You applied for your EIN.
But you’re waiting. The IRS is processing. You’re stuck. You can’t open a bank account. You can’t hire employees. You can’t move forward.
You don’t have to wait.
There are 15 productive tasks you can do right now. Tasks that move your business forward. Tasks that don’t require an EIN.
This guide shows you what to do.
Productive tasks. Business setup. Preparation work. Systems to build. Things you can do today.
Read this. Stop waiting. Start building.
Key Takeaways
- Most EIN applications are processed immediately online, but if you're waiting, there are many productive tasks you can complete without an EIN
- You can prepare business documents, set up systems, research markets, build websites, and plan operations—all without an EIN
- Completing these tasks while waiting ensures you're ready to move quickly once you receive your EIN
- Many business setup tasks take time and don't require an EIN, so waiting is an opportunity to get ahead
- The key is to focus on tasks that don't require tax identification, banking, or employee hiring—everything else is fair game
Table of Contents
Why the Wait Is an Opportunity
Most EIN applications are processed immediately online. But if you’re waiting, use the time productively.
The reality:
- Most online EIN applications are instant
- Fax applications take 4-5 business days
- Mail applications take 4-5 weeks
- You can do many tasks without an EIN
The opportunity:
- Prepare business documents
- Set up systems and processes
- Research markets and customers
- Build your brand and website
- Plan operations and strategy
The result: You’re ready to move fast once you get your EIN. No wasted time. Maximum momentum.
Document Preparation Tasks
Here are documents you can prepare without an EIN:
Business Formation Documents
What to do:
- Review your Articles of Organization or Incorporation
- Draft your Operating Agreement or Bylaws
- Organize your formation documents
- Create document templates
Why it matters: These documents don’t require an EIN. Having them ready speeds up everything else.
Business Plan Documents
What to do:
- Write your business plan
- Create financial projections
- Draft marketing plans
- Prepare operational procedures
Why it matters: Business planning doesn’t require an EIN. Use this time to think strategically.
Legal Documents
What to do:
- Review contracts and agreements
- Prepare vendor agreements
- Draft customer contracts
- Organize legal documents
Why it matters: Legal document preparation doesn’t require an EIN. Get these ready now.
Pro tip: Most business documents don’t require an EIN. Use waiting time to prepare everything you’ll need later.
Business Planning Tasks
Here’s business planning you can do without an EIN:
Strategic Planning
What to do:
- Define your business model
- Identify your target market
- Plan your product or service offerings
- Develop your value proposition
Why it matters: Strategic planning doesn’t require an EIN. Use this time to think deeply about your business.
Financial Planning
What to do:
- Create financial projections
- Plan your pricing strategy
- Estimate startup costs
- Project revenue and expenses
Why it matters: Financial planning doesn’t require an EIN. Get your numbers right before you start.
Operational Planning
What to do:
- Plan your operations
- Design your processes
- Create standard operating procedures
- Plan your workflow
Why it matters: Operational planning doesn’t require an EIN. Build your systems now.
Pro tip: Business planning is one of the most valuable things you can do while waiting. It doesn’t require an EIN and sets you up for success.
Market Research Tasks
Here’s market research you can do without an EIN:
Customer Research
What to do:
- Identify your target customers
- Research customer needs and pain points
- Analyze customer behavior
- Study customer preferences
Why it matters: Customer research doesn’t require an EIN. Understanding your customers is critical.
Competitive Analysis
What to do:
- Research your competitors
- Analyze competitor offerings
- Study competitor pricing
- Identify competitive advantages
Why it matters: Competitive analysis doesn’t require an EIN. Know your competition before you launch.
Industry Research
What to do:
- Study your industry
- Research industry trends
- Analyze market size
- Understand industry regulations
Why it matters: Industry research doesn’t require an EIN. Deep industry knowledge gives you an edge.
Pro tip: Market research is time-consuming and valuable. Use waiting time to do thorough research.
Systems Setup Tasks
Here are systems you can set up without an EIN:
Technology Systems
What to do:
- Set up your website
- Configure your email
- Set up project management tools
- Install business software
Why it matters: Technology setup doesn’t require an EIN. Get your tech stack ready.
Process Systems
What to do:
- Design your workflows
- Create process documentation
- Set up quality control systems
- Plan your operations
Why it matters: Process systems don’t require an EIN. Build efficient systems now.
Communication Systems
What to do:
- Set up team communication tools
- Create communication protocols
- Plan customer communication
- Design feedback systems
Why it matters: Communication systems don’t require an EIN. Good communication is critical.
Pro tip: Systems setup takes time and doesn’t require an EIN. Use waiting time to build your infrastructure.
Branding and Marketing Tasks
Here’s branding and marketing you can do without an EIN:
Brand Development
What to do:
- Develop your brand identity
- Create your logo and visual identity
- Write your brand story
- Define your brand voice
Why it matters: Brand development doesn’t require an EIN. Strong branding sets you apart.
Marketing Materials
What to do:
- Create marketing materials
- Design your website
- Write marketing copy
- Plan your marketing campaigns
Why it matters: Marketing materials don’t require an EIN. Get your marketing ready.
Content Creation
What to do:
- Write blog posts
- Create social media content
- Develop content strategy
- Plan content calendar
Why it matters: Content creation doesn’t require an EIN. Content marketing takes time to build.
Pro tip: Branding and marketing are long-term investments. Use waiting time to build your brand foundation.
Your Next Steps
Don’t wait. Start building. Move your business forward.
This Week:
- Complete document preparation tasks
- Finish business planning
- Conduct market research
- Set up basic systems
This Month:
- Complete systems setup
- Develop your brand
- Create marketing materials
- Build your website
Going Forward:
- Continue building while waiting
- Stay productive
- Prepare for EIN arrival
- Move fast once you get your EIN
Need help? Check out our EIN application guide for getting your EIN quickly, our state-by-state checklist for formation requirements, and our registered agent guide for business address setup.
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Sources & Additional Information
This guide explains general business preparation tasks. Most EIN applications are processed immediately online.
For information about getting your EIN quickly, see our EIN Application Guide.
For state-specific formation requirements, see our State-by-State Checklist.
For business formation guidance, see our Ultimate Guide to Forming an LLC.
