How to Apply for an EIN Yourself, Free Through the IRS
An educational guide to finding the official IRS process, understanding what the number means, and protecting your application details.
Apply directly with the IRS for free. This is an educational guide, not an application service. We do not collect application details, submit an application through this page, or charge for this guide. Go to the official IRS information and application page.
What the number does
An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, identifies an organization for federal tax administration. A nonprofit generally needs its own number even without employees. Having one does not, by itself, establish 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Begin after legal formation
The IRS tells organizations to form the entity before applying. Use the legal name and formation information from your records. If an organization already has a number, review the IRS rules before requesting another one.
Check the current online requirements
The IRS online tool has eligibility requirements, including the organization's location and identification of its responsible party. Review those requirements on the government site. Sensitive identifiers should be entered only through the official process, never in our consultation form, chat, or newsletter signup.
Complete the process yourself
- Read the official IRS page linked below.
- Check that you are using an irs.gov page or an official IRS application reached from it.
- Follow the current instructions for the appropriate organization type.
- Save the government's confirmation with the organization's permanent records.
If you cannot use the online process, the IRS explains other application methods. Use its current instructions instead of assuming the online tool fits your situation.
Keep the distinction clear
A federal identifier is an administrative step; recognition of charitable tax exemption is a different matter. The nonprofit roadmap explains the broader sequence. This site is operated by a charity and is not a government website.
Want to talk through your next step?
Send us a request. A real person will get back to you within a few hours and happily walk you through the steps. The consultation is free, including if you plan to do the work yourself.
Request a free consultationGeneral educational information, checked against the linked sources on October 21, 2026. Rules vary by state and circumstances. Use current official instructions for your own filing.