How To Get A Washington EIN For An LLC – 2026 Guide

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an important federal ID numbers thats critical to obtain when building your Washington LLC. Once issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it ensures effective operations and continuous complaince. You’ll need it for legal filings and several required operational tasks.

I’ve discussed everything that you need to know when filing your Washington EIN application, so you can complete the whole process with confidence. You’ll learn about how to complete each required step and the importance of getting one.

What Is An EIN?

EIN = Your Employer Identification Number, issued by the IRS to business entities like LLCs.

• Having an EIN doesn’t require you to have employees.
• Your EIN is a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) identifying your LLC with the IRS.

You may find TIN listed on your 1099; it is the same as your EIN.

1. How Do I Find My EIN Number Online?

What to do if you have lost/misplaced your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP-575)? Look for your EIN on business documents and call the IRS for a legal replacement. You cannot download another EIN letter online.

However, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C) to replace your original, which can serve as a legal document for opening bank accounts, conducting financial transactions, or conducting other business operations.

Banks and the state government accept both your original EIN letter and your 147C form.

2. EIN Synonyms

Before I get into the reasons why you need an EIN and how to get one, check out the table below. It lists the different terms for an EIN. Make sure you’re aware of these, so you don’t get confused.

Notes:

• Your EIN is different from the Washington State Tax ID.
• IRS issues the EIN, while the State of Washington issues the Tax ID.
• The Washington Department of Revenue is the state department that issues your State Tax ID.

Why You Need An EIN

Here are the main reasons why an EIN is essential for an LLC:

• Bank account establishment: Most banks require an EIN, not your SSN.
• Build business credit: Credit is needed for loans, credit cards, and financing.
• Hire employees legally: An EIN is required for payroll tax reporting in Washington.
• Apply for business licenses and permits: State and local agencies often ask for an EIN.
• File federal & state taxes: Separates business tax identity from the owner.
• Protect personal identity: Using an EIN instead of your SSN reduces the risk of identity theft.

How Do I File An EIN Application For My Washington LLC?

Important facts to remember:

• You must finalize the number of LLC members before applying for an EIN.
• Changing your LLC type (Limited Liability vs. a C-Corp) requires IRS and state paperwork.
• You must transfer ownership properly, amend the Operating Agreement, and update the accountant.

1. Apply For An EIN (U.S. Citizens & U.S. Residents)

I recommend that you apply for an EIN online if you have an SSN or an ITIN. You must provide copies of your organizational documents with the application.

Online filing is the easiest filing method with the fastest approval rate. Make sure you remember to print and file your original letter so it is not lost or misplaced. If you must relocate or regenerate a lost EIN, it can be frustrating and cause unnecessary business delays.

Your EIN should be issued at the end of a 15-minute online application. This is quite quick compared to the long wait time for mail delivery.

Read step-by-step instructions: How To Apply For An EIN Online.

2. Apply For An EIN (Non-U.S. Residents)

• Non-U.S. residents who do not have a SSN/ITIN are still eligible to get an EIN.
• Non-U.S. residents without an SSN/ITIN cannot apply online for a Federal tax EIN. Instead, an application called the Form SS-4 must be phoned, mailed, or faxed to the IRS.
• The applicant must mail or fax Form SS-4 to the IRS.

Read step-by-step instructions: How To Get An EIN Without An SSN Or ITIN.

EIN Approval (EIN Confirmation Letter)

This is the flow of an EIN approval process. First, the IRS issues an EIN letter to the applicant > The applicant receives the EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575).

The application method determines how you receive the letter, as identified in the instructions listed above.

If you apply for your EIN online, download it at the end. If you mail/fax your application, the IRS sends the EIN approval by regular mail. Mail will take approximately four to six weeks to arrive.

The EIN Confirmation Letter looks like this:

When Should You Get An EIN?

Don’t apply for an EIN until your Washington LLC is approved.

• If your LLC gets approved, match the EIN Confirmation Letter to your LLC name. Use the EIN provided in the letter. Take a photo for your records in case it is misplaced; at least you have a record of your EIN.
• What to do if your LLC is rejected: Refile with the state, wait for the new LLC name to be approved. Then get a new EIN, and cancel the old EIN.
• To cancel an old EIN, download a cancellation letter template from the IRS or a reliable source. Include business name, reason for cancellation, and EIN for that business. Request confirmation, which should be received in 45 days. Make sure all outstanding tax forms for that EIN have been filed and taxes paid before cancellation.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Contact Information

Here are detailed instructions for contacting the IRS:

IRS phone contact: 1-800-829-4933, Mon–Fri 7 A.M.–7 P.M.

Live person options:

1. Press 1 for English.
2. Press 1 for EINs.
3. Press 3 for “If you already have an EIN, but you can’t remember it, etc.”

Notes: 

• Pressing option 3 is the only way to get a live person.
• Call the IRS early to avoid long hold times.
• IRS provides EIN application guidance, not legal or tax advice.

Frequently Asked Questions