What Information Do I Need To Apply For An LLC EIN Online?

The crucial step after forming an LLC is getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN). It is needed to: 

• Open a business bank account 
• Hire employees
• File taxes

But here is where most business owners get stuck. They search for “how to apply for LLC EIN” and can’t find any correct information about what the IRS requires. 

The reality is simpler and faster than you think.  The IRS’s online application portal helps obtain an EIN instantly for free in just 15 to 30 minutes. You don’t have to wait for weeks or navigate phone hold queues. But sometimes, you may face a struggle with timing issues and even minor mistakes. So, this is most business owners consider online services to get an EIN for an LLC online. They handle the entire process from start and finish. 

Even if you are considering using the IRS portal to get the EIN, it is important to know what information you need. 

Here, we will walk you through every piece of information the IRS requires for your LLC EIN application in 2026. 

1. Legal Name of the LLC

Enter your LLC’s legal name exactly as it appears on your state formation documents (such as Articles of Organization). This is the official name that is used to identify your business. Small differences, like missing “LLC,” punctuation, or spelling, can cause delays or issues. 

2. Trade Name or DBA (If Any)

Most LLCs operate under a name different from their legal name. If that is the case with you, then provide that trade name or DBA when applying for an EIN. This is the name customers see on your: 

• Websites
• Invoices
  Marketing materials

You can leave the section blank if your business does not use a DBA. 

3. Business Address

The IRS online EIN application for an LLC needs two distinct addresses: 

• Mailing address
• Street address (physical location)

NOTE: The street address cannot be a P.O. box. 

Mailing Address (Lines 4a – 4b)

Enter the address where the IRS should send correspondence and notices for your LLC. Include street, city, state, ZIP code, and country if outside the U.S. 

Street Address (Lines 5a -5b)

• Provide the LLC’s actual physical business location if different from the mailing address. Include:
  • Full street details
  • City 
  • State 
  • ZIP 
  • Country (no abbreviations for foreign addresses)

4. Responsible Party Details

The responsible party is the person who ultimately owns, controls, or exercises effective control over your LLC. It also manages the disposition of its funds and assets. The IRS uses this individual:

• To track accountability for tax obligations.
• As the primary contact for any tax-related communications.

You must include details of your responsible party, such as: 

Full legal name (first, middle (if applicable), and last name)

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

The responsible party must have a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number. You have three options: 

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Leave Blank/Enter “N/A”

Title or Position 

Enter the responsible party’s title or role within the LLC. 

Daytime Phone Number 

Provide a reliable daytime phone number where the responsible party can be reached. This can be: 

• Cell phone 
• Office number 
• Home phone 

5. Type of Business Entity

Line 9a in the IRS EIN online application requires selecting the “Type of entity” that best describes your LLC’s tax classification. This determines how it is treated for federal tax purposes. For most LLCs, choose based on default rules or elections like Form 8832/2553.

LLC Specific Options 

• Limited liability company (Lines 8a-8c first): Answer “Yes” to Line 8a, then enter the number of members on 8b (e.g., “1” for a single member).
• On Line 9a, check: 
  • Sole proprietor if single-member disregarded entity (default).
  • Partnership if multi-member (default for 2+ members).
  • Corporation if elected via Form 8832 (or “1120-S” for S corp election via Form 2553)

6. State Where the LLC Was Formed

The state where the LLC was formed goes on Line 6 of the EIN application (County and state principal business is located). Enter the full state name and county of the LLC’s principal place of business or formation location. 

Where to Enter It

• Line 6: Provide the county and state where the principal business is located. This is typically the state of formation for a new LLC. 
• Use the state matching your physical street address (Line 5b); it must align with the principal operating location.

LLC Specific Guidance 

• For new LLCs, select the state listed in your state-filed formation documents (Articles of Organization). 
• If operating in multiple states, use the primary state where most business is conducted or where the formation occurred. 
• Foreign LLCs formed outside the U.S. enter the U.S. state of principal business or “foreign” if none.

7. Business Start Date 

This line asks for the date your LLC actually began operating, or the date you acquired it. In most cases, this will be the LLC formation date listed on your state’s Articles of Organization or the day you officially started doing business. Make sure to enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. 

What To Enter

• New LLCs: Use the date your LLC became active or the effective formation date approved by the state.
• Existing LLCs you acquired: Enter the date you took ownership.
• Foreign LLCs: Use the date the business began operating in the U.S. 

Rules To Keep in Mind 

• Always enter the actual start date, not a guess or a future date.
• Use your planned start date if you haven’t started yet. 
• This date helps the IRS assign the correct tax year and track compliance.

8. Primary Business Activity 

Line 16 asks you to choose the category that best describes what your LLC actually does. You will see a dropdown or a set of checkboxes with predefined options when applying online. Categories you can choose from: 

• Construction 
• Real estate 
• Rental and leasing 
• Manufacturing 
• Transportation and warehousing 
• Finance and insurance 
• Health care and social assistance 
• Accommodation and food services
• Wholesale 
• Retail
• Other 

How To Choose the Right One: 

• Base your answer on your primary source of income. 
• If your LLC is brand new, select the category that matches what you plan to do first and most.

9. Number of Employees (If Any)

Line 13 asks how many employees your LLC expects to have in the next 12 months, even if that number is zero. The IRS uses this information to set up your account correctly for employment taxes. It is important to answer honestly based on what you expect. 

Helpful Tips for LLC Owners

• Enter “0” if you don’t plan to hire anyone right now. 
• You can skip Line 14 if no employees are planned. 
• If your LLC is essential, use the highest number of employees you can expect during the busiest time of the year. 

The Bottom Line 

Applying for an EIN may sound simple. For many LLC owners, it can quickly become confusing. IRS forms technical questions, and the fear of entering the wrong information often leads to delays. This is where the services come in. These services handle the entire process for you, from preparing and filing Form SS-4 to reviewing your details for accuracy.