Get an EIN for your Michigan business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Treasury via the Form 518 Registration for Michigan Taxes.
Michigan EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Michigan revenue agency | Michigan Department of Treasury |
| State tax registration form | Form 518 Registration for Michigan Taxes |
| 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 Michigan: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Michigan LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Treasury. Use the Form 518 Registration for Michigan Taxes to get your state-level tax accounts in Michigan.
- Open a business bank account. Michigan banks commonly used include Comerica, Huntington, Flagstar, Chase.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Michigan EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Michigan Department of Treasury. No state-fee markup. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Michigan EINMichigan state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Michigan, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Michigan Department of Treasury using Form 518 Registration for Michigan Taxes.
- 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 Michigan.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Michigan EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Michigan?
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 Michigan state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Michigan Department of Treasury requires a state-level registration via Form 518 Registration for Michigan Taxes for businesses operating in Michigan.
Can I use my EIN to open a Michigan business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Michigan banks commonly used include Comerica, Huntington, Flagstar, Chase.