How to Apply for an EIN for a Nonprofit Organization

If you're starting a nonprofit, one of the first practical steps you'll take is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. It's a nine-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS, and your nonprofit needs it to do just about everything from a financial and legal standpoint. Opening a bank account, hiring staff, filing tax returns, and applying for 501(c)(3) status all require an EIN.

The good news is that applying is free, straightforward, and usually takes just a few minutes online. This guide walks you through the entire process so you can move forward with confidence.

If you're still in the early stages of setting up your organization, you may want to start with our guide on how to form a nonprofit organization in 8 steps first.

What Is an EIN and Why Does Your Nonprofit Need One?

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your organization for tax purposes. Think of it like a Social Security number, but for your nonprofit.

Even if your nonprofit never plans to hire paid staff, you still need an EIN. The IRS requires it to process your tax-exempt application, and banks require it to open a business or organizational checking account.

Here's a quick look at what an EIN makes possible for your nonprofit:

• Opening a nonprofit bank account
• Filing IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Hiring employees and processing payroll
• Applying for grants (most funders require it)
• Filing annual IRS Form 990 returns
• Establishing credibility with donors and partners

We cover this in more depth in our article on whether nonprofits need an EIN, but the short answer is yes. Every nonprofit needs one, and getting it early keeps your formation moving.

How Do Nonprofits Apply for an EIN?

Quick Answer

Nonprofits can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS online EIN application. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately upon completion. You can also apply by fax or mail using IRS Form SS-4, though those options take longer.

The IRS offers four ways to apply: online, by fax, by mail, or by phone (for international applicants only). For most nonprofit founders in the United States, the online method is the fastest and most practical option.

How to Apply for an EIN Online: Step-by-Step

The IRS online EIN application is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Here's exactly what to expect when you go through it.

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN Assistant

Visit the IRS EIN online application directly at IRS.gov. The application is free. You do not need to create an IRS account or log in.

Step 2: Select your entity type

When prompted, choose "View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations," then select "Other Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations" or the appropriate category for your organization type. Most new nonprofits seeking 501(c)(3) status will fall under this selection.

Step 3: Provide your organization's information

You'll be asked for:

• The legal name of your nonprofit exactly as it appears in your articles of incorporation
• The state where your nonprofit was incorporated
• The reason you're applying (choose "Started a new business")
• The name and Social Security number of a responsible party (this is the individual, such as a founder or officer, who controls or manages the organization)
• The mailing address for your organization
• Whether your nonprofit has or expects to have employees

Step 4: Review and submit

Before submitting, review all the information carefully. The legal name must match your formation documents exactly. Errors can cause issues later when you apply for tax-exempt status or open a bank account.

Step 5: Download your EIN confirmation

Once you submit, the IRS will display your EIN on screen. Download or print the confirmation letter immediately. The IRS will also mail a physical confirmation letter to your address, typically within four to five weeks.

One note: the online system only allows one EIN application per responsible party per day. If you need to start over, you'll have to wait until the next business day.

Other Ways to Apply for an EIN

Online is the recommended route, but the IRS does offer two other options for domestic applicants.

By fax: Complete IRS Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS. If you include a return fax number, you'll receive your EIN within four business days.

By mail: Mail your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. This method takes the longest, typically four to five weeks for processing.

For most nonprofit founders, online is the clear choice. It's instant, free, and requires no additional paperwork.

What to Do After You Receive Your EIN

Getting your EIN is a milestone, but it's just one part of the nonprofit formation process. Here's what typically comes next.

Open a nonprofit bank account. Most banks require your EIN, your articles of incorporation, and your nonprofit bylaws to open an account. Having a dedicated account keeps your organization's finances separate from personal funds from day one.

Keep your EIN confirmation letter. Store it somewhere safe, either digitally or in a physical file. You'll need to reference it when applying for grants, tax-exempt status, and state registrations.

Apply for 501(c)(3) status. If tax exemption is your goal, your next step is filing IRS Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ with the IRS. Your EIN is required to complete this application. Our guide on how to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status walks through that process in detail.

Register in your state. Depending on your state, you may also need to register for state tax exemptions or charitable solicitation separately. Requirements vary widely, so check with your state's nonprofit regulatory office or attorney general.

Understand your ongoing compliance obligations. Once your nonprofit is up and running, you'll need to meet annual filing requirements at both the federal and state level. Our nonprofit compliance checklist is a helpful resource for understanding what to expect.

Common Questions About Nonprofit EINs

Can I apply for an EIN before my nonprofit is incorporated?

Technically yes, but it's better to wait. Your EIN application asks for your nonprofit's legal name, which should match your articles of incorporation exactly. Applying before you've incorporated can lead to name mismatches that complicate your tax-exempt application later.

Does my nonprofit need a new EIN if we change our name?

Generally, no. If your nonprofit changes its name but keeps the same structure and responsible party, you typically keep the same EIN. However, you should notify the IRS of the name change in writing. If your nonprofit undergoes a significant structural change, such as changing from a corporation to a trust, a new EIN may be required.

Is there any cost to getting an EIN?

No. Applying directly through the IRS is always free. Be cautious of third-party services that charge a fee to apply on your behalf. While some formation services legitimately handle EIN applications as part of a broader package, the IRS application itself costs nothing.

What if I lose my EIN?

Check your original confirmation letter first. If you can't find it, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 during business hours and a representative can look it up for you.

Do I need an EIN if I'm the only person running the nonprofit?

Yes. Even a single-founder nonprofit needs an EIN. If you're wondering whether you can start a nonprofit on your own, we answer that directly in our article on whether one person can start a nonprofit.

Next Steps for Your Nonprofit

Applying for an EIN is one of the first practical milestones in building your nonprofit. It unlocks your ability to open a bank account, apply for grants, and move forward with your 501(c)(3) application.

Once you have your EIN, the focus shifts to meeting your 501(c)(3) requirements and staying compliant with both federal and state obligations. If you're early in the process and figuring out where to start, our full guide on how to form a nonprofit organization in 8 steps covers the entire journey from idea to tax-exempt status.

And if funding is a concern, know that there are paths forward. Our resource on how to start a nonprofit with no money covers realistic options for getting your mission off the ground without a large upfront investment.

Your organization has a purpose worth building. Beacon Nonprofit is here to help you do it right.