Cost Guide
Free EIN Number
The IRS issues EINs at zero cost. Learn how to get your EIN for free directly from the IRS, and when a paid service makes sense for non-residents.
Every year, the IRS processes over 5 million EIN applications. Every single one is free. The IRS does not charge a filing fee, processing fee, or any other fee for issuing an Employer Identification Number. This has been true since the EIN system was created in 1974 and remains true in 2026.
Despite this, dozens of websites charge $50 to $300+ for EIN applications. Some of these services are legitimate (they handle paperwork for people who cannot use the free online tool). Others are misleading, implying that a government fee exists when it does not. This guide explains every free method available and when paying for a service actually makes sense.
Free Methods
4 Free Ways to Get an EIN
The IRS offers 4 methods to obtain an EIN. All 4 are free.
Online — IRS EIN Assistant (Instant)
Fax — Form SS-4 (4-7 Business Days)
Phone — IRS Business Line (Same Day)
Mail — Form SS-4 (4-6 Weeks)
Which Free Method Should You Use?
| Situation | Best Free Method | Processing Time | |-----------|-----------------|-----------------| | US resident with SSN | Online (EIN Assistant) | Instant | | US resident without SSN | Fax (Form SS-4) | 4-7 business days | | Non-resident, comfortable with IRS calls | Phone (267-941-1099) | Same day | | Non-resident, prefer not to call | Fax (Form SS-4) | 4-7 business days | | Anyone (not in a hurry) | Mail (Form SS-4) | 4-6 weeks |
Why Pay?
When Does Paying for an EIN Make Sense?
Paying for an EIN service makes sense in exactly one scenario: you cannot or do not want to navigate the free methods yourself.
Who Cannot Use the Free Online Tool
The IRS online EIN Assistant requires a valid SSN or ITIN. If you do not have either, you are locked out of the fastest free method. This affects:
- Non-US residents without an SSN or ITIN
- Foreign nationals forming US LLCs
- International Amazon sellers, Shopify merchants, and freelancers
- Anyone who has never had a US tax identification number
These applicants must use fax, phone, or mail. While these methods are still free, they require:
- Correctly completing Form SS-4 (21 fields, several with IRS-specific requirements)
- Access to a fax machine or international calling
- Knowledge of IRS procedures and terminology
- Patience to navigate IRS hold times (often 30-60+ minutes)
EIN Service Cost Comparison
| Provider | Price | What You Get | |----------|-------|-------------| | IRS (direct) | $0 | Self-service, all methods | | ein.so | $49 Standard / $97 Express | SS-4 prep, fax filing, email delivery | | ein-itin.com | $65 | SS-4 filing | | GovDocFiling | $147-200 | Filing + additional services | | LegalZoom | $149+ | Filing + upsells | | Incfile | $70+ | Filing as add-on | | Northwest | $100+ | Filing with registered agent |
ein.so is the cheapest EIN service in the market at $49. We charge for the labor of preparing your Form SS-4, faxing it to the IRS, and delivering your EIN by email. The EIN itself is always free from the IRS.
For a detailed cost breakdown, see our guide on EIN cost and EIN application fees.
Scam Warning
Avoid EIN Scams
Red Flags
- "Government filing fee" claims — There is no government fee. If a website says the IRS charges a fee, it is lying.
- Prices above $150 for EIN only — An EIN-only service should not cost $150+. That price should include additional services (LLC formation, registered agent).
- "Official" or "authorized" EIN sites — The IRS does not authorize third-party EIN providers. Any site claiming "official IRS authorization" for EIN services is misleading.
- Domains that look like irs.gov — The only official IRS website is irs.gov. Lookalike domains are scams.
Legitimate Services
A legitimate EIN service is transparent about three things:
- The EIN itself is free from the IRS
- The service fee covers form preparation and filing
- The exact price is stated upfront (no hidden fees)
ein.so meets all three criteria. We charge $49 for Standard processing and $97 for Express processing. No hidden fees. No upsells during checkout. Apply now.
Non-Residents
Free EIN for Non-Residents
Non-US residents can get a free EIN through two methods:
Method 1: Fax Form SS-4 (Free)
Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov. Complete all 21 fields. Fax to 855-215-1627. Wait 4-7 business days. The IRS returns your EIN by fax. Total cost: $0 (plus any fax service fees, typically $1-5).
Method 2: Call the IRS (Free)
Call 267-941-1099 from your country. Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Have your Form SS-4 information ready. The IRS can issue your EIN during the call. Total cost: $0 (plus international calling charges).
Why Most Non-Residents Choose a Service
Despite the free options, most non-residents use a service because:
- Form SS-4 has specific formatting requirements that cause rejections
- International fax services can be unreliable
- IRS phone hold times average 30-60 minutes
- Language barriers make phone applications difficult
- Incorrect forms delay the process by weeks
ein.so eliminates these issues. We prepare your Form SS-4 correctly, fax it to the IRS, and deliver your EIN by email. $49 Standard. $97 Express. Get started.
For more information, see our guides on EIN for non-residents and EIN without SSN.
Summary
Summary: Getting a Free EIN
| Method | Cost | Speed | SSN Required? | Best For | |--------|------|-------|--------------|----------| | Online | $0 | Instant | Yes | US residents | | Fax | $0 | 4-7 days | No | DIY non-residents | | Phone | $0 | Same day | No | Comfortable callers | | Mail | $0 | 4-6 weeks | No | No urgency | | ein.so | $49-97 | 4-7 days | No | Non-residents who want it handled |
The EIN is always free from the IRS. The only question is whether you want to handle the process yourself or pay someone to do it. For US residents with an SSN, there is no reason to pay — use the free online tool. For non-residents, the free methods work but require more effort. ein.so exists to make it easy.
Apply for your EIN now or learn more about how to get an EIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting an EIN really free?
Yes. The IRS charges $0 for EIN applications regardless of method (online, fax, phone, or mail). There is no government fee, filing fee, or processing fee. The EIN is free. Third-party services like ein.so charge for form preparation and filing assistance, not for the EIN itself.
Why do some websites charge for EINs?
Third-party services charge for the convenience of handling the application process. Non-US residents cannot use the free IRS online tool because it requires an SSN. Services like ein.so ($49) prepare Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS on your behalf. The service fee covers labor, not the EIN.
Can non-residents get a free EIN?
Non-residents can get a free EIN by calling the IRS at 267-941-1099 during business hours (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm ET) or by faxing Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 themselves. Both methods are free. ein.so charges $49 to handle the process for you.
How fast is the free IRS online EIN application?
The IRS EIN Assistant issues your EIN immediately upon completion. The entire process takes 10-15 minutes. It is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. You must have a valid SSN or ITIN to use this method.
Is there a difference between a free EIN and a paid EIN?
No. The EIN number itself is identical whether you obtain it for free from the IRS or through a paid service. The 9-digit number, its format (XX-XXXXXXX), and its validity are exactly the same. Paid services simply handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Need an EIN? We Handle Everything.
Non-US resident? We file Form SS-4 with the IRS and deliver your EIN by email. Just $49.
Get My EIN for $49