Every Texas LLC needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file federal taxes. The application is free, takes about 10 minutes online, and your EIN is issued immediately. You do not need a lawyer, an accountant, or a filing service — apply directly at IRS.gov at no cost, and walk away with your EIN the same day.
Step 1: Confirm your LLC needs an EIN
Virtually every Texas LLC should have an EIN. You are required to get one if any of the following apply:
- You have or plan to hire W-2 employees (including yourself as an owner-employee of an S-corp election)
- Your LLC is taxed as a partnership (multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships by default) or a corporation
- You are opening a business bank account (almost all banks require an EIN)
- You are applying for a Texas Sales Tax Permit or registering with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
- You are applying for a business loan or line of credit
The only Texas LLC that can technically skip the EIN is a single-member LLC with no employees that is taxed as a sole proprietorship — and even then, getting an EIN is strongly recommended. It keeps your personal Social Security Number off vendor forms, bank applications, and W-9s.
Common mistake: Some LLC owners assume they only need an EIN if they have employees. Wrong. Banks, state agencies, and vendors routinely ask for an EIN as a standard identifier regardless of payroll status.
Step 2: Gather what you need before you apply
The IRS online application takes about 10 minutes but times out if left idle. Have the following ready before you start:
- Your LLC's legal name exactly as it appears on your Texas Certificate of Formation (filed with the Secretary of State)
- Your LLC's principal business address in Texas
- The responsible party's name and SSN or ITIN — the responsible party is the individual who controls the entity (usually the sole member or a managing member). The IRS requires a human being here, not another entity.
- Your LLC's formation date (the date your Certificate of Formation was accepted by the Texas SOS)
- Reason for applying — for most new Texas LLCs, this is "Started new business"
- Expected number of employees in the next 12 months (enter 0 if none at the moment)
You do not need your LLC operating agreement, and you do not need to wait until you have a Texas business address. You apply to the IRS, not to the state of Texas.
Step 3: Apply online at IRS.gov (free and instant)
Go 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."
Walk through the wizard:
- Select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" as your entity type
- Select the state where your LLC was formed — Texas
- Enter the number of LLC members (1 for single-member, 2+ for multi-member)
- Choose the reason you are applying — "Started new business" for most new LLCs
- Enter the responsible party's details and SSN or ITIN
- Enter your LLC's legal name, address, and formation date
- Choose your tax classification — most LLCs accept the default (disregarded entity for single-member, partnership for multi-member) unless you have already filed a Form 2553 for S-corp status
After submitting, the IRS displays your EIN on screen. Write it down or print the page immediately.
Estimated time: 10 minutes.
Common mistake: Many owners apply under "Sole Proprietor" instead of "LLC" because they are a single-member LLC. This creates a mismatch between your IRS account and your Texas SOS filing. Always select LLC, even if you are the only member.
Step 4: Download and save your EIN confirmation letter
After the online application, the IRS lets you download your CP 575 confirmation letter immediately. Download it and save it somewhere permanent — a cloud folder, email attachment, or physical file.
Why this matters: The IRS will not reissue the CP 575 letter. If you lose it and need to verify your EIN (for a bank, a lender, or a state agency), you will have to call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours to get a 147C letter as a substitute. That process takes time. Having your CP 575 on file avoids the hassle.
The CP 575 letter includes:
- Your EIN
- Your LLC's legal name and address
- The tax classification the IRS has on file for your entity
Review it carefully. If the name or address is wrong, call the IRS to correct it before it causes problems on your first tax filing.
Step 5: Use your EIN with Texas state agencies
Once you have your EIN, several Texas filings reference it:
Texas Franchise Tax (Comptroller): When you set up a WebFile account with the Texas Comptroller to file your annual franchise tax report, you will enter your EIN to link your account to your Texas LLC record. See our Texas franchise tax guide for the full walkthrough.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): If you hire employees, you must register as an employer with the TWC. Your EIN is required for this registration, which triggers your obligation to file quarterly unemployment insurance (UI) tax returns. See our Texas unemployment insurance tax guide for details.
Texas Sales Tax Permit: If you sell taxable goods or services in Texas, you need a Sales Tax Permit from the Comptroller. The application at https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/ asks for your EIN.
New Hire Reporting: Within 20 days of hiring each new employee, you must report the hire to the Texas Attorney General's Office. Your EIN appears on every new hire report. See our Texas new hire reporting guide for instructions.
Quick reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Employer Identification Number (EIN) — federal tax ID |
| Who | All Texas LLCs with employees, or taxed as partnership/corporation; recommended for all LLCs |
| When | Apply before opening a bank account, hiring, or filing federal taxes |
| Where | IRS.gov — apply online, by fax (Form SS-4), or by mail |
| Form | Online wizard (no form number) or Form SS-4 for fax/mail |
| Cost | Free — the IRS never charges for an EIN |
| Processing time | Online: immediate; Fax: ~4 business days; Mail: 4–5 weeks |
| Penalty for not having one | Cannot legally file federal payroll taxes; most banks will refuse to open business accounts |
FAQ
Does a Texas LLC always need an EIN?
Most Texas LLCs need an EIN. You are required to have one if you have any employees, if your LLC is taxed as a partnership or corporation, or if you want to open a business bank account. Single-member LLCs with no employees can use the owner's Social Security Number instead, but getting an EIN is recommended to keep business and personal finances separate.
How long does it take to get an EIN for a Texas LLC?
The IRS online application issues your EIN immediately when you complete it — typically 10 minutes from start to finish. The online tool is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. If you apply by fax or mail, expect 4 business days or 4–5 weeks respectively.
Can a single-member LLC get an EIN?
Yes. The IRS issues EINs to single-member LLCs just like any other business entity. On Form SS-4, select "LLC" as the entity type and indicate one member. Getting an EIN as a single-member LLC is optional if you have no employees, but it lets you open a dedicated business bank account without using your Social Security Number.
What happens if I lose my Texas LLC's EIN?
Your EIN does not expire and you cannot be assigned a new one. To recover a lost EIN, check your original CP 575 confirmation letter, any prior federal tax return, or a bank account application you used it on. If you cannot locate it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
Do I need a separate Texas state tax ID in addition to my EIN?
It depends on your activities. Your federal EIN is used for federal taxes and most business purposes. Texas does not have a separate state income tax ID for LLCs. However, if you collect sales tax you need a Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Comptroller, and if you have employees you register separately with the Texas Workforce Commission. Neither replaces your EIN.
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: 2026-05-02
Sources: IRS — Apply for an EIN Online | Texas Comptroller — WebFile | Texas Workforce Commission — Employer Registration | Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit