most efficient way is to apply for an EIN on the IRS website. The only caveat with applying for an EIN online is that the IRS cannot process your application if the applicant is an entity that holds an EIN previously obtained online. If this is the case for you, or you would simply rather apply a different way, you may apply by fax or mail. International applicants may also apply via telephone. All of this information can be found on the “How to Apply for an EIN” page on IRS.Gov.