New York LLC EIN — How to Get Your Federal Tax ID

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC's nine-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal and New York state tax returns, and apply for business credit. The EIN is free. For the full formation process, see our NY LLC guide.

Who Needs an EIN

Required:

• All multi-member LLCs (file Form 1065 partnership return)
• Any LLC with employees
• LLCs electing S-corp or C-corp taxation

Strongly recommended:

• Single-member LLCs — banks require it for business accounts
• Privacy — use EIN instead of SSN on W-9 forms
• NY state requires an EIN for most tax registrations

How to Apply

Online (immediate): https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

• Available Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm Eastern
• Select "Limited Liability Company" as entity type
• State of organization: New York
• Receive EIN immediately upon completion

By mail (Form SS-4): 4-5 weeks processing By fax: 4 business days

New York State Tax Registration

After getting your EIN, register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for:

• Sales tax Certificate of Authority — if selling taxable goods/services (NY Tax Law Article 28)
• Withholding tax account — if you have employees
• Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax — if you have payroll in the MCTD (NYC and surrounding counties)

Register online at: https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/register/

FAQ

Does New York issue a state tax ID number?

Yes. When you register with the NY Department of Taxation and Finance, you receive a NY state tax ID number. This is separate from your federal EIN. You use the state ID for NY sales tax filings and employer withholding.

Can I get an EIN before completing the publication requirement?

Yes. The IRS only requires your LLC to be formed (Articles filed). They do not check whether you have completed NY's publication requirement. Get your EIN as soon as your Articles are processed.

Do I need a separate EIN for each member?

No. The LLC gets one EIN. Individual members use their SSNs on their personal tax returns.