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