Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your Texas LLC takes about 10 minutes and is completely free — apply directly at IRS.gov and your federal tax ID is issued on screen instantly. Most Texas LLCs need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, or register with state agencies like the Texas Comptroller or Texas Workforce Commission. Skip any third-party service charging a fee; the IRS application costs nothing.
Step 1: Understand what an EIN is and whether you need one
An EIN is your LLC's federal tax identification number. The IRS uses it the same way the Social Security Administration uses your personal SSN — to identify your business entity for tax filings, employer registrations, and records.
You must get an EIN if any of the following apply to your Texas LLC:
- You have or plan to hire W-2 employees
- Your LLC is a multi-member LLC (taxed as a partnership by default)
- You have elected S-corp or C-corp tax treatment
- You want to open a business bank account (nearly all banks require one)
- You are registering for a Texas Sales Tax Permit
- You are registering as an employer with the Texas Workforce Commission
A single-member LLC with no employees can technically use the owner's SSN instead, but getting an EIN is still strongly recommended. It protects your SSN and is required by most vendors, lenders, and clients who ask for a W-9.
Common mistake: Many owners believe they only need an EIN after they hire someone. Wrong. You need one before you can open a business bank account, and the bank will ask for it on day one.
Step 2: Gather what you need before starting the application
The IRS online application times out if you leave it idle for too long. Have this information ready before you click Start:
- Your LLC's exact legal name as it appears on your Texas Certificate of Formation filed with the Secretary of State
- Texas as your state of formation — the IRS asks where your LLC was formed, not where you live
- Your LLC's principal business address
- The responsible party's full legal name and SSN (or ITIN) — this must be an individual who owns or controls the LLC, not another company
- Your LLC's formation date — the date the Texas SOS accepted your Certificate of Formation
- Your reason for applying — for a newly formed LLC, select "Started new business"
- Expected number of employees in the next 12 months — enter 0 if you are not hiring yet
You do not need your operating agreement, and you do not need to wait until the LLC is fully active before applying.
Step 3: Complete the free online application at IRS.gov
Navigate to the IRS EIN online application at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online and click "Apply Online Now."
Work through the wizard in order:
- Select your entity type — choose "Limited Liability Company (LLC)"
- Enter the number of LLC members — 1 for single-member, or the actual count for multi-member
- State of formation — select Texas
- Reason for applying — "Started new business" for most new LLCs
- Responsible party details — enter the controlling individual's name, SSN or ITIN, and address
- LLC name and address — use the exact legal name from your Certificate of Formation
- Tax classification — for a single-member LLC the default is disregarded entity (leave as-is unless you have filed Form 2553 for S-corp treatment); for multi-member LLCs the default is partnership
After you submit, the IRS displays your EIN on screen. Print or copy it immediately — you will need it before you can close the browser tab.
Estimated time: 10 minutes.
Common mistake: Single-member LLC owners sometimes select "Sole Proprietor" because they are the only member. Always select "LLC" — selecting the wrong entity type creates a mismatch between your IRS records and your Texas SOS filing.
Step 4: Download your CP 575 confirmation letter
After the online application, the IRS allows you to download your CP 575 Employer Identification Number confirmation letter. Download it and save it in a secure, permanent location — a cloud folder, a physical filing cabinet, or both.
The IRS will not reissue the CP 575. If you lose it, you must call 1-800-829-4933 during business hours to request a 147C letter, which serves as a substitute but takes time to receive.
Your CP 575 includes:
- Your EIN
- Your LLC's legal name and address as the IRS recorded them
- The tax classification the IRS has on file
Check the name and address for errors before filing it away. A typo on your CP 575 that goes uncorrected will cause mismatches on federal tax filings.
Step 5: Register with Texas state agencies using your new EIN
Now that you have an EIN, you can complete the Texas-specific registrations your LLC needs:
Texas Comptroller — WebFile account: Set up a WebFile account at https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/ to file your annual franchise tax report and Public Information Report. Your EIN links your WebFile account to your Texas LLC record. See our Texas franchise tax guide for a full filing walkthrough.
Texas Sales Tax Permit: If your LLC sells taxable goods or services in Texas, apply for a Sales Tax Permit at https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/. The application requires your EIN. Permit issuance is free, and permits are issued quickly online. See our Texas sales tax permit guide for details.
Texas Workforce Commission — employer registration: If you hire W-2 employees, register as an employer with the TWC at https://www.twc.texas.gov/. Registration triggers quarterly unemployment insurance tax filings. Your EIN is required to complete the employer registration form.
Quick reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Employer Identification Number (EIN) — your LLC's federal tax ID |
| Who issues it | IRS (not Texas) |
| Who needs one | All LLCs with employees; multi-member LLCs; any LLC opening a bank account |
| When to apply | Before hiring, before opening a bank account, before state registrations |
| Where to apply | https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online |
| Form | Online wizard (preferred) or Form SS-4 for fax/mail |
| Cost | Free — never pay a third party for this |
| Processing time | Online: immediate; Fax: ~4 business days; Mail: 4–5 weeks |
FAQ
How do I get an EIN for my Texas LLC?
Apply free at IRS.gov using the online EIN assistant — go to the IRS EIN application page, select LLC as your entity type, choose Texas, and complete the wizard. Your EIN is issued on screen immediately. The tool is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.
How much does it cost to get an EIN for a Texas LLC?
Nothing. The IRS never charges for an EIN. Any website charging a fee for EIN applications is a third-party service — avoid them and apply directly at IRS.gov for free.
Does a single-member Texas LLC need an EIN?
Technically no, if you have no employees and your LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship you can use your Social Security Number. But getting an EIN is strongly recommended: it keeps your SSN off vendor W-9 forms and is required to open most business bank accounts.
How long does it take to get an EIN for a Texas LLC?
Online applications receive an EIN immediately — the whole process takes about 10 minutes. Fax applications (Form SS-4) take roughly 4 business days. Mail applications take 4 to 5 weeks.
What if I lose my Texas LLC's EIN?
Your EIN never expires and cannot be changed. Check your original IRS CP 575 confirmation letter, a prior federal tax return, or your business bank application. If you can't locate it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to request a 147C letter as a replacement.
Not sure what else your Texas LLC owes?
Most business owners are surprised by how many filing obligations they have. Ortholo's free compliance checker shows you everything you owe, when it's due, and what happens if you miss it — personalized to your entity.
Last verified: 2026-05-20
Sources: IRS — Apply for an EIN Online | IRS Form SS-4 | Texas Comptroller — WebFile | Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit | Texas Workforce Commission