Key Takeaways:

1) You can get EIN approval within 5-10 minutes during 7 a.m.-10 p.m. if you apply online and meet all requirements.

2) People who apply through Fax can take 3 to 5 days.

3) If you are applying by mail, it can take up to 4-5 weeks.

4) Don’t forget to save the CP 575 PDF immediately after the post-application. 

5) A request for a free 147C verification letter in 5 days, if lost, can be submitted online or by fax.

6) EIN is mandatory for 99% bank accounts, quarterly Form 941 payroll, 50+ vendor 1099s, and business credit card scores boosting 20-50 points.

For the EIN application, not everyone follows the same procedure. That is why the actual timeline varies wildly based on how you apply.

So, how long does it take to get an EIN?

The first method that you can try is an online portal. The IRS online portal is the first choice for 90% of applicants.

If you apply through the online portal, you can get approval in 5 to 10 minutes. No doubt, this is fast. And it is completely free. The online tool is only open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If you try on a Sunday, you are out of luck.

The second method that you can try if you miss the first option is Fax. If you can’t use the online tool, your next best option is FAX. The IRS claims this takes 4 business days.

However, keep in mind that this timeline can change during the IRS’s peak tax season (January to April). When the workload increases, that “4 days” can easily turn into two weeks.

In this guide, I won’t just give you the timeline.

I’m also going to cover the specific errors that cause delays and the precautions you need to take to get approved on the first try. Let’s get started.

Method #1: Apply Online: The "15-Minute" Rule

For 99% of business owners, applying online is the only method you should even consider. Because it is the only method that is fully automated.

There is no IRS agent manually reviewing your form. No fax machine jamming. No mail getting lost. You simply type in your info, click submit, and the system generates your employer identification number PDF immediately. In total, the process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Who Qualifies for Instant Approval?

Before you get too excited, let’s make sure you can actually use this tool. The IRS has strict “gatekeeper” rules for the online application.

You qualify ONLY if:

  • You have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN.
  • Your business is located in the United States or U.S. Territories.
  • You are the “Responsible Party”

If you don’t have an SSN, you cannot use this method. You will have to skip to Method #4.

Don’t forget to check about the day. For example, if you’re going to apply on Saturday then you might see “System Unavailable”.

So, while applying don’t forget to check what the day, and what time right now you are applying.

The "Session Timeout" Trap

Here is where most people get stuck. IRS has a very aggressive security feature: The 15-Minute Timeout.

If you stop typing for just 15 minutes, the session expires. And because the system doesn’t save your work, you have to start over. From scratch.

Before you click “Begin Application,” have your SSN, business address, and incorporation date written down in front of you. You don’t want to be scrambling for paperwork while the clock is ticking.

Also, remember the “Banker’s Hours” rule:

Even though it is an IRS website, it doesn’t work 24/7. The online tool is only available Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Method #2: Apply by Fax

Most people haven’t touched a fax machine since 2005.

But when the IRS online tool crashes, the fax machine becomes your best friend.

It is the “backdoor” for getting your EIN faster than mail, without the strict automated validation of the online tool.

Here is the timeline:

The IRS officially states that fax applications are processed within 4 business days.

Compared to the 4-week wait for snail mail, that is lightning fast.

However, a word of caution for 2025:

“4 days” is the official estimate. In the real world, especially during tax season (January–April), this often stretches to 1 to 2 weeks.

To use this method, you need to download and complete Form SS-4.

You cannot just write a letter. You must fill out this specific PDF, print it, and fax it to the correct IRS fax number for your state.

The "Return Fax" Mistake

If you choose this method, there is one critical detail that trips people up. You must provide a return fax number.

The IRS agent will review your Form SS-4 manually. Once they assign your EIN, they will write it on the form and fax it back to you.

If you leave the “Fax number” field blank, they will send your EIN via standard mail. That means your “4-day” express application just turned into a 4-week waiting game.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a physical fax machine, use a digital fax service like eFax or HelloFax. They give you a digital number that receives the IRS document directly to your email inbox.

Method #3: Apply by Mail

This should be your last resort. If the online tool is down, and you absolutely cannot get access to a fax service, then and only then should you consider sending your application through the mail.

This method takes the longest because it involves two different physical processes that add friction:

  1. Mail delivery time to the IRS processing center.
  2. Manual processing time by an IRS agent.

Real World Waiting Times

The official IRS guidance suggests a processing time of around 4 to 5 weeks once your Form SS-4 is received.

So, if the IRS processes approximately 75,000 SS-4 forms per month, a 5-week turnaround suggests a daily handling rate of about 2,500–2,700 forms per business day. But you need to factor in postal transit time on top of that.

For domestic applicants, you should conservatively budget: 5 to 6 weeks minimum.

If you are an international applicant mailing the form from outside the U.S., the duration is significantly longer due to international mail and specific processing queues: 8 to 12 weeks.

This time commitment can derail your entire business launch timeline, so it requires careful planning.

The Hidden Cost of Mail

The biggest hidden cost of applying by mail isn’t the postage, it’s the risk of error. If your Form SS-4 is incomplete or has a mistake, the IRS will mail it back to you. This is called a “Rejection Loop.”

A single error means your 6-week wait instantly resets and turns into a 12-week wait. Compare this to the fax method, where you can often get a faster response regarding incomplete applications, and the risk of error-related delays is significantly mitigated.

Method #4: International Applicants

This is the chapter for founders who do not have a U.S. 

Social Security Number or ITIN. Because the IRS Online EIN Assistant requires an SSN/ITIN for instant electronic validation, you are automatically locked out of the 15-minute approval application process.

Your application must be handled by a human agent, which introduces the inevitable waiting period. For international applicants, the options narrow down to two primary methods: Phone or Fax/Mail.

Phone Application

This is the only way for a non-U.S. resident without an SSN to get a semi-quick turnaround.

  • Process: You call the International Applicants line, and an IRS representative assists you in filling out the Form SS-4 over the phone.
  • Number: You must call the IRS from outside the U.S. at 267-941-1099 (this is a toll-charge line).
  • Hours: They only operate Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Timeline: If approved, the EIN is provided to you immediately over the phone. You will then receive the official documentation (CP 575 Notice) via mail in about 1 to 2 weeks.

The biggest bottleneck here is the phone queue and the time zone difference. You must be prepared to wait on hold.

Fax Application

If you cannot call the IRS during their operating hours, you must use the fax method, following the same procedure as domestic businesses

You can expect a turnaround of 1 to 3 weeks. This is often slower than the domestic fax queue because international applications are routed to a specialized team. You must include a reliable international fax number for the IRS to fax the EIN back to you, or they will resort to mail.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Get an EIN

The time it takes to get an EIN isn’t the same for every business. Several factors can either speed up or slow down the process.

Application Method

How you apply has the most significant impact on timing.

  • Online application: This is by far the fastest option. If you’re eligible, you can get your EIN instantly after submitting your information through the IRS website. The system is available Monday through Friday, during IRS business hours. It issues your EIN right away.

  • Fax application: A little slower. If you fax your SS-4 form, the IRS typically processes it within four business days. They’ll send your EIN back by fax if you provide a return fax number.

  • Mail application: The slowest option. Mailing in your SS-4 form usually takes about four weeks. During peak IRS workload, it can take even longer.

  • Phone application: If you’re outside the U.S., you can apply by phone, but wait times depend on IRS availability.

So, if speed is your top priority, apply online whenever possible.

Business Type

Your business structure also plays a role.

Sole proprietors usually get processed quickly. This is because their structure is simple and requires less review. 

Corporations and partnerships may take longer to process. This is especially true if they involve multiple responsible parties or more complex ownership structures.

A Limited Liability Company or LLC can be fast to establish if they are a single-member entity. 

However, the process tends to be slower for multi-member LLCs. Foreign-owned businesses often require extra EIN verification letters, which can significantly delay the process. 

In some cases, the Internal Revenue Service may ask for additional documents before issuing an EIN. The more complex your business type, the more time you should expect the application to take.

Accuracy of Information

Accuracy is one of the most common reasons for delays.

The IRS carefully checks your SS-4 form. 

If there are any errors, such as a missing field or a typo in your address, the application will be flagged. Additionally, mismatches between your business name and the responsible party’s information can also lead to issues. 

It’s important to ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.

When that happens, the IRS may contact you for clarification, or they might reject the application altogether. Either way, it costs you extra time.

That’s why it’s worth double-checking every single detail before submitting. Even a small mistake can turn a same-day EIN into a several-week delay.

IRS Workload / Peak Tax Season

Finally, timing matters.

The IRS processes EIN applications all year round. But between January and April, when millions of Americans are filing taxes, their workload skyrockets.

During this period, fax and mail applications can move much more slowly than normal. Even phone applications for international businesses may have longer wait times.

To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s advisable to apply outside of peak tax season. If that’s not possible, at the very least, don’t wait until the last minute. This is especially important if your business needs an EIN for tax filing.

Common Delays in EIN Processing

Getting an EIN can be fast.

But if something’s off with your application?

You’ll wait a lot longer than you planned. Here are the most common issues that cause delays.

Incorrect Information on SS-4 Form

Your SS-4 form is the backbone of your EIN application.

But if you leave out required details or type something wrong, the IRS will stop the process. It is important to include all necessary information to avoid delays.

And once that happens, you’re stuck. You’ll either get a rejection notice or a request for clarification. Either way, you’re adding weeks to your timeline.

Double-check every field before you hit submit. Even a small typo can mean big delays.

Mismatch in Business Name / Responsible Party

Another big one: mismatched details.

If the business name on your SS-4 doesn’t align with IRS or state records, it can cause issues. 

Additionally, the “responsible party” information must match what the IRS has on file. Otherwise, the system won’t process your application smoothly.

Instead, it gets flagged for manual review. And manual review always means extra waiting.

Multiple EIN Requests Within a Short Time

The IRS tracks how often EINs are requested.

Submitting multiple applications in a short window raises red flags. This is especially true if the applications are for the same business type.

That can trigger extra scrutiny or even outright rejection.

So only apply once. If you make a mistake, fix the original application rather than trying to start fresh with another.

Foreign Ownership Complexity

If your business has foreign owners or is based outside the U.S., expect delays.

That’s because the IRS often requires additional documentation to verify identity and ownership. And since international applications can’t be completed online, the process usually involves fax, mail, or phone.

This means longer wait times. Sometimes, it can take several weeks more than a standard U.S.-based application.

How Long Does It Take to Use an EIN After Getting It?

Getting your EIN is step one.

But can you actually use it right away? For most businesses, yes. As soon as the IRS issues your EIN, it’s active. You can put it on tax forms, payroll paperwork, and other official documents immediately.

But that’s just scratching the surface. Even if you have the number, not every system updates instantly.

For example:

  • Banks: Some banks require the official IRS confirmation letter before they will open a business account. That letter can take days or even weeks to arrive by mail.
  • State agencies: If you’re registering for state-level taxes, it may take extra time for the IRS system to sync. This delay can impact the speed at which state systems are updated.
  • Vendors and lenders: Some partners want proof of the EIN on paper. They do not accept just the number.

Your EIN is technically active right away. 

However, you might need to wait for your confirmation letter before you can do everything. Your EIN works the moment you get it. 

But don’t be surprised if banks, states, or lenders want paperwork before moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re eligible to apply online, you’ll usually get your EIN immediately after submitting your application. That’s why online is the fastest and easiest option.

The IRS issues a confirmation letter after your EIN is approved. If you applied online, you can download it right away. But if you applied by fax or mail, the letter is sent through regular mail and may take several days to a few weeks to arrive.

Yes. IRS processing times always slow down during peak tax season and around major holidays. Online applications may still be instant, but fax and mail applications almost always take longer during these periods.

Technically, you can open a business bank account as soon as you have your EIN. But in practice, most banks require the official IRS confirmation letter before approving the account. If you applied online, that letter is available immediately. If you applied by mail or fax, you may have to wait until it arrives.

Final Word

An EIN might look like just a number. 

For your business, it’s the key that unlocks everything. This includes everything from paying taxes to opening a bank account.

Apply online, keep your details accurate, and you’ll have it almost instantly. If you apply by mail, during tax season, or with mistakes, you might face delays. This could leave you waiting longer than expected.

The takeaway is simple: treat your EIN as the foundation. The sooner you have it, the sooner you can focus on what really matters. This allows you to concentrate on building and growing your business.