Key takeaways:
Ready to stop operating like a freelancer and start running your business like the pro you are? Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is step one; it’s your business’s official identity with the IRS and the key to opening a business bank account. And that account is the real unlock. Without it, you risk liability, messy books, and missed tax savings. With it, your finances stay separate, your LLC protection holds, and payroll and taxes run the way the IRS requires.
With Lettuce, everything happens automatically: we’ll form your LLC in as little as 1–2 weeks, secure your EIN, and open your FDIC-insured business bank account. The moment your LLC is approved, your compliance is ready, and your business runs clean from day one, so you can hit the ground running and focus on what you do best.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's unique nine-digit identifier. Think of it as a Social Security Number specifically designed for your company. The IRS assigns this number to track your business taxes and distinguish your company from millions of others.
Your EIN follows a simple XX-XXXXXXX format and becomes your business's official identity in the eyes of the government.
You'll use your EIN for specific business milestones like opening a business bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing your business taxes. No more mixing your personal checking account with business expenses or using your Social Security Number for company transactions. Plus, having a separate business identity can make it easier to qualify for financing when your company is ready to grow.
And with Lettuce, your EIN and bank account don’t stand alone: they connect into an operating system that runs your payroll, taxes, and compliance automatically.
Your EIN creates that clean line between your personal and business finances that transforms how you operate. You go from managing money in your personal account to running a legitimate business operation, where every expense is clearly documented and recognized as a business cost.
Getting your EIN right the first time saves you from IRS headaches later. You're closer than you think. Here's exactly what you need to breeze through the application:
With Lettuce, you don’t repeat the same forms over and over. You give us your info once, and automation takes it from there. We use it to secure your EIN, open your business bank account, run payroll, handle taxes, and keep you compliant year-round: all in one simple system built to make running your business easy.
Here’s how to get your EIN number fast through the IRS:
Visit the IRS EIN application page Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.
The application must be filled out in one session because there’s a 15-minute inactivity timeout. You can only apply for one EIN per day per responsible party.
Once submitted, your EIN will be issued immediately if everything is accurate.
Download and print your confirmation letter right away. This serves as your official documentation until the IRS mails you the formal letter.
If you're outside the U.S. or the IRS website is unavailable, use IRS Form SS-4. Fill out Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS for faster processing than postal mail.
Pro Tip: Double-check everything before submitting. Errors can delay your setup, especially since you can only apply once per day.
If you’d rather skip all four steps: Lettuce takes care of the EIN for you. The moment your LLC is approved, we auto-file with the IRS, secure your EIN, and store your confirmation letter in your dashboard. No 15-minute timeouts, no form-filling, no chance of losing important paperwork, just a ready-to-use number the moment you need it.
Think EINs are just for big businesses with employees and office leases? Think again. Waiting to get an EIN is one of the fastest ways to keep your business stuck in “hobby mode.” If you’re still using your personal bank account and SSN for business, you’re not running a business; you’re just doing paid gigs. An EIN is the line in the sand between playing freelancer and running a real company.
If you're a freelancer or solopreneur, you'll need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire anyone (even a part-time virtual assistant), or form an LLC. Many banks require one for business checking, and it’s also necessary to open business payment accounts like PayPal or Venmo, set up payroll, or keep personal and business tax filings separate. It’s a must-have if you plan to set up retirement plans like a Solo 401(k), unless you are a sole proprietor.
Even if you never intend to scale with a team, having an EIN builds instant business credibility and makes it easier to upgrade your business structure when your revenue grows.
Getting your EIN now also positions you for tax advantages and flexibility down the line. Whether you’re ready to make the S Corp election this year or just want to keep the option open for future savings of 15–30% on self-employment taxes, you’ll already have what you need in place. No scrambling. No delays.
Pro Tip: Apply early, even if you’re not “there yet.” Your future self will thank you for making growth and tax savings easier when the time comes.
Getting an EIN raises smart questions, and here are the answers that help you make confident decisions for your business. These are the most common questions solopreneurs ask when deciding whether to get an EIN and how to manage it once they have one.
While sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security Number for tax purposes, getting an EIN is still smart. It protects your personal information, helps you open a business bank account, and sets you up for future growth. Plus, if you ever want to form an LLC or elect S Corp status, you'll need an EIN anyway to open a bank account or set up payroll.
Absolutely. An EIN allows you to separate your personal information from your business, which helps protect against identity theft and maintains clear boundaries between your personal and business finances. You'll need an EIN to open a dedicated business bank account, too.
Your EIN is permanent and easy to recover. Check your previous tax returns, bank account paperwork, or any IRS correspondence where your EIN would be listed. If you still can't find it, contact the IRS directly during business hours to get help.
Yes, but only in specific situations. You'll need a new EIN if you change your business legal structure (like going from sole proprietorship to LLC), change ownership, or if your business becomes a corporation.
The EIN itself is always free when you apply directly through the IRS; no one should ever charge you for the number itself. Lettuce automates the entire EIN application process and securely stores your EIN as part of your complete back-office system, eliminating the manual paperwork and ensuring you never lose track of this important number.
If you already have a registered business, such as an LLC, you can apply directly with the IRS and often get your EIN immediately online. With Lettuce, your EIN is issued right after the state approves your LLC. We make it easy by guiding you through the LLC formation (usually a 1 to 2 week process) then quickly securing your EIN and setting up automated compliance so you can get started without extra hassle.
In some cases, yes, sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security Number for tax purposes. However, many banks, payment processors, and payroll providers require an EIN, and using one also helps protect your personal information and build business credibility.
The IRS will send you an official confirmation letter (CP 575) once your EIN is issued. Keep this document in a safe place. You’ll also see your EIN on any tax forms or correspondence from the IRS, and you can request a copy if you misplace it.
No. You can still report your business income and expenses on your personal tax return, unless you choose to elect S Corporation (S-Corp) status, which has its own separate filing requirements. With Lettuce, there’s no need to track, organize, and categorize those expenses because your filings are automated.
Here’s the simple version of how Lettuce works: you give us your business details once, and we handle everything: forming your LLC, filing for your EIN, setting up automated compliance, and storing your official documents securely. No forms, no IRS calls, no lost paperwork, just a business that’s ready to run. Getting your EIN is only the first step toward running a legitimate, optimized business, but the real opportunity lies in what comes next. Solopreneurs making over $100,000 often overpay taxes by approximately $15,000 each year without proper management. That's where a complete financial system designed specifically for businesses-of-one changes everything.
Stop leaving money on the table. Lettuce guarantees you'll save on your taxes or get a full refund, no questions asked. From automated bookkeeping to strategic tax planning, you'll get the same advantages that big businesses get from their accountants, all powered by AI and automation.
Ready to run your business like the pro you are? Get started with Lettuce and make taxes less taxing while you focus on what you do best.