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Illinois . EIN / Federal Tax ID

Get a Federal EIN for your Illinois business.

An Employer Identification Number is your business's federal tax ID. Illinois entities need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal taxes, and apply for most business credit. The IRS issues it free. File.Business handles the application end-to-end.

Get an EIN with File.Business →

When you need an EIN in Illinois

  • Opening a business bank account. Every major bank requires an EIN for Illinois entities.
  • Hiring employees or running payroll.
  • Filing federal taxes (1065, 1120, 1120-S, 941, 940).
  • Establishing business credit separate from personal credit.
  • Applying for SBA or commercial loans.
  • Registering for Illinois sales tax or payroll tax accounts.

How the EIN process works

  1. 1Form your Illinois entity first. EIN comes after formation. SoS file number is required on Form SS-4.
  2. 2Complete Form SS-4. Responsible party SSN or ITIN required. Entity type, NAICS code, ownership structure.
  3. 3Submit to the IRS. Online (US-citizen RP only, immediate), fax (4 days), or mail (4-6 weeks).
  4. 4Receive your CP 575 EIN confirmation letter. Keep this in your Vault. Banks ask for it.

No SSN? Foreign founders forming in Illinois can still get an EIN

If the responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN, the online channel is not available. You must file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. File.Business specializes in EIN applications for non-US founders forming in Illinois.

Average turnaround for fax filings: 4 business days. Average for mail: 4-6 weeks. Online: same day, US-RP only.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an EIN for my Illinois LLC?
Yes if you have employees, partners, or open a business bank account. Single-member LLCs can technically use the owner's SSN but most banks require an EIN.
How much does an EIN cost?
The IRS issues EINs for free. File.Business charges $99 to handle the application for you, including foreign-founder support.
How long does it take to get an EIN for a Illinois business?
Online (US responsible party): same day. Fax: 4 business days. Mail: 4-6 weeks.
Can a non-US citizen get an EIN for a Illinois LLC?
Yes. The responsible party does not have to be a US citizen, but the online application is restricted. Fax or mail required.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?
No. The IRS accepts non-US responsible parties via Form SS-4 by fax or mail.
What is an EIN vs a Illinois state tax ID?
EIN is federal (IRS). {s["name"]} state tax ID is separate, issued by the {s["name"]} Department of Revenue for sales/payroll tax.
Can I get an EIN before forming my Illinois entity?
No. Form your entity with the {s["agency"]} first, then apply for EIN.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

Get an EIN Form in Illinois first

Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Illinois Secretary of State or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Illinois Secretary of State. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the Illinois Secretary of State as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Illinois attorney or CPA.

Get an EIN . $99
File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.