Ohio LLC EIN: How to Get Your Tax ID Number (Free)

What Is an EIN and Why Does Your Ohio LLC Need One?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number), also called a Federal Tax ID or FEIN, is a 9-digit number the IRS assigns to your business — like a Social Security Number for your LLC. Your Ohio LLC needs an EIN to:

• • Open a business bank account — every Ohio bank requires an EIN
• • Hire employees — required for payroll and W-2s
• • File business taxes — federal and Ohio state returns
• • Apply for business licenses and permits
• • Apply for business credit or loans
• • Set up a business retirement plan (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k)

Even single-member LLCs with no employees typically need an EIN. Some banks will accept your SSN instead, but most Ohio banks — Chase, Fifth Third, Huntington — require an EIN for a business account.

How to Get an EIN for Your Ohio LLC: Step by Step

1. 1

   Wait for your Ohio LLC to be approved

   Your LLC legal name must be final before you apply. The EIN must match the exact legal name on your Articles of Organization.

2. 2

   Go to irs.gov/ein (not a third-party site)

   The IRS online EIN application is free. Avoid paid services that charge $50–$100 for the same free application.

3. 3

   Select "Limited Liability Company" as the entity type

   Then enter the number of members (1 for single-member, 2+ for multi-member). For single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietors, this affects how the IRS classifies your LLC.

4. 4

   Enter the responsible party information

   The responsible party is the controlling member — typically you. You'll need their full legal name and Social Security Number (or ITIN if they don't have an SSN).

5. 5

   Enter your Ohio LLC's legal name and address

   The name must match exactly what was approved on your Articles of Organization — including punctuation and spacing.

6. 6

   Submit and receive your EIN instantly

   The IRS issues your EIN immediately after submission. Print and save the confirmation page — this is your EIN letter. You can also request a CP 575 letter for bank use.

EIN for Ohio LLC With an ITIN (No SSN)

If the LLC owner has an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number, you cannot apply for an EIN online. Instead, file Form SS-4 by mail or fax, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. Processing takes 4–6 weeks by mail or about 4 business days by fax. Asal Multi Services helps ITIN holders in Columbus prepare the SS-4 and understand the EIN process.

What to Do With Your EIN After You Get It

• • Open a business bank account — bring your EIN confirmation, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement
• • Update your operating agreement — include the EIN in your LLC records
• • Register for Ohio taxes if required — Ohio employer withholding, commercial activity tax, or sales tax depending on your business
• • Apply for a business license if your city or industry requires one
• • Set up payroll if you plan to hire employees

Frequently Asked Questions