How to get a tax ID or EIN for free

As you get going in your blogging endeavors, you’ll probably want to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Even for bloggers who aren’t making much money, it still might be good just so you don’t have to use your Social Security Number every time you sign up with an ad network.

According to the IRS website:

“This EIN is your permanent number and can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail.”

Get an EIN for free!

What I’m finding is that many people don’t know you can get an EIN for free. Actually, I didn’t know that either when I got mine; I think I paid $45 to some company to get it. And just today, I was talking to someone who was going to pay $80 to get one.

The good news for us all is that you can just go to the IRS website and use its online application and within about five minutes, you’ll have a PDF approval letter showing your newly created EIN for your business – without spending a dime.

Get your EIN now

Want to get one now? You won’t believe how easy it is. Just follow these simple steps when applying for an EIN number:

• Go to the IRS EIN page
  (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online) and scroll down to the bottom and click the link that says “APPLY ONLINE NOW.”
• You will find the EIN number application.
• Click the “Begin Application” button to apply for EIN number
• Answer about 10 to 15 quick questions

That’s it. You just got a free EIN number.

Note: Be warned that if you leave your computer for 15 minutes during the application process, the EIN website will kick you out, and you have to start over.

After you submit your application, you get a PDF document with your EIN. I suggest saving that somewhere safe, just so you don’t forget it.

It isn’t very easy to look up your EIN number once you forget it (most websites out there want to charge you to do an EIN lookup), so save yourself the hassle and don’t forget it.

Apply for an EIN over the phone

If you have trouble with the online EIN application process or just feel more comfortable on the phone, you can call the IRS and apply for an EIN over the phone at (800) 829-4933 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern time).