Last verified: June 2026
Picture this:
A newly formed civic club wants to open a bank account. The bank asks for an EIN. The club president doesn't have one — the club is six months old and nobody got around to applying. She goes online, finds a service charging $150 to "process your EIN application," pays it, and waits three business days.
The process through that service is identical to the free IRS online tool — they just fill out the same form on her behalf and charge for the privilege.
An EIN takes 15 minutes and costs nothing. You apply directly through the IRS, you get the number the same day, and that's it.
Quick answer: Apply directly at irs.gov — search "EIN Online Assistant." It's free and takes about 15 minutes. You'll need your organization's legal name, address, and one person's Social Security Number (the "responsible party"). You get your EIN immediately at the end of the session. Print or save the confirmation page — you'll use this number for your bank account, 990-N filings, and donation receipts.
What an EIN Is and Why You Need One
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your organization, the same way a Social Security Number identifies an individual. The format is XX-XXXXXXX.
You need an EIN to:
- Open a bank account in your organization's name
- File your annual 990-N (or 990-EZ/990) with the IRS
- Apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Issue tax-deductible donation receipts
- Accept grants from foundations (most require your EIN on the application)
- Hire any paid staff or contractors
Even if your organization has never paid an employee and never plans to, you still need an EIN. "Employer" in the name is misleading — every organization needs one, whether or not it employs anyone.
Before You Apply — Two Things to Have Ready
1. Your organization's legal name This is the name on your articles of incorporation, constitution, or charter — not your informal name or Facebook page name. If your organization is officially "Berville Lions Club, Inc." and your Facebook page says "Berville Lions," the EIN application uses the official legal name.
If you're a club or association that hasn't filed any formation paperwork, you still need a formal name — but you don't need state incorporation to get an EIN. Many small clubs and associations operate as unincorporated associations. The IRS will issue an EIN to an unincorporated nonprofit association.
2. A responsible party The IRS requires one real individual — a member, officer, or founding person — to serve as the responsible party. This is not public information. It's the IRS's way of having a human contact for the account. You'll need their:
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
The president or treasurer is the typical responsible party for a small nonprofit.
Do Not Use Third-Party EIN Services
Search for "apply for EIN" and you'll find dozens of services charging $50 to $300 to apply for your EIN. They are not affiliated with the IRS. They do not process your application faster. They fill out the exact same IRS form you'd fill out yourself and submit it on your behalf.
The IRS online application is free. It takes 15 minutes. The result is the same.
Applying Online — Step by Step
The IRS's online EIN Assistant is available:
- Monday through Friday, 7am to 10pm Eastern time
- At irs.gov — search "Apply for EIN online" or "EIN Online Assistant"
Step 1: Select your entity type The assistant asks "What type of legal structure is this business?" Select "View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations" and then "Other Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations."
Do not select Corporation, LLC, or Partnership even if your nonprofit is incorporated — the IRS classifies nonprofit organizations separately for EIN purposes.
Step 2: Your organization's information
- Legal name of the organization
- Trade name (if any — this is optional)
- Mailing address
Step 3: Responsible party
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
- Their role in the organization
Step 4: Reason for applying Select "Started a new business" or "Banking purposes" — both are valid. "Banking purposes" is the most common answer for a newly formed club opening its first bank account.
Step 5: Review and submit The assistant shows you a summary. Review it for accuracy — the name must exactly match your formation documents. Click submit.
Step 6: Your EIN The IRS displays your EIN immediately. You'll also be able to view a confirmation notice. Print this page or save it as a PDF right now. The IRS will mail a formal CP 575 letter within 4 to 6 weeks — but the on-screen confirmation is valid immediately for any purpose.
What to Do With Your EIN
Open your bank account. Take your EIN confirmation and your formation documents (articles of incorporation or club constitution) to your bank. Most banks require both. Check the bank's requirements before you go — some also require meeting minutes authorizing the account.
File it somewhere safe. Your EIN doesn't change and doesn't expire. Store the confirmation in your organization's permanent records. Future treasurers, officers, and grant applications will need it.
Add it to your donation receipts. Every donation receipt you issue should include your EIN. See How to Write a Donation Receipt.
Use it on your 990-N. Your annual filing with the IRS requires your EIN. See How to File a 990-N for a Small Nonprofit.
Do not give it out indiscriminately. Your EIN is semi-public — it's on your 990 filings, which are public record — but you don't need to include it in casual correspondence or post it on your website. Give it to banks, the IRS, and grant applications. That's it.
Common Questions
What if our organization already has an EIN but we lost the number? Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm local time). Have your organization's name and address ready. They can confirm your EIN over the phone after verifying your identity.
Can we reuse an EIN from a dissolved organization? No. EINs are permanent and assigned to one specific entity. If your organization dissolved and reformed, you need a new EIN.
Does getting an EIN mean we're automatically tax-exempt? No. An EIN is a tax identification number — it's separate from tax-exempt status. To become a 501(c)(3) and allow donors to deduct contributions, you need to apply to the IRS using Form 1023 (full) or Form 1023-EZ (for smaller orgs). The EIN is required before you can file either of those forms.
We're a chapter of a national organization. Do we need our own EIN? It depends on whether your chapter files its own taxes independently or is covered under the national organization's group exemption. Contact your national organization's headquarters — they'll tell you whether you need your own EIN or whether the chapter is covered under their umbrella.
See also: The Small Nonprofit Admin Guide — EIN, bank account, 990-N, and other first-year admin tasks all in one place.