Free Tool
EIN Processing Time Calculator
Calculate when you will receive your EIN based on application method and submission date. Compare Standard vs Express timelines -- no signup required.
Estimated delivery
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 to Wednesday, April 22, 2026
2-3 business days from submission (Anyone, including non-residents)
Processing Time Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | Free | SSN/ITIN required |
| Express Fax (ein.so) | 7 business days | $97 | No SSN needed |
| Standard Fax (ein.so) | 14 business days | $49 | No SSN needed |
| Phone | Same day (if connected) | Free | Unreliable hold times |
| 4-6 weeks | Free | Anyone |
Processing Details
Understanding EIN Processing Times
Online vs Fax: Which Method Should You Use?
The IRS online application issues an EIN instantly but requires an SSN or ITIN -- locking out 100% of non-residents without these documents. For US residents with a Social Security Number or ITIN, it is the fastest option. For everyone else, fax is the only practical path.
Standard Fax Processing: $49, 14 Business Days
Fax submission involves completing Form SS-4, signing it, and faxing it to the IRS at the designated fax number. Standard fax processing takes 4-7 business days at the IRS, during which staff manually review the form, assign an EIN, and fax the confirmation back. The ein.so Standard service ($49) uses this method and includes form completion, IRS fax submission, and email delivery of your EIN once received.
Express Fax Processing: $97, 7 Business Days
The ein.so Express service ($97) delivers your EIN in 7 business days. Express applications receive priority handling: we submit your Form SS-4 as soon as it is completed, follow up with the IRS via phone to confirm receipt and expedite processing, and send you WhatsApp status updates throughout. This is the fastest reliable method for non-residents to obtain an EIN.
| Method | Business Days | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Online | Instant (same day) | Free | US residents with SSN/ITIN |
| ein.so Express (Fax) | 7 days | $97 | Non-residents who need it fast |
| ein.so Standard (Fax) | 14 days | $49 | Non-residents on a budget |
| IRS Phone | Same day (if connected) | Free | Those willing to wait 2+ hrs on hold |
| US Mail | 20-30 days | Free | No time pressure at all |
What Affects Timing
Factors That Impact Your EIN Delivery
IRS Workload and Peak Filing Season
IRS workload is the biggest variable outside your control. During peak filing season (January through April), processing times increase as IRS staff handle a higher volume of applications. Submissions made during the summer months or late in the year see faster turnaround times.
Form Errors That Cause Delays
Errors on your Form SS-4 can add days or weeks to the process. If the IRS finds inconsistencies -- such as a mismatch between the entity name and the name on file with the state, an incorrect entity type, or a missing signature -- they may reject the application entirely, requiring you to resubmit. This can add days or even weeks to the process. Using our SS-4 Form Helper can help you avoid these common mistakes before you submit.
Federal Holidays and Business Day Counting
Federal holidays also impact processing times. The IRS is closed on all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If a federal holiday falls within your processing window, your actual delivery date will be pushed back by one business day for each holiday. The calculator above counts business days (Monday through Friday) but does not account for federal holidays, so keep this in mind if you are submitting near a holiday period.
Our Recommendation for Non-Residents
ein.so Express ($97, 7 business days) is the fastest reliable method for non-residents. At $97, it is the most cost-effective way to get your EIN in 7 business days without the uncertainty of trying to reach the IRS by phone. Visit our EIN Processing Time page for a detailed breakdown of each method, or head directly to the application page to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an EIN online?
If you apply online through the IRS website, you receive your EIN immediately at the end of the application. However, the online application is only available to applicants who have a valid SSN or ITIN. Non-residents without these documents cannot use the online method.
How long does it take to get an EIN by fax?
Standard fax processing takes about 4-7 business days. The IRS processes faxed Form SS-4 applications in the order received. Processing times can vary depending on IRS workload and staffing levels. ein.so offers Express fax processing with priority handling that delivers your EIN in 7 business days for $97.
Why is the phone method not available to everyone?
The IRS international phone line (267-941-1099) is available to non-residents, but it has very limited operating hours (6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday) and extremely long hold times that can exceed two hours. Many callers are disconnected before reaching an agent. The phone method technically works but is unreliable in practice.
How long does it take to get an EIN by mail?
Mail applications take 4-6 weeks for processing. The IRS receives your Form SS-4 by mail, processes it manually, and mails your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) back to you. This is the slowest method and is not recommended unless other options are unavailable. International mail can add additional time in both directions.
What is the fastest way for a non-resident to get an EIN?
The fastest method for a non-resident is Express fax filing through ein.so, which delivers your EIN in 7 business days for $97. Standard fax filing through ein.so takes 14 business days for $49. Both options are significantly faster and more reliable than trying to call the IRS or mailing your application.
Does the EIN processing time calculator account for weekends and holidays?
Yes. The calculator counts only business days (Monday through Friday) and excludes weekends. Note that it does not account for federal holidays when the IRS is closed, so actual delivery may be one or two days later if a federal holiday falls within your processing window.