Get an EIN for your Kentucky business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Revenue via the Form 10A100 Kentucky Tax Registration.
Kentucky EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Kentucky revenue agency | Kentucky Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | Form 10A100 Kentucky 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 Kentucky: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Kentucky LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Revenue. Use the Form 10A100 Kentucky Tax Registration to get your state-level tax accounts in Kentucky.
- Open a business bank account. Kentucky banks commonly used include Republic Bank, Stock Yards, PNC.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Kentucky EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Kentucky EINKentucky state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Kentucky, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Kentucky Department of Revenue using Form 10A100 Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Kentucky EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Kentucky Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via Form 10A100 Kentucky Tax Registration for businesses operating in Kentucky.
Can I use my EIN to open a Kentucky business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Kentucky banks commonly used include Republic Bank, Stock Yards, PNC.
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.