Do You Need an EIN for an S-Corporation?
The short answer, when exactly you need one, and how to get it free, for 2026.
By the Easy Guides Editorial Team
Yes. Here's exactly when you need an EIN for an s-corporation, and how to get one free.
Do you need an EIN for an s-corporation?
Any corporation, including an S-corp, needs an EIN. A corporation is a separate legal and tax entity, so it must have its own federal tax ID for its return, payroll, and bank accounts. If you're an LLC that elected S-corp taxation on Form 2553, you'll use the 9-digit EIN you already got for the LLC. The election changes how the entity is taxed; it does not create a new entity and does not need a new number.
How to get your EIN, free, in about 15 minutes
However you answer above, getting an EIN is free. Apply directly on the IRS website and you'll have your number immediately, never pay a third-party site that charges $100, $300 for a free government service. See how to apply and why the paid sites are a scam.
Common questions
Does an S-corp need an EIN?
Yes. All corporations need an EIN, S-corp or C-corp. You actually need the EIN before you can file Form 2553 to elect S-corp status.
Is the EIN different for an LLC taxed as an S-corp?
No, you keep the same EIN. If your LLC already has an EIN and then elects S-corp taxation, you continue using that existing EIN.
Do I need a new EIN if I convert to an S-corp?
Usually not if it's the same underlying entity making a tax election. You generally need a new EIN only when you form a brand-new corporation. Check the IRS 'do you need a new EIN' rules.