How To Get An EIN In Texas (Updated: Mar. 2026)

Starting an LLC in Texas is an excellent idea if you want to do business in a state that doesn’t require income tax. This adds to the several tax advantages offered when forming an LLC, making it an attractive option for creating and managing your business.

The state of Texas requires you to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) when forming your Limited Liability Company (LLC). Applying for a Texas EIN through the Internal Revenue Service is completely free.

This is a unique 9-digit identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps identify your business. Once received, it allows you to perform several important business functions, making it a key requirement when operating your LLC efficiently.

My article discusses how to get an EIN in Texas, including the benefits and considerations when filing your Texas EIN application. You’ll understand how to file your EIN application correctly and efficiently once you’ve finished reading.

Alternative Names For An EIN

An EIN may be referred to by several different names depending on the state and personal preference. Familiarize yourself with each one to avoid getting confused when terms are used interchangeably. These are the main ones to be aware of:

• EIN.
• Employer Identification Number.
• FEIN.
• Federal Employer Identification Number.
• EIN Number.
• FEIN Number.
• Federal Tax ID.
• Federal Tax Identification Number.

1. Different Business Numbers: Don’t Confuse These With Your EIN

Part of forming and managing your LLC should involve familiarizing yourself with the different state business numbers. The table below describes the numbers and what they mean, so you don’t get confused when filing your LLC.

Why Your Texas LLC Needs An EIN

An EIN is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It acts as your federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), identifying your business and allowing you to perform several essential business functions.

Having an EIN ensures that your business operates legally within state guidelines. It allows your LLC to operate under its own business identity when filing taxes, performing banking transactions, and hiring employees using its own identity. This separation ensures that your Social Security Number (SSN) is better protected, reducing the risks of identity theft.

Here’s what your LLC can do once you’ve obtained an EIN. As you’ll see, the list contains several important processes needed to maintain efficient business operations.

1. Open a business bank account.
2. Manage employee payroll.
3. Report federal and state-level taxes.
4. Apply for business permits and licenses.
5. Build your business credit and apply for business loans.

1. Federal Tax Obligations

Most Texas businesses are required by the IRS to obtain an EIN for identification and federal tax reporting. This is different from state-level obligations, which must be met when forming and managing your LLC.

If you don’t obtain an EIN, you could face negative consequences and compliance issues. These depend on whether you’re a U.S. resident or a foreign business owner. I’ve listed the different ones for both categories below.

When Should You Get An EIN For Your Texas LLC?

I recommend that you wait for your LLC name to be approved, then file your EIN application as soon as possible after. I’ve discussed the reasons behind this in more detail below.

1. To Ensure Your Business Name Matches Exactly

Your LLC name is only official and finalized once your Certificate of Formation has been approved by the Texas Secretary of State. Your desired name will be checked against existing business names to ensure it’s unique and follows the state rules.

The name stated on your Certificate of Formation must match exactly with the name provided on your EIN Confirmation Letter (IRS Form CP 575). If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to access many of the benefits stated above.

If you apply before your LLC name is officially approved, your EIN record will become useless if the state requires a name change. In this case, you’ll be left with mismatched IRS and state documentation.

2. To Avoid Reapplying If Your LLC Is Rejected

Your Certificate of Formation can be rejected by the state for several reasons. These include name conflicts, missing details, and incorrect Registered Agent information. If this happens, you’ll need to file a new Certificate of Formation using a different business name.

If your EIN application has already been made, it’s already linked to your rejected filing. Therefore, the EIN application becomes invalid when filing your new formation documents. You’ll need to cancel your application by contacting the IRS and start all over again. This can delay your setup, wasting valuable business time.

3. How To Contact The IRS About Your EIN

You can contact the IRS directly if you require assistance or have questions regarding your EIN application when forming and managing your LLC. You have two options:

• Phone number: 1-800-829-4933.
• Hours: 7 A.M. – 7 P.M. Eastern time (Monday through Friday).

a. Reaching A Live Representative

Follow these steps when calling to be connected to a live representative:

• Step 1: Press “1” for English or “2” for Spanish.
• Step 2: Press “1” again for Employer Identification Numbers.
• Step 3: Press “3” if you can’t locate or remember your current EIN. This is the only way to connect to a live representative.

How To Get An EIN In Texas

You can apply for your Texas EIN online, by mail, or by fax. The best method generally depends on whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen.

Note: You can only apply for one EIN per party per day, meaning you’ll need to apply over multiple days if you need more than one EIN.

1. As A U.S. Citizen

You should have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This allows you to Apply For Your EIN Online, with the whole process taking around 15 minutes. You’ll immediately receive your EIN Confirmation Letter CP 575 once your application is completed.

Note: You can consider the other processing methods (By fax or by mail) if you don’t have access to the online IRS portal. However, I don’t recommend these as they take significantly longer. You should only use these methods if you’ve received an EIN reference number error when filing online.

2. As A Non-Citizen

If you’re a non-U.S. resident or foreign individual, you likely won’t have a SSN or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In this case, you won’t be able to use the online IRS portal and must file your application by fax or mail.

Complete IRS Form SS-4 and send it to the IRS. It typically takes around 4 business days for fax applications and 4–6 weeks for mail applications.

Note: These methods can be quite complex if you’re not a U.S. citizen. Check out my comprehensive step-by-step guide on the EIN Application Process As A Foreigner.

Frequently Asked Questions