Just formed your LLC? Don’t skip the EIN application. Follow this 2025 step-by-step checklist to get your EIN after LLC formation — fast, IRS-compliant, and even without an SSN. SpeedEIN helps foreign owners in 10 days.
You’ve done it — your LLC is officially formed.
You filed your Articles of Organization. You received your Certificate of Formation. You’re ready to launch.
But before you open a bank account, sign contracts, or accept your first payment — there’s one critical step you can’t skip:
✅ Apply for an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC’s federal tax ID — required by banks, platforms, and the IRS.
Yet, many new business owners delay or mess up the EIN application after LLC formation, risking:
- Bank account rejection
- Payment processing issues
- IRS penalties
- Loss of liability protection
This 2025 step-by-step checklist ensures you complete your EIN application correctly, quickly, and in full IRS compliance — whether you’re a US resident or foreign owner.
✅ Why You Need an EIN After LLC Formation
Even if your LLC has no income yet, you need an EIN to:
| Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🔐 Open a US bank account | Banks require EIN to verify your business |
| 💳 Accept payments (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) | Platforms need EIN for KYC and tax reporting |
| 👥 Hire employees or contractors | Required for payroll and 1099 forms |
| 📄 File business taxes (Form 1065, 1120, etc.) | IRS won’t accept returns without EIN |
| 🛡️ Preserve liability protection | Using SSN breaks the corporate veil |
📌 Exception: A single-member LLC with no employees may use the owner’s SSN — but it’s not recommended.
📋 Step-by-Step Checklist: EIN Application After LLC Formation
Follow these 7 steps to get your EIN — fast and error-free.
✅ Step 1: Confirm Your LLC Is Officially Formed
Before applying for an EIN, ensure:
- Your Articles of Organization are approved by the state
- You have a PDF copy of the formation document
- The LLC name is exactly as filed (no abbreviations)
❗ The IRS will reject your EIN application if the name doesn’t match.
✅ Step 2: Identify the Responsible Party
The responsible party is the individual who:
- Controls or manages the LLC
- Can make financial decisions
- Is listed in Form SS-4, Field 7
📌 For most LLCs:
- Single-member LLC: The owner
- Multi-member LLC: The majority owner or designated manager
❗ Only one person can be the responsible party — never an agent or law firm.
✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Gather:
- ✅ Copy of LLC Articles of Organization
- ✅ Passport or ID of the responsible party
- ✅ US mailing address (for CP575 delivery — no PO Box)
- ✅ Operating Agreement (recommended for multi-member LLCs)
📌 No SSN? No problem. Write:
“Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” in SS-4, Field 8
✅ Step 4: Complete Form SS-4 Accurately
Key fields to get right:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| 4a. Kind of entity | Limited Liability Company |
| 4b. Short name | Your LLC’s legal name (e.g., Alpha Tech LLC) |
| 7. Responsible Party | Full name of owner/manager |
| 8a. SSN/ITIN | Leave blank → write “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” |
| 9. Date business started | Formation date from Articles |
| 17. Signature | Handwritten signature of responsible party |
📌 Tip: Double-check spelling and dates — one error causes delays.
✅ Step 5: Submit the EIN Application
You have three options:
| Method | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online (IRS) | 15 min | US residents with SSN |
| Fax (IRS) | 4–6 weeks | Foreign owners, fastest official method |
| Mail (IRS) | 6–8 weeks | Slow, high risk of loss |
📌 Pro Tip: Use SpeedEIN to submit via fax — we handle the form, tracking, and follow-up.
✅ Step 6: Receive Your CP575 Letter
After 4–6 weeks, the IRS mails the CP575 to your US address.
This letter includes:
- Your EIN number (e.g., 12-3456789)
- Your LLC’s legal name
- Your name as Responsible Party
- Issue date and tax responsibilities
📌 Keep it safe — you’ll need it for:
- Bank onboarding
- Tax filings
- Platform verification (Stripe, Amazon, etc.)
✅ Step 7: Take Next Steps with Your EIN
Now that you have your EIN, complete these:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🏦 Open a US business bank account | Separate personal and business finances |
| 📝 Draft or update your Operating Agreement | Clarify ownership and management |
| 🧾 Apply for business licenses/permits | Required in many states and cities |
| 💼 Set up accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) | Track income, expenses, taxes |
| 🧑💼 Consult a US tax professional | Ensure annual compliance (Form 1065, 1120-S, etc.) |
🚫 Common Mistakes After LLC Formation
- ❌ Waiting too long to get EIN
→ Apply within 30 days of formation. - ❌ Using a registered agent as responsible party
→ The IRS wants the real owner — not a third party. - ❌ No US mailing address for CP575
→ Use a friend, virtual office, or co-working space. - ❌ Digital signature instead of handwritten
→ IRS requires ink signature — no exceptions. - ❌ Skipping the EIN for “disregarded” LLCs
→ Banks and platforms still require it.
🚀 SpeedEIN: Get Your EIN Fast After LLC Formation
We help thousands of entrepreneurs complete their EIN application after LLC formation — correctly and quickly.
✅ What we do:
- Verify your LLC formation documents
- Identify the correct responsible party
- Complete Form SS-4 with IRS-compliant entries
- Submit via IRS fax for faster processing
- Provide CP575 delivery guidance
- Offer direct email support — no bots, no wait times
✅ Our Guarantee:
- ⏱️ EIN in 10 business days
- 📬 CP575 guidance within 20 business days
- 🔐 You remain the responsible party — no third-party control
- 📩 No hidden fees, no document retention
📞 Apply for EIN After Forming Your LLC — The Right Way
Don’t let a simple form delay your business.
With SpeedEIN, you can go from LLC formation to EIN in days — not weeks.
📌 You provide:
- LLC Articles of Organization
- Responsible party passport
- Valid US mailing address
📩 Get your EIN now: speedein.com
📘 Official IRS Resources: