Getting an EIN for Your Wisconsin LLC

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal tax ID for your LLC. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. You'll need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal taxes, and apply for business credit.

The good news: it's completely free, and the IRS issues it in minutes.

When You Need an EIN

You need an EIN for your Wisconsin LLC if:

• You plan to open a business bank account (virtually all banks require it)
• You have or plan to hire employees
• Your LLC has more than one member
• You want to file taxes as an S-corp or C-corp election
• You apply for business licenses or permits that require a federal tax ID
• You want to establish business credit separate from your personal credit

In practice, nearly every LLC needs an EIN. Even single-member LLCs with no employees should get one to keep business and personal finances separated.

How to Apply (Free)

Online — Fastest Method

1. Go to IRS.gov EIN Assistant
2. Select "Limited Liability Company" as your entity type
3. Enter the number of members
4. Provide the responsible party's name and SSN/ITIN (this is typically the primary member)
5. Enter your LLC's legal name and Wisconsin mailing address
6. Choose your LLC's principal activity
7. Submit — your EIN is issued immediately

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) that you can download or print immediately.

IRS online hours: The EIN assistant is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time.

By Mail or Fax — Slower Alternatives

If you can't use the online application:

• Fax: Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS. Response time is typically 4 business days.
• Mail: Send Form SS-4 to the IRS. Response time is 4-6 weeks.

There's no reason to use mail unless you have no other option. The online application is faster, free, and gives you your EIN instantly.

Do Not Pay for an EIN

Some websites charge $50-$150+ to "get your EIN." They're filling out the same free IRS form on your behalf and marking it up. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. Ever.

Our formation package includes EIN application assistance, which means we walk you through the process — but the IRS application itself is always free.

After You Get Your EIN

Once you have your EIN:

1. Open a business bank account — bring your EIN confirmation letter, your Articles of Organization, and your operating agreement
2. Keep the confirmation letter — store your CP 575 letter (EIN confirmation) in a safe place. You'll need the EIN for tax filings, bank applications, and business registrations
3. Use it on tax filings — your Wisconsin LLC's federal tax returns will use this EIN
4. Update any registrations — if you registered for state tax accounts or licenses, make sure they have your EIN on file

EIN vs. SSN for Your LLC

If you're a single-member LLC with no employees, the IRS technically lets you use your personal SSN instead of an EIN. But there are strong reasons not to:

• Your SSN appears on any document that would otherwise use the EIN
• Vendors and clients requesting a W-9 get your personal SSN
• It's harder to separate business and personal finances
• You lose some privacy protections

Get the EIN. It takes 10 minutes and it's free.

Form Your Wisconsin LLC