Get an EIN for your Illinois business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Revenue via the REG-1 Illinois Business Registration.
Illinois EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Illinois revenue agency | Illinois Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | REG-1 Illinois Business 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 Illinois: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Illinois LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Revenue. Use the REG-1 Illinois Business Registration to get your state-level tax accounts in Illinois.
- Open a business bank account. Illinois banks commonly used include Chase, BMO Harris, Northern Trust, Wintrust.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Illinois EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Illinois 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 Illinois EINIllinois state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Illinois, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Illinois Department of Revenue using REG-1 Illinois Business 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 Illinois.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Illinois EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Illinois?
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 Illinois state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Illinois Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via REG-1 Illinois Business Registration for businesses operating in Illinois.
Can I use my EIN to open an Illinois business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Illinois banks commonly used include Chase, BMO Harris, Northern Trust, Wintrust.