How to Apply for an EIN for a Nonprofit Organization
Key Takeaways
Every nonprofit needs an EIN to open a bank account, apply for 501(c)(3) status, hire staff, and receive grants.
Applying online at IRS.gov is free, takes 10–15 minutes, and delivers your EIN instantly.
Apply after your nonprofit is incorporated so your legal name matches your formation documents exactly.
After receiving your EIN, your next steps are opening a bank account and applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
The IRS EIN application is free, though some founders choose to use a nonprofit formation service for support.
An EIN is a federal tax ID number your nonprofit needs to open a bank account, hire employees, and apply for 501(c)(3) status. This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for an EIN for your nonprofit, step by step.
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 you can apply directly through the IRS at no cost, and the online application usually takes just a few minutes to complete. Some founders choose to handle this step themselves, while others use a nonprofit formation service for help preparing and submitting the application.
If you're still in the early stages of setting up your organization, our guide on how to form a nonprofit organization in 8 steps walks through where getting an EIN fits into the broader formation process.
How Do Nonprofits Apply for an EIN?
Quick Answer
Nonprofits can apply for an EIN for free directly through the IRS. Eligible U.S. nonprofits can receive their EIN immediately after completing the online application. Nonprofits can also apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4, while international applicants may apply by phone. Founders can apply themselves or use a nonprofit formation service to prepare and submit the EIN application on their behalf, typically for a fee.
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 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.
| Method | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Immediate | Most applicants |
| Fax | 4 business days | Those without online access |
| 4–5 weeks | Those without fax access |
Founders who do not want to complete the EIN application themselves can also use a nonprofit formation service like Beacon Nonprofit. A formation service can prepare and submit the EIN application on your nonprofit's behalf for a fee, which can be helpful if you prefer support with this step as part of the broader formation process.
If you apply directly through the IRS, the online option is typically the fastest way to receive an EIN and does not require a fee.
What Does Your State Require to Start a Nonprofit?
Requirements, filing fees, and procedures vary by state. See the specific steps you'll need to follow where you're forming your nonprofit.
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. Our guide on how to open a bank account for a nonprofit walks through exactly what you'll need and how to choose the right account.
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. Some founders choose to work with nonprofit formation services for help with the formation process, including preparing and submitting their EIN applications. These formation services may charge for this type of support.
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
Getting an EIN is an important early milestone for your nonprofit. Once you have it, you can move forward with opening a nonprofit bank account, applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and completing other steps needed to establish your organization.
If tax-exempt status is your next step, make sure you understand the 501(c)(3) requirements before you apply. If you're still working through the formation process, our guide on how to form a nonprofit organization in 8 steps can help you understand what comes next.
Starting with limited funds does not have to stop your progress. Our guide on how to start a nonprofit with no money covers practical ways to keep moving your mission forward while working with a limited budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. Every nonprofit needs one to open a bank account, apply for 501(c)(3) status, hire employees, and receive most grants. Even if you have no paid staff, the IRS requires an EIN to process your tax-exempt application.
The fastest way is through the IRS online EIN application at IRS.gov. It's free, takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately. You can also apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 (4 business days) or by mail (4–5 weeks).
If you apply online, you receive your EIN instantly at the end of the session. Fax applications take about four business days if you provide a return fax number. Mail applications typically take four to five weeks.
You can, but it's better to wait until after your nonprofit is incorporated. Your EIN application requires your legal organization name, which should match your articles of incorporation exactly. Applying too early can create name mismatches that cause problems during your 501(c)(3) application.
No. Nonprofits can apply directly through the IRS website at no cost. Some founders choose to work with nonprofit formation services for help with the formation process, including preparing and submitting their EIN applications. These formation services may charge for this type of support.
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