What getting an EIN for your Illinois entity involves.
What an EIN is
The federal tax ID for your Illinois entity. Assigned by the IRS via Form SS-4. Looks like XX-XXXXXXX. Required for business banking, payroll, federal tax filings, and most licenses.
Same-day for US founders
Online SS-4 filings receive the EIN immediately. Faster than the 4-6 week paper turnaround. We submit your filing the moment you approve.
Non-US founders: fax route
Non-US founders without an SSN file SS-4 by fax. Typical turnaround 1-2 business days. We handle the fax submission, status tracking, and EIN confirmation letter delivery.
Illinois Business Tax No.
Most Illinois businesses also need a Illinois Business Tax No. from the Illinois Department of Revenue for employer withholding, sales tax, or both. Compliance Bundle handles both filings.
Common SS-4 mistakes
Wrong responsible party (must be a real person with SSN/ITIN, not the entity), wrong entity type, wrong start date, missing principal address. Each mistake delays your EIN by weeks. We catch them before submission.
EIN confirmation to vault
After the IRS assigns the EIN, you receive the CP-575 letter (the official EIN confirmation). We deliver it to your BOS vault so your bank, lender, or accountant can pull it on demand.
A clean handoff, in 5 steps.
Tell us about the entity
Illinois entity name, formation date, business type, principal office, responsible party (a real person with SSN or ITIN, not the entity itself).
We prepare Form SS-4
Pre-filled from your inputs. You review and approve before we submit. Catches the common mistakes that delay DIY filings.
Submit to the IRS
US founders: online submission, EIN issued same day. Non-US founders: fax submission, EIN typically 1-2 business days.
CP-575 confirmation letter
Official EIN confirmation letter delivered to your BOS vault. Banks and lenders ask for this.
State tax registrations
If your Illinois entity has employees or sells taxable goods, we also handle Illinois Business Tax No. and IDES Employer Number in the Compliance Bundle.
Pick how you want your EIN delivered.
EIN is a federal IRS filing, no state fee. Illinois also requires a separate state tax ID for employers and sales tax registrants; the Compliance Bundle covers that. All tiers open the same SS-4 wizard with live form preview and autosaved inputs.
Common questions.
What is an EIN, and does my Illinois entity need one?
An EIN is the federal tax ID for your business, assigned by the IRS via Form SS-4. Every Illinois LLC or Corp with employees, multiple members, or that opens a business bank account needs an EIN. Single-member LLCs without employees can technically use the owner's SSN, but banks usually require an EIN anyway.
How long does the IRS take to issue an EIN?
Online SS-4 filings (US-based responsible party with SSN or ITIN): same day. Fax submissions (non-US founders without SSN): 1-2 business days. Paper mail submissions: 4-6 weeks (we never use this route).
How much does an EIN cost?
The IRS does not charge for an EIN. Our $79 service fee covers prep, accuracy review, faster turnaround, and CP-575 confirmation handling. Compliance Bundle ($199/yr) includes EIN plus everything else compliance for year one.
Can a non-US founder get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. Non-US founders file SS-4 by fax with the responsible party section completed (no SSN required). Typical turnaround 1-2 business days. We handle the fax submission and tracking. Intl Founder bundle also includes ITIN application (CAA-assisted W-7).
Who is the "responsible party" on Form SS-4?
The person who controls or owns the entity. Must be an individual (not the entity itself) with an SSN, ITIN, or EIN. For single-member LLCs, the owner. For multi-member LLCs, typically the managing member. For Corps, typically the president or principal officer.
Do I need a state tax ID in Illinois in addition to the EIN?
Yes, in most cases. Illinois requires a Illinois Business Tax No. for businesses with employees (withholding) or sales of taxable goods. IDES Employer Number is also required for employers. Compliance Bundle handles state registrations as needed.
What if I already have an EIN but lost the CP-575 letter?
The IRS will not re-issue the CP-575. Instead, request a 147C verification letter from the IRS (free, takes 7-10 business days). We can request it on your behalf.
Can I get multiple EINs for the same entity?
No. Each entity gets one EIN. If your entity goes through a name change or restructuring, the EIN typically stays the same (with some exceptions for substantial reorganization).
When does an EIN expire?
EINs do not expire. The IRS keeps them on file indefinitely. Inactive EINs are not closed automatically; if you dissolve the entity, you formally close the EIN by letter to the IRS.
Where to next?
Every filing connects into your File.Business operating system. Pick where to go from here — we keep the rest tracked.