How to get an EIN for a nonprofit (free, from the IRS)

An EIN is your nonprofit's federal tax ID, and you need it early. It is free, you get it straight from the IRS, and most groups have it in a few minutes. Here is the plain version: what an EIN is, how to apply, and what to do once you have it. One note up front: this is general info, not legal or tax advice.

What is an EIN?

An EIN is an Employer Identification Number. It is a nine-digit federal tax ID for your organization, a bit like a Social Security number for your nonprofit.

You need one even if you never hire an employee. Banks ask for it to open an account, and the IRS wants it before you apply for tax-exempt status.

Is getting an EIN really free?

Yes. The IRS issues EINs for free. You never have to pay for one.

Some websites charge a fee to "help" you get an EIN. You do not need them. Apply directly with the IRS and it costs nothing.

Do I need to incorporate first?

The IRS suggests you form your nonprofit with your state before you apply for an EIN. That way the name and details match your legal entity.

You will be asked for your organization's legal name, its address, and the name of a "responsible party" — usually a founder or board officer with a Social Security number or ITIN.

How to apply online (the fast way)

The quickest route is the IRS online EIN Assistant. It is open Monday through Friday during set hours, and it gives you your EIN right away when you finish.

Have your details ready, because the session times out after a while and does not save. Here is what to expect:

Choose "view additional types" and pick the nonprofit or other option that fits.
Enter your legal name, address, and responsible party.
Answer a few questions about your activities.
Get your EIN on screen, then save and print the confirmation.

You can only get one EIN per responsible party per day, so plan around that if you are helping more than one group.

Other ways to apply

If you cannot use the online tool, you can file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. Fax takes about four business days; mail takes about four weeks.

Applicants without a US Social Security number or ITIN cannot use the online tool and apply by phone, fax, or mail instead.

After you get your EIN

Save the confirmation letter, called the CP 575. You will be asked for it more than once.

Your EIN is not the same as tax-exempt status. It is just your ID. You still apply to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status as a separate step.

Common questions

Is an EIN the same as 501(c)(3) status?

No. An EIN is only your federal tax ID. Becoming tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) is a separate application to the IRS, on Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, that you file after you have your EIN.

Do I need an EIN before I incorporate?

The IRS recommends forming your nonprofit corporation with your state first, then applying for the EIN, so the details match. You can technically do it either way, but matching records is cleaner.

Can I get an EIN without a Social Security number?

Yes. If the responsible party has no Social Security number or ITIN, you cannot use the online tool, but you can still apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online, you get it the moment you finish. By fax it is about four business days, and by mail about four weeks.

Set up your nonprofit the calm way

Getting your EIN is one step of many. Ember Spark is a free, plain checklist for the whole founding process — incorporation, EIN, bylaws, 501(c)(3), and the steps people miss. Start it with no account, and when you are ready, save your progress and let Ember remind you before each deadline.

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