Your Delaware LLC is formed. Now you need an EIN before you can do almost anything else — open a bank account, work with Stripe, hire anyone, or file taxes.
The good news: it’s free. For US residents, it takes about 10 minutes online. For non-US residents, it takes a few more steps — but it’s still straightforward once you know how.
This post covers both paths. For the full formation process, see our complete Delaware LLC guide →
What Is an EIN and Why Does Your Delaware LLC Need One?
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is your company’s federal tax ID. It’s a 9-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes, in the same way a Social Security Number identifies an individual.
Despite the name, you don’t need employees to need an EIN. Every Delaware LLC needs one because:
- Banks require it to open a US business checking account
- Payment processors require it — Stripe, PayPal, and most others won’t activate a business account without one
- The IRS requires it to file your federal taxes
- Clients may request it when paying you, for their own tax records
Without an EIN, your LLC exists on paper but can’t function in practice.
Before You Apply: Form Your LLC First
The IRS requires your LLC to be legally formed before you apply for an EIN. This means your Delaware Certificate of Formation needs to be approved by the state before you submit your EIN application.
Don’t apply for an EIN before your LLC exists. The IRS will issue the EIN, but if your company’s formation details don’t match what the state has on record, it can create problems when you open your bank account or file taxes.
The correct order: form the LLC → wait for state approval → apply for EIN.
How to Get an EIN Online (US Residents)
The online application is the fastest option — and it’s only available to applicants with a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
What You’ll Need
Before you start, have this ready:
- Your Delaware LLC’s legal name (exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Formation)
- Your LLC’s state of formation (Delaware)
- Your personal SSN or ITIN
- Your US mailing address
- The nature of your business (a brief description is fine)
Step-by-Step: The IRS Online Application
Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN online application at irs.gov. Navigate to the EIN section and select “Apply Online Now.” The tool is available Monday through Friday, 7am to 10pm Eastern Time.
Step 2: Select your entity type. Choose “Limited Liability Company (LLC).”
Step 3: Enter your LLC details — number of members, state of formation (Delaware), and business activity.
Step 4: Enter the responsible party information. This is the person who owns or controls the LLC — typically you. You’ll enter your name and SSN or ITIN here.
Step 5: Confirm and submit. Review the information for accuracy. Once submitted, the IRS displays your EIN immediately on screen.
Step 6: Save your EIN confirmation. Download or print the confirmation notice (Form CP 575 or SS-4 confirmation). The IRS will also mail a physical confirmation, but the number displayed on screen is valid immediately.
The whole process takes about 10 minutes if you have everything ready.
Important: Session Rules
The IRS online tool has two rules that catch people off guard:
- The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. If it expires mid-application, you’ll have to start over — but don’t worry, no EIN is issued from an incomplete session.
- The IRS limits applications to one EIN per responsible party per day. If you need multiple EINs (for multiple LLCs), you’ll need to apply on separate days.
How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (Non-US Residents)
If you don’t have a US SSN or ITIN, you cannot use the IRS online application. You have three options: phone, fax, or mail. Each works — the difference is speed.
Option 1: By Phone (Fastest)
Call the IRS at +1-267-941-1099, Monday through Friday, 6am to 11pm Eastern Time.
An IRS representative will ask you questions from Form SS-4 (the EIN application). Have your Form SS-4 completed before you call — it makes the process faster and avoids errors. If everything is in order, the representative issues your EIN on the call.
This is the fastest option for non-US residents. The call typically takes 20–30 minutes. A few practical notes:
- The hold time can vary significantly. Calling when the line opens (6am ET) tends to be faster.
- Have your LLC’s Certificate of Formation and your personal identification ready.
- The representative will give you the EIN verbally — write it down immediately. A confirmation letter follows by mail.
Option 2: By Fax (~4 Business Days)
Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS at +1-304-707-9471 (for applicants outside the US). Include a return fax number — the IRS will fax your EIN back, typically within 4 business days.
If you’re applying from within the US but don’t have an SSN (which can happen in some circumstances), the domestic fax number is +1-855-215-1627.
Tips for the fax method:
- Use a fax service (eFax, FaxZero) if you don’t have a physical fax machine.
- Double-check every field on Form SS-4 before sending. An error or missing field means a rejection, and you’ll need to start over.
- Keep a copy of the fax confirmation showing it was received.
Option 3: By Mail (~4 Weeks)
Mail your completed Form SS-4 to:
**Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999**
Processing time is approximately 4 weeks, though this can be longer during high-volume periods. Mail is the slowest option and generally only makes sense if fax isn’t available and you’re not in a hurry.
What to Do With Your EIN Once You Have It
Once you have your EIN, a few things happen in sequence:
- Open your US business bank account. This is typically the next step after getting your EIN. You’ll provide your EIN, Certificate of Formation, and Operating Agreement. If you’re a non-US resident, traditional banks may require an in-person visit — most non-resident founders use online banking platforms like Mercury or Relay for remote account opening.
- Set it up with payment processors. Stripe, PayPal, and similar platforms will ask for your EIN when you activate your business account.
- Store it securely. Your EIN is sensitive — treat it the way you’d treat your personal SSN. Keep the IRS confirmation letter with your company records.
- Use it on tax forms. Your EIN goes on all federal tax filings, including your annual return and any 1099s you issue to contractors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying before your LLC is formed. The IRS can issue an EIN for a company that doesn’t exist yet — but that mismatch creates problems later. Always form the LLC first.
Using a formation service that charges for the EIN itself. The IRS doesn’t charge for EINs. What you’re paying for (if anything) is the service’s time to handle the application. Make sure you understand what you’re paying for.
Losing the confirmation. The IRS will mail a physical letter, but it takes weeks. The number on your screen at the end of the online application is valid immediately — save it before you close the browser.
Providing the wrong responsible party. The IRS defines the “responsible party” as the person who controls the LLC. For most single-member LLCs, that’s the sole owner. Getting this wrong can complicate things when you file taxes.
Thinking you need an EIN to pay the Delaware franchise tax. You don’t — the Delaware franchise tax is paid through the state’s portal using your LLC’s state file number, not your EIN.
Forming from Outside the US?
If you formed your Delaware LLC as a non-US resident, the phone option is usually the best path for getting your EIN. The call takes 20–30 minutes, the EIN is issued on the spot, and you can open your bank account the same day.
A few things to know:
You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. Non-US residents who have no US tax obligations don’t need an ITIN. The EIN for your LLC is a separate number for your company — you apply as a foreign person via Form SS-4.
If you have US personal tax obligations, you may need an ITIN separately — but that’s a different process from your LLC’s EIN. The two are independent.
Formation services can handle the EIN application on your behalf via fax or phone. This is worth considering if the IRS phone line is difficult to access from your country, or if you want the process handled without your direct involvement. For a breakdown of what services typically charge for this, see our Delaware LLC cost breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Delaware LLC need an EIN?
Yes. You need an EIN to open a US business bank account, work with payment processors like Stripe, file federal taxes, and in many cases, to work with US clients who need to record payments to your business.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS never charges for an EIN. If a service charges a fee, you’re paying for their time to handle the application — not for the EIN itself.
Can I apply for an EIN before forming my LLC?
No. Your LLC must be legally formed and approved by the Delaware Division of Corporations before you apply. The correct order is: form LLC → receive state approval → apply for EIN.
Can a non-US resident get an EIN for their Delaware LLC?
Yes. Non-US residents apply by phone at +1-267-941-1099 (EIN issued on the call), by fax to +1-304-707-9471 (~4 business days), or by mail (~4 weeks). The online application is only available to those with a US SSN or ITIN.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online (US residents): immediate — the EIN appears on screen at the end of the application. Phone (non-residents): issued on the call, typically 20–30 minutes. Fax: approximately 4 business days. Mail: approximately 4 weeks.
Bottom Line
Getting an EIN is one of the most important steps after forming your Delaware LLC — and one of the easiest. For US residents, it’s a 10-minute online application. For non-US residents, the phone option gets it done in a single call.
The key is to have your LLC formed first, your Form SS-4 ready, and your LLC details accurate before you start. A name mismatch or wrong entity type means starting over.
If you haven’t formed your Delaware LLC yet and want the whole process — formation, EIN, and registered agent — handled from start to finish, that’s what IncReg is built for →
Questions about getting your EIN? [Reach out directly](https://increg.com/contact/) — you’ll hear back from someone who handles this every day.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.