How to Get an EIN for Your Texas LLC

An EIN is issued by the IRS, not Texas. File your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State first (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 101.051), then apply for an EIN at irs.gov/ein or by phone at (800) 829-4933. You'll need your LLC's legal name, Texas address, and formation date. The IRS issues EINs immediately online or within four weeks by mail. An EIN is free.

Step 1: File Your Certificate of Formation

Before applying for an EIN, form your Texas LLC by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The $300 filing fee covers standard processing (5–7 business days online). Your Certificate must include your LLC name with the "LLC" designator (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 5.054), a registered agent name, a physical Texas registered office address, management structure, and organizer information. File online at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml or mail to the Texas Secretary of State, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697.

Step 2: Apply for Your EIN with the IRS

Once your Certificate of Formation is approved, apply for an EIN directly with the IRS. Visit irs.gov/ein and complete Form SS-4 online (fastest option—EIN issued within 15 minutes). Alternatively, call (800) 829-4933 during business hours (EIN issued within 4 business days) or mail Form SS-4 (processing takes up to four weeks).

You'll need:

Your LLC's legal name (as filed with Texas)
Your Texas business address
Formation date from your Certificate of Formation
Your Social Security Number or ITIN (as responsible party)

When You Need an EIN

An EIN is required if your LLC has employees, hires contractors, or operates as a multi-member LLC. Single-member LLCs without employees may use their owner's Social Security Number for tax purposes. An EIN provides privacy and is necessary to open a business bank account and file federal taxes.

Timeline

Allow 5–7 business days for Texas approval of your Certificate of Formation. Apply for your EIN immediately after approval. Total time: one to two weeks for both filings.

This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a Texas business attorney or the IRS for specific guidance.