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.
Stay informed about business strategies and tools by following us on X (Twitter) and signing up for The Initiative Newsletter.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About While You Wait for Your EIN: 15 Productive Tasks That Move Your Business Forward
How long does it take to get an EIN from the IRS?
Online applications are processed immediately, fax applications take 4-5 business days, and mail applications take 4-5 weeks.
Learn More...
The IRS online EIN application is the fastest option—you receive your EIN instantly upon completing the application during business hours.
Fax applications are the next fastest at 4-5 business days, though processing times can vary during busy periods.
Mail applications are the slowest at 4-5 weeks because of postal delivery time plus IRS processing time.
If you're waiting due to a mail or fax application, you have significant time to complete productive business tasks that don't require an EIN.
What business documents can you prepare while waiting for your EIN?
You can draft your Operating Agreement or Bylaws, write a business plan, create financial projections, prepare vendor and customer contract templates, and organize all formation documents.
Learn More...
Review and finalize your Articles of Organization or Incorporation, and draft your Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Bylaws (for corporations).
Write a comprehensive business plan including market analysis, strategy, financial projections, pricing plans, and operational procedures.
Prepare contract templates for vendors, customers, and partners so they're ready to use immediately when your EIN arrives.
Create document templates for invoices, proposals, and standard business correspondence that you'll need from day one.
What market research can you do during the EIN waiting period?
Research target customers and their pain points, analyze competitor offerings and pricing, study industry trends, and validate your business idea with potential customers.
Learn More...
Identify your target customers by researching their demographics, needs, pain points, and purchasing behavior to refine your value proposition.
Conduct thorough competitive analysis by studying competitor products, pricing strategies, marketing approaches, and customer reviews.
Research industry trends, market size, growth projections, and regulatory requirements that may affect your business.
Market research is time-consuming but essential—using the EIN waiting period for deep research gives you a significant advantage at launch.
What technology and systems can you set up without an EIN?
You can build your website, set up email, configure project management tools, install business software, design workflows, and create process documentation.
Learn More...
Set up your website including design, content, and functionality—just avoid adding payment processing until you have your EIN and business bank account.
Configure your technology stack: project management tools, email systems, CRM software, accounting software (you can add the EIN later), and communication platforms.
Design your operational workflows, create standard operating procedures, and document your business processes so your team can execute consistently.
Set up communication systems including team collaboration tools, customer communication protocols, and feedback collection mechanisms.
Can you build your brand and create marketing materials before receiving your EIN?
Yes, you can develop your brand identity, design your logo, write brand messaging, create marketing materials, build social media accounts, and plan marketing campaigns.
Learn More...
Develop your complete brand identity including logo, visual style, color palette, typography, and brand voice guidelines.
Create marketing materials such as brochures, presentations, email templates, and sales collateral that you'll need for launch.
Build your social media presence by setting up accounts, creating content, developing a content strategy, and planning your content calendar.
Branding and content marketing are long-term investments that take time to build—using the EIN waiting period gets you months ahead of starting from scratch after EIN arrival.
What business activities should you NOT do while waiting for your EIN?
Don't open a business bank account, hire employees, process payroll, accept payments, or conduct financial transactions that require tax identification.
Learn More...
Opening a business bank account requires your EIN, so this must wait—but you can research banks and compare business account options in the meantime.
Hiring employees requires an EIN for payroll tax purposes, workers' compensation, and employment tax filings.
Accepting payments or processing transactions before having your EIN and business bank account creates tax complications and co-mingling risks.
Focus your energy on the many productive tasks that don't require an EIN—preparing documents, researching markets, building systems, and developing your brand—so you're ready to move fast once your EIN arrives.
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.
