Get an EIN for your District of Columbia business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your District of Columbia 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 DC Office of Tax and Revenue via the FR-500 Combined Business Tax Registration.
District of Columbian EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| District of Columbia revenue agency | DC Office of Tax and Revenue |
| State tax registration form | FR-500 Combined Business Tax 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 District of Columbia: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your District of Columbian LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in District of Columbia 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 DC Office of Tax and Revenue. Use the FR-500 Combined Business Tax Registration to get your state-level tax accounts in District of Columbia.
- Open a business bank account. District of Columbia banks commonly used include Eagle Bank, Industrial Bank, Bank of America, Chase.
Skip the paperwork · we get your District of Columbian EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my District of Columbian EINDistrict of Columbia state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in District of Columbia, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with DC Office of Tax and Revenue using FR-500 Combined Business Tax 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 District of Columbia.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
District of Columbian EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in District of Columbia?
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 District of Columbia state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The DC Office of Tax and Revenue requires a state-level registration via FR-500 Combined Business Tax Registration for businesses operating in District of Columbia.
Can I use my EIN to open a District of Columbia business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. District of Columbia banks commonly used include Eagle Bank, Industrial Bank, Bank of America, Chase.
Related District of Columbia services
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.