Get an EIN For a Texas LLC

An EIN is a federal Tax Identification Number. EIN is short for Employer Identification Number, but don’t let the word “Employer” deceive you. An EIN is not just for businesses that have employees.

The IRS does not charge for an EIN and there is no filing fee. We charge $75 to get an EIN for our clients.

An EIN can be obtained on the same business day if the online application is available/used;

4 business days if Form SS4 is faxed to the IRS; or

4-5 weeks if Form SS4 is mailed to the IRS.

If your business will have employees OR a bank account you will need an EIN. According to the IRS, a single-member LLC that (1) is taxed like a sole proprietorship (i.e. not taxed like an S- or C-Corp) and (2) does not have employees nor excise tax liability does NOT need an EIN.

NOTE: A single-member LLC may request an EIN for banking purposes, but an EIN is not required for federal tax purposes. Read more on the IRS website.

You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS's website or mail/fax IRS Form SS4.

We apply for EINs online (when possible) so we can get the EIN within minutes.

There are a few scenarios where the online application is not available:

• Outside of business hours (M-F: 7AM – 10PM EST);
• If the responsible party is a business that received an EIN via the online process;
• If you do NOT have a legal residence or principal place of business in the US; or
• If none of the business owners have an SSN or ITIN.

Federal Tax ID:

• 9 digit number (XX-XXXXXXX)
• Must be applied for
• Assigned by the IRS
• Used for Federal taxes & bank accounts

Texas Tax ID:

• 11 digit number
• Given automatically
• Assigned by the TX Comptroller
• Used for TX Franchise, Sales and Use Taxes

No. A change in number of owners or the percentage interests does not require a new EIN.

No.

An EIN can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including: (a) Opening a bank account; (b) Applying for business licenses; and (c) Filing a tax return by mail. However, it will take up to two weeks before your EIN will become part of the IRS's permanent records. As such, you must wait until this occurs before you can: (x) File an electronic return; (y) Make an electronic payment; or (z) Pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program.

Per the IRS, a sole proprietor is not required to obtain a new EIN if he/she files papers to become an LLC. However, if the LLC will be taxed like a partnership (multi-owner LLCs), then it must obtain a new EIN.

Read more about LLC taxation options and elections.

The IRS does not cancel or void EINs. Once an EIN has been assigned to a business entity, it becomes the permanent Federal taxpayer identification number for that entity.

Since you can’t cancel an EIN, the only option is close the business account. To achieve this, you’ll have to send the IRS a letter that includes the name of your company, the EIN, the business address, and why you wish to close the account.