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

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 says to form your nonprofit with your state before you apply for an EIN. Getting an EIN starts the IRS's clock on your annual filings, and forming first keeps your name and details matched to 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 runs on set hours rather than around the clock, currently Monday to Friday 6am to 1am Eastern, Saturday 6am to 9pm and Sunday from 6pm, and it gives you your EIN right away when you finish. Two limits worth knowing before you start: one EIN per responsible party per day, and the session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity with nothing saved.

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 file Form SS-4 by fax or mail instead. The IRS phone line is only for applicants with no US legal residence, principal place of business or principal office, so a US-based nonprofit cannot use it.

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. Getting 501(c)(3) status is a separate step. You apply to the IRS for it. Some groups can be tax-exempt without applying, such as churches, some very small charities, and local chapters covered by their national group's IRS group exemption. See IRS Publication 557 to check who does not have to apply. Many small groups and churches apply anyway, because donors and grantmakers often ask to see the IRS letter that confirms their 501(c)(3) status.