Get an EIN for your Washington business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Washington 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 Washington Department of Revenue via the Business License Application · B&O tax (no state income tax).
Washington EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Washington revenue agency | Washington Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | Business License Application · B&O tax (no state income tax) |
| 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 Washington: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Washington LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Washington 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 Washington Department of Revenue. Use the Business License Application · B&O tax (no state income tax) to get your state-level tax accounts in Washington.
- Open a business bank account. Washington banks commonly used include WaFd, Columbia Banking System, KeyBank, Chase.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Washington EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Washington 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 Washington EINWashington state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Washington, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Washington Department of Revenue using Business License Application · B&O tax (no state income tax).
- 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 Washington.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Washington EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Washington?
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 Washington state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Washington Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via Business License Application · B&O tax (no state income tax) for businesses operating in Washington.
Can I use my EIN to open a Washington business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Washington banks commonly used include WaFd, Columbia Banking System, KeyBank, Chase.