Get an EIN for your Tennessee business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Revenue via the TNTAP registration.
Tennessee EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Tennessee revenue agency | Tennessee Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | TNTAP registration |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | No state withholding. Skip (federal withholding still applies). |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in Tennessee: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Tennessee LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Revenue. Use the TNTAP registration to get your state-level tax accounts in Tennessee.
- Open a business bank account. Tennessee banks commonly used include First Horizon, Pinnacle, Regions, Truist.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Tennessee EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Tennessee 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 Tennessee EINTennessee state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Tennessee, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Tennessee Department of Revenue using TNTAP registration.
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: No state withholding. Skip (federal withholding still applies).
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in Tennessee.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Tennessee EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Tennessee Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via TNTAP registration for businesses operating in Tennessee.
Can I use my EIN to open a Tennessee business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Tennessee banks commonly used include First Horizon, Pinnacle, Regions, Truist.