How to Get an EIN in North Dakota (2026)

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

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a free federal tax ID from the IRS. Any North Dakota business can apply online at IRS.gov and receive the number immediately, by fax, or by mail using Form SS-4. There is no North Dakota charge, and third-party sites that charge for an EIN are unnecessary.

Quick Answer

Cost
Free — the IRS never charges for an EIN
Where
Apply at IRS.gov (online), or by fax/mail with Form SS-4
Speed
Online application issues the EIN immediately
Who needs one
Employers, multi-member LLCs, corporations, partnerships
Form
Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number
North Dakota tax ID
Separate; register with North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for state taxes

What an EIN Is and Who Needs One

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit federal tax identification number the IRS assigns to a business, much like a Social Security number for the entity. It identifies your business on federal tax filings, payroll, and information returns. Getting one is free directly from the IRS.

You must have an EIN if your business has employees, is a corporation or partnership, is a multi-member LLC, files certain excise or employment tax returns, or withholds taxes on income paid to a non-resident. A single-member LLC or sole proprietor without employees can use an SSN but an EIN is still recommended.

How to Apply for an EIN

The fastest way is the IRS online EIN application. If the responsible party has a valid taxpayer ID (SSN or ITIN), the application runs in one session and issues the EIN immediately on completion. The online tool is available during posted hours, and you should download and save the confirmation notice (CP 575).

If you cannot apply online, file Form SS-4 by fax (typically about four business days) or by mail (several weeks). International applicants without an SSN or ITIN can apply by phone. The application is the same nationwide; there is no separate North Dakota EIN. Beware paid "filing services" — the IRS issues EINs at no cost.

The Responsible Party

Every EIN application must name a responsible party — the individual who ultimately owns or controls the business and its funds. For most small businesses this is the owner. The IRS limits online applications to one EIN per responsible party per day.

The responsible party must generally have their own taxpayer identification number. If the owner has neither an SSN nor an ITIN, the business applies by fax, mail, or phone rather than online. Keep the responsible-party information current; you update it with the IRS using Form 8822-B when it changes.

EIN vs. North Dakota State Tax Registration

The federal EIN is not the same as a North Dakota state tax number. After getting the EIN, most businesses separately register with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for the state taxes they trigger — for example, a sales-tax permit if you sell taxable goods, or a withholding account if you hire employees. State registration usually asks for your EIN.

Think of the EIN as your federal identifier and the state registration as your North Dakota identifier; you generally need both. Review North Dakota licensing and North Dakota LLC tax filing to see which state accounts apply to your business.

What You Use an EIN For

An EIN unlocks the basic operations of a business. Banks require it to open a business account for an LLC, corporation, or partnership. You use it to run payroll and file employment taxes, to file the business's federal returns, and on the W-9 forms you give clients so they can issue you 1099s.

Using an EIN instead of your SSN on vendor and client paperwork also reduces exposure of your personal number. If your business structure changes — for example, a sole proprietor incorporates — you may need a new EIN; the IRS lists the situations that require one. Keep your CP 575 confirmation in a safe place.

Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is paying a third-party website for something the IRS provides free. Another is applying for multiple EINs when one is enough, or getting an EIN before finalizing the entity, which can attach the number to the wrong structure. Form your LLC first, then get the EIN.

Also avoid guessing on the responsible party or entity type on Form SS-4, since errors can cause IRS notices later. If you already have an EIN and only your address or responsible party changed, update it rather than reapplying. See the national EIN guide for edge cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an EIN cost in North Dakota?

Nothing. The IRS issues EINs for free. Apply online at IRS.gov or by fax or mail with Form SS-4; there is no state charge and no need to pay a third-party service.

How do I get an EIN in North Dakota?

Apply online at IRS.gov if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN, and receive the EIN immediately. Otherwise file Form SS-4 by fax, mail, or phone.

Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?

Not always — a single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's SSN — but an EIN is recommended and is required if you hire employees or elect corporate taxation.

Is an EIN the same as a state tax ID?

No. The EIN is a federal number. You separately register with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for North Dakota taxes like sales tax or withholding, and that registration usually asks for your EIN.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

The online application issues the EIN immediately. Fax applications take about four business days, and mailed Form SS-4 applications can take several weeks.

Related

More North Dakota business guides

Form an LLC Business License Dissolve an LLC Annual Report Articles of Organization Business Entity Search Certificate of Formation DBA Filing LLC Tax Filing Operating Agreement Registered Agent LLC Cost

Sources

  1. IRS - Get an Employer Identification Number (free EIN).
  2. IRS - Apply for an EIN Online.
  3. IRS - About Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
  4. IRS - Limited Liability Company (LLC) federal classification.
  5. IRS - Single Member Limited Liability Companies.
  6. IRS - Business Structures.
  7. IRS - Sole Proprietorships.
  8. SBA - Register your business (SBA).
  9. USA.gov - Start your own business (USA.gov).
  10. IRS - S Corporations.
  11. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner - business and tax registration.
  12. ND Office of State Tax Commissioner - Income tax withholding for employers.
  13. North Dakota Secretary of State - Business division (formation, filings, and fee schedule).
  14. North Dakota Secretary of State - FirstStop online business filing.

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 North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner and the IRS before acting.