You need your EIN fast.
You’re choosing an application method.
You want the fastest option.
You need a comparison.
Online application. Fax application. Service application. Processing times. Your decision.
This guide shows you how.
Method comparison. Processing times. Speed factors. Your choice.
Read this. Compare methods. Choose the fastest option.
Key Takeaways
- Online application is fastest—online EIN applications are typically processed immediately, giving you your EIN number right away
- Fax application takes longer—fax applications usually take 4-5 business days for processing, slower than online but faster than mail
- Service applications vary—third-party services can be fast but add cost and may not be faster than doing it yourself online
- Choose based on urgency—if you need EIN immediately, use online; if you can wait a few days, fax may work
- Verify before proceeding—ensure you have all required information ready before applying to avoid delays from incomplete applications
Table of Contents
Why Method Matters
Method determines speed.
What happens with slow methods:
- Business operations are delayed
- Banking setup is stalled
- Hiring is blocked
- Revenue is lost
What happens with fast methods:
- Operations begin quickly
- Banking setup proceeds
- Hiring can start
- Revenue flows
The reality: Method choice affects your timeline.
Online Application
Understand online application:
Online Process
What online involves:
- Complete form online
- Submit electronically
- Receive EIN immediately
- Print confirmation
Why it matters: Online is fastest.
Online Advantages
What online offers:
- Immediate processing
- Instant EIN number
- No mailing delays
- 24/7 availability
Why it matters: Speed enables operations.
Online Requirements
What online requires:
- Valid SSN or ITIN
- Business information
- Internet connection
- Valid email address
Why it matters: Requirements must be met.
Pro tip: Use online when possible. Fastest processing, immediate EIN, easy process. See our EIN guide for online application.
Fax Application
Understand fax application:
Fax Process
What fax involves:
- Complete Form SS-4
- Fax to IRS
- Wait for processing
- Receive confirmation
Why it matters: Fax takes longer.
Fax Advantages
What fax offers:
- No internet required
- Paper documentation
- Confirmation letter
- Reliable method
Why it matters: Fax works when online doesn’t.
Fax Processing Time
What to expect:
- 4-5 business days
- Processing delays possible
- Confirmation by mail
- Longer wait time
Why it matters: Timing affects operations.
Pro tip: Use fax when needed. No internet required, reliable, but slower. See our EIN guide for fax application.
Service Application
Understand service application:
Service Process
What service involves:
- Third-party handles application
- You provide information
- Service submits application
- You receive EIN
Why it matters: Service adds convenience.
Service Advantages
What service offers:
- Convenience
- Professional handling
- Error checking
- Support available
Why it matters: Service reduces your work.
Service Considerations
What to consider:
- Additional cost
- Processing time varies
- May not be faster
- Service quality matters
Why it matters: Service may not speed things up.
Pro tip: Consider service carefully. Convenience, cost, speed. See our EIN guide for service options.
Processing Comparison
Compare processing times:
Speed Comparison
What to compare:
- Online: Immediate
- Fax: 4-5 business days
- Service: Varies
- Mail: 4-5 weeks
Why it matters: Speed affects operations.
Cost Comparison
What to compare:
- Online: Free
- Fax: Free
- Service: Fee required
- Mail: Free
Why it matters: Cost affects budget.
Convenience Comparison
What to compare:
- Online: Very convenient
- Fax: Moderate convenience
- Service: Very convenient
- Mail: Least convenient
Why it matters: Convenience affects choice.
Pro tip: Compare all factors. Speed, cost, convenience. See our EIN guide for comparison.
Decision Framework
Use this framework:
Assess Your Needs
What to assess:
- Urgency level
- Internet access
- Budget constraints
- Comfort level
Why it matters: Needs determine choice.
Evaluate Options
What to evaluate:
- Processing speed
- Cost considerations
- Convenience factors
- Reliability
Why it matters: Evaluation informs decision.
Make Your Choice
What to choose:
- Fastest if urgent
- Most convenient if busy
- Most reliable if uncertain
- Best value overall
Why it matters: Right choice enables success.
Pro tip: Use decision framework. Assess needs, evaluate options, make choice. See our EIN guide for decision support.
Your Next Steps
Compare methods. Choose the fastest. Apply for your EIN.
This Week:
- Review this comparison
- Assess your urgency
- Choose application method
- Gather required information
This Month:
- Complete EIN application
- Receive EIN confirmation
- Set up business operations
- Begin using your EIN
Going Forward:
- Use EIN for all business needs
- Keep EIN documents organized
- Update EIN records as needed
- Maintain compliance
Need help? Check out our EIN application guide for getting your EIN quickly, our waiting guide for productive tasks, our hiring guide for employee requirements, and our registered agent guide for business address setup.
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Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about EIN application methods and processing times. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For EIN application, see our EIN Application Guide.
For waiting tasks, see our Waiting Guide.
For hiring employees, see our Hiring Guide.
For registered agent services, see our Registered Agent Guide.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
