Texas LLC EIN — How to Get Your Federal Tax ID

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that serves as your LLC's federal tax identification. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal tax returns, and apply for business credit. The EIN is free — the IRS charges nothing for issuance. This is a key step after forming your Texas LLC.

Who Needs an EIN

Required:

• Multi-member LLCs (taxed as partnerships — must file Form 1065)
• Any LLC with employees
• Any LLC that files excise tax returns (alcohol, tobacco, firearms)
• Any LLC that withholds taxes on income paid to non-resident aliens

Strongly recommended (even if not required):

• Single-member LLCs — banks typically require an EIN to open a business account
• Privacy protection — using your EIN instead of your SSN on forms like W-9 reduces identity theft risk
• Credibility — vendors, clients, and contractors expect a business to have its own EIN

How to Apply

Online (recommended — immediate issuance):

1. Go to https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
2. The online application is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time
3. Select "Limited Liability Company" as entity type
4. Enter the number of members
5. Select the state of organization: Texas
6. Provide the responsible party's name and SSN/ITIN (this must be an individual, not an entity)
7. Answer questions about why you need the EIN (started new business, banking purposes, etc.)
8. Submit — your EIN is issued immediately on screen
9. Download and save the confirmation notice (CP 575) — this is your official IRS letter

By mail (Form SS-4):

• Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov
• Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
• Processing time: 4-5 weeks

By fax:

• Fax completed Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935
• Processing time: 4 business days (response faxed back)

Important Notes for Texas LLCs

No state-level equivalent: Texas does not have a state tax ID number for LLCs because there is no state income tax. Your EIN is used for federal filings. For Texas franchise tax purposes, the Comptroller uses your EIN or SOS file number to identify your entity.

Sole proprietor converting: If you operated as a sole proprietorship and are now forming a Texas LLC, you need a new EIN for the LLC — you cannot reuse your sole proprietorship EIN. The LLC is a new legal entity.

S-corp election: If you elect S-corporation tax treatment (Form 2553), you use the same EIN. No new number is needed.

Texas Comptroller registration: After getting your EIN, you may need to register with the Texas Comptroller for:

• Sales and use tax permit (if selling taxable goods/services)
• Employer withholding (if hiring employees)
• Franchise tax (automatic upon SOS filing — no separate registration needed)

After You Receive Your EIN

1. Open a business bank account — bring your EIN confirmation (CP 575 letter), Certificate of Formation, and operating agreement to the bank. See our bank account guide.
2. Use your EIN on W-9 forms — when clients or vendors request your tax ID, provide the LLC's EIN rather than your personal SSN.
3. Keep your EIN letter — save the CP 575 notice. If you lose it, you can call the IRS Business line at (800) 829-4933 to verify your EIN, but getting a replacement letter takes time.

FAQ

Can I get an EIN before my LLC is officially formed?

The IRS requires that your LLC exist before issuing an EIN. In practice, you need your entity to be formed (Certificate of Formation filed and approved) before applying. Apply after your Certificate of Formation is processed by the Texas Secretary of State.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online: immediate. You receive the EIN on screen at the end of the application. Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: 4-5 weeks.

Does my EIN expire?

No. Once issued, your EIN is permanent. It does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Even if you close your LLC, the EIN remains assigned to that entity forever.

Can I apply for an EIN if I am not a US citizen?

Yes, but you cannot use the online application (it requires a US SSN or ITIN for the responsible party). International applicants must use Form SS-4 and fax or mail it. You will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for the responsible party.

What is the "responsible party" on the EIN application?

The responsible party is the individual who controls or manages the LLC's funds and assets. For a single-member LLC, this is you. For a multi-member LLC, it is typically the managing member. This must be an individual — not another entity.