Get an EIN for your California business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your California business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the California Franchise Tax Board + CDTFA via the CDTFA Seller Permit + EDD employer registration.
Californian EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| California revenue agency | California Franchise Tax Board + CDTFA |
| State tax registration form | CDTFA Seller Permit + EDD employer registration |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in California: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Californian LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in California or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the California Franchise Tax Board + CDTFA. Use the CDTFA Seller Permit + EDD employer registration to get your state-level tax accounts in California.
- Open a business bank account. California banks commonly used include Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, First Republic.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Californian EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the California Franchise Tax Board + CDTFA. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Californian EINCalifornia state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in California, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with California Franchise Tax Board + CDTFA using CDTFA Seller Permit + EDD employer registration.
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in California.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Californian EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in California?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges $0 service fee whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate California state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The California Franchise Tax Board + CDTFA requires a state-level registration via CDTFA Seller Permit + EDD employer registration for businesses operating in California.
Can I use my EIN to open a California business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. California banks commonly used include Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, First Republic.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.