How to Apply for an EIN: A Guide to Nonprofits

Estimated reading time: 11 minute(s)

Starting a nonprofit is an act of purpose. Whether you’re building a food pantry, launching an arts program, or funding a community health organization, the early legal steps are what make the mission real. One of the first and most important of those steps is obtaining an Employer Identification Number, or EIN.

What is an EIN?

An employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your organization for tax purposes. Think of it as a social security number for your nonprofit. Despite the name, you don’t need to have employees to need an EIN. Virtually every nonprofit organization will need one.

Why Does Your Nonprofit Need an EIN?

Your EIN is foundational. Without it, you can’t move forward on most of the steps that make your nonprofit operational. Specifically, you’ll need an EIN to:

• Open a bank account – Financial institutions require an EIN before they’ll open an account in your organization’s name.
• Apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status – The IRS requires an EIN on Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.
• File your annual Form 990 – Your EIN identifies your organization on every federal information return you file.
• Hire employees – If you plan to bring on staff, your EIN is required for payroll reporting and tax withholding.
• Apply for grants – Most foundations and government funders require your EIN as part of the application process.
• Accept donations – Donors may need your EIN to claim a charitable deduction on their own tax returns.

When Should You Apply?

Apply for your EIN as early as possible, ideally right after your nonprofit is legally formed (after you’ve filed your articles of incorporation with your state). You don’t need to wait until you have employees, a board fully in place, or a bank account. Get the EIN first; everything else follows from there.

What You’ll Need Before You Apply

Gather the following before starting the application:

• Your organization’s legal name as it appears in your formation documents 
• The principle business address of your nonprofit 
• The name and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number of a responsible party (founder, president, officer)
• Your entity type 
• The reason you’re applying. For nonprofits, this is usually “Started a new business” or “other”

How to Apply: Step by Step

Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest)

The IRS online EIN application is free, available at IRS.gov, and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Once completed, you’ll receive your EIN immediately.

Steps: 

1. Go to the IRS EIN Online Assistant 
2. Enter your organization’s details, including your purpose and structure
3. Review and submit. Your EIN will appear on screen immediately and can be downloaded as a PDF confirmation letter.

Option 2: Apply by Fax

Complete IRS Form SS-4 (the paper EIN application) and fax it to the IRS. Processing typically takes four business days, and the IRS will fax your EIN back to the number you provide. 

Option 3: Apply by Mail

Mail your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS address listed in the instructions for your state. This method takes four to five weeks. It is recommended to only use this option if you are unable to use the first and second options.

Option 4: Apply by Phone (International Applicants Only)

If your nonprofit’s principal place of business or responsible party is outside the U.S., you can apply by calling the IRS, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

The Bottom Line 

Applying for an EIN is one of the simplest administrative steps your nonprofit will take. The process is free and opens the door to your bank account, your tax-exempt status, your grant applications, and your annual 990 filings.

Get your EIN early, keep the confirmation letter safe, and know that every step you take in the compliance process is a step toward building the credibility and trust your organization needs to do good work. 

Check out more of our quick guides to nonprofit compliance!