How to Get an EIN in Maryland (2026)

Fact-checked by the LegalGlass editorial team against primary sources · Published Aug 6, 2026 · Last updated Aug 6, 2026

You can get an EIN for your Maryland business free ($0) from the IRS by applying online through the IRS EIN Assistant, by fax using Form SS-4, or by mail. The online application is the fastest method and issues an EIN immediately. Most Maryland businesses need an EIN to open a bank account, hire employees, and complete the Comptroller's Combined Registration Application for state taxes.

What Is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to identify a business entity. It works like a Social Security Number (SSN) does for an individual, but it is for your business. You use the EIN to file federal and state tax returns, open a business bank account, hire employees, and apply for certain licenses and permits. For the national picture, see what is an EIN and the how to get an EIN hub.

In Maryland, an EIN is usually a prerequisite for state-level compliance. The Comptroller of Maryland typically requires a federal EIN when a business completes the Combined Registration Application (CRA), which sets up accounts for the sales and use tax license, employer withholding, and other state tax types. Even when an EIN is not strictly required by federal rules, many Maryland owners obtain one to keep personal and business finances separate, which is especially important for a limited liability company (LLC).

Who Needs an EIN in Maryland?

Most Maryland businesses will need an EIN. Under IRS rules, your business generally needs one if it:

• Has employees.
• Operates as a corporation or a partnership.
• Files employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms tax returns.
• Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien.
• Is involved with certain trusts, estates, non-profits, or plan administrators.

In Maryland specifically, an EIN is almost always needed for:

• Maryland LLCs: A multi-member LLC is treated as a partnership by default and needs an EIN. A single-member LLC needs one if it has employees or elects corporate or S-corporation taxation, and most get one anyway for banking and state tax registration.
• Maryland corporations: Every corporation, including an S-corp, must have an EIN.
• Maryland partnerships: All partnerships must have an EIN.
• Employers: Any business with employees needs an EIN to report and remit Maryland withholding and federal payroll taxes.
• State tax registration: The Comptroller generally requires an EIN on the Combined Registration Application for sales tax and withholding accounts.

Even if you do not strictly meet the IRS thresholds, getting an EIN helps separate your personal and business identity, which supports liability protection and cleaner bookkeeping. For federal guidance, review the IRS page on Do You Need an EIN?

How to Get an EIN for Your Maryland Business

Getting an EIN is free directly from the IRS, and there are four ways to apply. Maryland itself does not issue EINs.

1. Apply Online (IRS EIN Assistant) - Fastest Method

The online application is the quickest route. The IRS EIN Assistant is available for entities whose principal business is in the U.S., and it issues the EIN immediately once you finish. It is open during IRS hours, generally Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The responsible party must have a valid SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN, and only one EIN is issued per responsible party per day. To apply, you visit the IRS website, choose your entity type, provide the requested details about the business and the responsible party, review the entries carefully, and submit. The IRS displays the EIN on screen at the end and lets you download a confirmation notice, so print or save it before closing the session, because you generally cannot return to retrieve it later. The responsible party is the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity, and the IRS uses that person's identity to link the EIN to a real taxpayer.

2. Apply by Fax (Form SS-4)

You can complete Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, and fax it to the IRS. Faxed applications are typically processed within about four business days, and the IRS returns the EIN by fax if you provide a return fax number.

3. Apply by Mail (Form SS-4)

Mailing Form SS-4 is the slowest method, generally taking four to five weeks. Complete the form in full and send it to the IRS address listed in the current Form SS-4 instructions for applicants located in Maryland and other U.S. states.

4. Apply by Phone (International Applicants Only)

Applying by phone is available only to international applicants without a legal residence or principal place of business in the U.S. Maryland-based businesses cannot use this method and should apply online, by fax, or by mail. For general steps that apply in any state, see how to get an EIN.

Information Needed for Your EIN Application

Whichever method you use, have the following ready so the application goes smoothly:

• Legal name of the entity: The exact name registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), for an LLC or corporation.
• Trade name (DBA), if any: A doing business as name if the business operates under something other than its legal name.
• Business address: The primary Maryland mailing address and physical location.
• Entity type: LLC, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other.
• Responsible party and TIN: Usually the owner or managing member, identified by SSN or ITIN.
• Reason for applying: Such as starting a new business, hiring employees, or banking.
• Number of employees and business activity: An estimate of employees and a short description of what the business does.

Keep the details consistent with your SDAT registration and your Maryland tax records. Mismatched information can cause processing delays or complicate your state tax accounts.

Using Your EIN in Maryland

Once issued, your EIN becomes a key identifier for federal and Maryland purposes:

• Federal tax filings: Income tax returns, employment tax returns (Form 941), and information returns all use the EIN.
• Maryland Combined Registration Application: The Comptroller of Maryland uses your EIN to register sales and use tax, employer withholding, and other tax accounts through the CRA.
• Business bank accounts: Banks require an EIN to open a business account, which keeps business and personal money separate.
• Hiring employees: Payroll reporting to the IRS and to Maryland relies on the EIN.
• Licenses and permits: Many Maryland traders licenses (issued through the Clerk of the Circuit Court) and local permits ask for the EIN. See business license in Maryland.

Store your EIN confirmation letter somewhere safe. You will reference the number frequently, and you should not publish it, because it is sensitive business information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for and using an EIN for your Maryland business, watch for these pitfalls:

• Paying for an EIN: The IRS provides EINs for free. Avoid third-party sites that charge a fee for something you can do yourself in minutes.
• Applying for more than one: A business generally needs only one EIN. If you lose it, you can recover it from the IRS rather than applying again.
• Choosing the wrong entity type: Select the correct classification on the application, because an LLC can be taxed several ways and the EIN record should match your intended tax treatment.
• Confusing federal and state IDs: The EIN is a federal number; Maryland also issues its own account numbers through the Comptroller. Keep them straight.
• Not updating IRS records: If the business name, address, or responsible party changes, notify the IRS so official mail reaches you.

Avoiding these mistakes keeps both your federal EIN and your Maryland tax accounts in order from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an EIN for my Maryland business?

Apply free with the IRS. The fastest way is the online IRS EIN Assistant, which issues your EIN immediately. You can also file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. Maryland does not issue EINs; only the IRS does.

How much does an EIN cost in Maryland?

An EIN costs $0. The IRS provides EINs free of charge. Never pay a third-party service to get an EIN, because you can obtain it directly from the IRS at no cost in minutes.

Is an EIN required for a Maryland LLC?

An EIN is required for a Maryland LLC with more than one member, any employees, or a corporate or S-corp tax election. Single-member LLCs without employees often still get one for banking and to complete Maryland tax registration.

Do I need an EIN to register for Maryland taxes?

Most businesses need an EIN to complete Maryland's Combined Registration Application (CRA) with the Comptroller, which sets up sales and use tax and employer withholding accounts. Sole proprietors without employees may use an SSN in limited cases.

What is the fastest way to get an EIN?

The online IRS EIN Assistant is fastest, issuing your EIN immediately after you complete the application during IRS operating hours. Fax takes about four business days and mail can take four to five weeks.

Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN in Maryland?

A sole proprietor or single-member LLC without employees may use an SSN for some federal tax purposes, but an EIN is generally recommended and is usually needed to register for Maryland state taxes and open a business bank account.

Related

• How to get an EIN (cluster hub)
• What is an EIN?
• How to form an LLC in Maryland
• Maryland LLC tax filing
• How to get an EIN in California (sibling)
• Do I need an EIN for a bank account?
• Business glossary

Sources

1. IRS - Employer ID Numbers (EINs).
2. IRS - How to Apply for an EIN.
3. IRS - Do You Need an EIN?.
4. IRS - Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number (PDF).
5. IRS - Apply for an EIN Online.
6. IRS - Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN).
7. Comptroller of Maryland - Business Taxes (Combined Registration Application, sales and use tax).
8. Comptroller of Maryland - Register Your Business.
9. Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Business Services.
10. Maryland Business Express - Register Your Business.
11. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute - Employer Identification Number.
12. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute - Disregarded Entity.
13. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute - Partnership.
14. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute - S Corporation.
15. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute - Sole Proprietorship.

LegalGlass provides general information for educational purposes and is not a law firm or a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney or tax professional. Laws, fees, and thresholds change; verify current requirements with the IRS and the Comptroller of Maryland before acting.