How to Get an EIN in New York (2026)

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

You get an EIN in New York free of charge directly from the IRS. The fastest way is the IRS online EIN application, which issues the number immediately; you can also file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The federal EIN is separate from any New York tax registration you may also need with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

What an EIN Is and Why New York Businesses Need One

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS to identify a business, much as a Social Security number identifies an individual. It is issued by the IRS, not by New York, and it is used to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal tax returns, and apply for many licenses. The EIN is free; the IRS never charges for it, and third-party sites that charge a fee are simply reselling a free service.

Whether you operate as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor, an EIN keeps your business finances separate from your personal identity. Many New York banks require an EIN to open a business account, and you will generally need one before you register for state tax accounts or run payroll. See the national EIN guide for the general process.

Who Needs an EIN

The IRS requires an EIN if your business has employees, operates as a corporation or partnership, files certain excise or employment tax returns, or is a multi-member LLC. A single-member LLC with no employees can sometimes use the owner's Social Security number for federal income tax, but most still get an EIN to open a bank account and to avoid sharing an SSN with vendors and clients.

Even when not strictly required, an EIN is strongly recommended. It is needed to elect S-corp taxation, to set up a solo 401(k), and to establish business credit. If your LLC's tax classification changes (for example, adding a member or electing corporate status), the IRS rules determine whether you need a new EIN or can keep the existing one. When in doubt, getting an EIN is free and low-risk.

How to Apply for an EIN in New York, Step by Step

The IRS offers several application methods. For most New York applicants, the online application is best because the EIN is issued immediately at the end of the session.

1. Complete the underlying entity filing first. If you are forming an LLC or corporation, file with the state so the EIN matches your legal name.
2. Identify the responsible party. This is the individual who controls the entity; you will provide their name and SSN or ITIN.
3. Apply online with the IRS. Use the IRS EIN Assistant during its operating hours; the responsible party must have a valid U.S. taxpayer ID.
4. Or file Form SS-4 by fax or mail if you cannot use the online tool, such as when the responsible party lacks an SSN or ITIN.

Information and Responsible Party Requirements

The application asks for the business's legal name and mailing address, the entity type, the reason for applying, and the identity of the responsible party — the person who ultimately owns or controls the business. The IRS requires the responsible party to have a valid taxpayer identification number (SSN or ITIN) and limits each responsible party to one EIN per day.

If the responsible party is a foreign person without an SSN or ITIN, you cannot use the online tool and must file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, which takes longer. Answer the questions accurately, because the EIN confirmation notice (CP 575) becomes the official record banks and agencies rely on. If you need an ITIN, that is a separate IRS process.

New York Tax Registration After the EIN

The federal EIN is only the first step for a New York business. If you sell taxable goods or services, you must register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax before you make sales. If you have employees, you register for New York withholding and file the NYS-100 to set up withholding and unemployment insurance accounts.

New York does not issue a separate state EIN; your state accounts reference the federal EIN. Note that New York LLCs also face a statutory publication requirement after formation, which is separate from getting an EIN. Register for the state tax accounts your business needs, and review business tax and licensing obligations.

Using and Protecting Your EIN

Once issued, keep the IRS confirmation notice in a safe place; you will reference the EIN on tax returns, bank paperwork, payroll filings, and license applications. Use the exact legal name that matches the EIN on official documents to avoid mismatches that can delay filings and refunds.

Treat the EIN as sensitive business information. While it is less sensitive than an SSN, misuse can still enable fraud, so share it only with parties that genuinely need it, such as your bank, payroll provider, and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. If you ever lose the number, you can retrieve it from your prior tax filings or by contacting the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line. You generally keep the same EIN for the life of the business unless its structure changes.

EIN vs. State and Other Business Numbers

Businesses juggle several identifying numbers, and it helps to keep them straight. The EIN is your federal tax ID from the IRS. Separately, New York may issue state tax account numbers - for withholding, sales tax, or unemployment insurance - through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; these are not the same as the EIN and are used only for New York filings. If you registered an entity, you also have a state filing number from the New York Department of State.

Sole proprietors without employees sometimes operate under a Social Security number, but pairing an EIN with the business keeps that SSN off invoices and vendor forms and reduces identity-theft exposure. If your business changes structure - for example, a sole proprietorship incorporates, or an LLC is taken over by new ownership - IRS rules determine whether you need a brand-new EIN or can keep the existing one.

Foreign owners without a Social Security number face an extra step: because the online tool requires a valid SSN or ITIN for the responsible party, they must file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, where the IRS assigns the EIN manually. If you need an individual taxpayer number for other filings, that is the separate ITIN process. Keeping your EIN, New York accounts, and any personal tax IDs organized from the start saves time at tax time and when opening accounts.

Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is paying a third-party service for something the IRS provides free. Another is applying before the entity legally exists, which can create a name mismatch. Applying for multiple EINs for the same entity, or using the wrong entity type on the application, also causes problems that are tedious to correct.

Be careful to distinguish the federal EIN from New York tax account numbers; they are different identifiers issued by different agencies, and you may need both. Finally, keep your responsible-party information current with the IRS using Form 8822-B when ownership or the responsible party changes. Getting these details right up front saves time when you open accounts, hire staff, or file taxes. See business tax for what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an EIN cost in New York?

Nothing. The IRS issues EINs free of charge. Any website that charges a fee to get an EIN is a third party reselling a free federal service.

What is the fastest way to get an EIN in New York?

The IRS online application is fastest — it issues the EIN immediately at the end of the session during IRS operating hours. Fax takes about four business days; mail takes several weeks.

Does a single-member LLC in New York need an EIN?

Not always for income tax, but most get one anyway to open a business bank account, hire employees, or elect S-corp status. An EIN also avoids sharing your Social Security number with vendors.

What is the responsible party on Form SS-4?

The responsible party is the individual who ultimately owns or controls the business. The IRS requires that person's name and SSN or ITIN, and limits each responsible party to one EIN per day.

Is a New York state tax ID the same as an EIN?

No. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. New York tax accounts are separate identifiers issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and many businesses need both the EIN and state registration.

Can I get an EIN without a Social Security number?

Yes, but not online. If the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN, you must file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, where the IRS assigns the EIN manually. This method takes longer than the online tool.

Related

• How to get an EIN (cluster hub)
• What is an ITIN?
• How to form an LLC
• How to form an LLC in New York
• Business tax overview
• S-corp vs. LLC

Sources

1. IRS - Get an Employer Identification Number.
2. IRS - Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online.
3. IRS - About Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
4. IRS - Responsible Parties and Nominees.
5. IRS - Limited Liability Company (LLC).
6. IRS - Single Member Limited Liability Companies.
7. IRS - S Corporations.
8. Cornell LII - Limited liability company (LLC).
9. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance - New York business tax registration.
10. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance - New York business taxes overview.
11. New York Statutes - New York business and tax code.
12. the New York Department of State - New York business entity registration.
13. IRS - Estimated Taxes.

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 the IRS and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance before acting.