Get an EIN for your Alabama business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Alabama 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 Alabama Department of Revenue via the Combined Registration Application (Form COM:101).
Alabaman EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Alabama revenue agency | Alabama Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | Combined Registration Application (Form COM:101) |
| 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 Alabama: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Alabaman LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Alabama 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 Alabama Department of Revenue. Use the Combined Registration Application (Form COM:101) to get your state-level tax accounts in Alabama.
- Open a business bank account. Alabama banks commonly used include Regions, Synovus, BBVA, Wells Fargo.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Alabaman EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Alabama Department of Revenue. No state-fee markup. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Alabaman EINAlabama state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Alabama, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Alabama Department of Revenue using Combined Registration Application (Form COM:101).
- 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 Alabama.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Alabaman EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Alabama?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges No state-fee markup 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 Alabama state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Alabama Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via Combined Registration Application (Form COM:101) for businesses operating in Alabama.
Can I use my EIN to open an Alabama business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Alabama banks commonly used include Regions, Synovus, BBVA, Wells Fargo.