An EIN costs $0 from the IRS
The IRS gives out employer identification numbers for free, online, by fax or by mail. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. In 2025 the FTC warned websites that charge people up to $300 for EINs they could get free.
EIN cost
| Apply online at irs.gov | $0 |
|---|---|
| Apply by fax or mail | $0 |
| Paid filing websites | Not the IRS |
The online application must be finished in one session and times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Sources: IRS, Apply for an EIN online; Federal Trade Commission, warning to websites that charge for EINs (April 2025).
What this price covers
An EIN is a tax ID for a business, nonprofit, estate or household employer. You need one to hire staff and often to open a business bank account.
What changes your price
- Where you apply. The IRS is free. Paid websites charge a service fee for the same free form.
Ways to pay less
- Check the web address ends in irs.gov before you type anything.
- Print your EIN confirmation letter for your records.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the IRS website or an IRS form. Where we show a total, we only add up the IRS's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and tax preparer or lawyer fees are not included. Fees can change, so check irs.gov before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does an EIN cost?
Nothing. The IRS issues EINs for free.
Why did a website charge me?
It was a private filing service, not the IRS.