How long does it take to get an EIN?
See how long other business owners are waiting to receive their EIN. This page is updated weekly.
Latest EIN wait times
We ask recent EIN applicants how many days it took to receive their EIN. See how long it takes to receive an EIN and view timelines from other applicants.
Non-US residents
US residents applying with SSN
Submit your EIN wait time
How long did it take to get your EIN? Help keep our EIN processing timelines as accurate as possible and help other EIN applicants.
EIN application wait times
EIN processing times depend on the application method and IRS workload. Online applications are instant, faxed ones take days to weeks, and mailed requests can take over a month. High demand, errors, and extra verification for international applicants can cause delays.
Methodology
We tell you how many days it will likely take to get your EIN. How do we do this?
We gather data from recent EIN applicants on how long their application process took. Using this information, our website calculates and updates a daily average. While this estimate isn’t an exact prediction of when you’ll receive your EIN from the IRS, it provides a helpful timeframe for how long you might need to wait.
 Our average is based on the past 30 days of user-reported experiences, including reports from registered agents; forums; social media platforms like Reddit, X and Quora; and website submissions.
Common questions about EINs
Submit Your Wait TimeHow long does it take to apply for an EIN?
Applying for an EIN is quick if you’re doing it online. The IRS issues your EIN instantly after you submit your application. Keep in mind, online submission only applies if you are a US resident with an SSN (Social Security Number).
If you’re a non-US resident that has set up a US-registered company, you must apply by fax or by mail. If applying by fax, it usually takes 4 to 5 business days. EIN applications sent by mail take the longest, about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on IRS workload. As a non-US resident, you cannot apply for an EIN online or by phone.
If you’re applying for an EIN as a company that was registered or formed outside the US, you have the option of applying by phone, by fax or by mail. If you’re applying by phone, you may receive your EIN on the same day or the next business day.
Why do EIN processing times vary?
EIN processing times can vary due to several factors, including the application method and the current IRS workload. Processing can slow down during peak tax seasons, and errors in EIN applications may lead to delays. For international businesses (companies that are registered or formed outside the US), additional verification steps can also extend the timeline.
Why am I seeing two different average wait times?
EIN processing times for US residents with an SSN are much faster than for non-US resident business owners.
Why should I submit my EIN processing times to EINwaittime.com?
Once you’ve received your EIN from the IRS, you can help other business owners by sharing your processing timeline and any advice you may have based on your application experience. This allows EIN applicants to see the latest, up-to-date wait times.
Sharing your EIN processing times takes less than a minute and helps to ensure we’re providing accurate information.
Why is my EIN application taking longer to process?
There are a few reasons your EIN application might be delayed. If you applied by fax or mail, processing can take weeks or even months due to IRS backlogs. Peak tax seasons can slow things down, and errors in your application may require additional review. You can try calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to check your application status, or speak with your registered agent if they applied for an EIN on your behalf.
What is the current EIN waiting time?
EINwaittime.com shows you the current average waiting times for recent applicants who received their EIN. You can find the latest information on EIN processing times at the top of this page.
How do these times differ from what the IRS or registered agents provide as guidelines?
The IRS provides limited guidance in terms of expected EIN processing times. Information from your registered agent may or may not be accurate, depending on how many applicants they process. EINwaittime.com provides the latest timelines crowdsourced from recent applicants, which increases your odds of seeing reliable, accurate data.
Submit your EIN processing time
The more information we have, the better we can help others understand realistic EIN processing timeframes. If you’ve successfully obtained your EIN, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could share how long the process took using our quick form.
For those interested in receiving valuable tools and resources and being entered into a draw for a $100 Amazon gift card, feel free to include your email address (completely optional).
We appreciate your contribution to helping fellow entrepreneurs!