How long does it take to get an EIN?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
With an SSN or ITIN, online, it's issued right away. Without one: about 4 business days by fax, about 4 to 5 weeks by mail, and on the call if you phone the IRS international line.
The forms involved
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
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