FREE Alabama EIN Number
(2025 Guide)

  • ByAhmad Adil
  • updatedJune 18, 2025
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🆔 How to Get an Alabama EIN Number (for Free) for an LLC – 2025 Guide

Navigating federal tax requirements can seem daunting, but securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your Alabama LLC doesn’t have to be. Often referred to as your business’s Social Security Number, an EIN is a critical identifier for various financial and legal activities.

This comprehensive 2025 guide is designed to demystify the process. We’ll explain exactly what an EIN is, why your Alabama LLC needs one, and most importantly, provide step-by-step instructions on how to get a FREE Alabama EIN number directly from the IRS. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to confidently managing your Alabama LLC!

What is an EIN Number?

An EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. This unique 9-digit number is assigned to your Limited Liability Company (LLC) by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the federal government’s tax collection agency. Think of your EIN as your business’s unique identifier for tax purposes—much like a Social Security Number identifies an individual. It serves as your “account number” with the IRS.

Important Note: Your EIN is issued exclusively by the IRS. It is not issued by the Alabama Secretary of State or the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Common EIN Synonyms

You might encounter your EIN Number referred to by several different terms. Rest assured, they all refer to the same crucial identifier:

Term Description
EIN Number
The most common and direct term.
Employer Identification Number
The full name of the EIN.
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Emphasizes its federal origin.
Federal Tax ID Number
Highlights its purpose for federal taxes.
Alabama Federal Tax ID Number
Specifies its application to an Alabama-based entity.
Federal Tax Identification Number
Another variant emphasizing its federal tax purpose.

Clarification: It’s crucial to understand that an EIN Number is distinct from an Alabama Tax ID Number (also known as a state tax ID number). Your EIN is issued by the federal IRS, while an Alabama Tax ID Number is issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue for state-specific tax obligations.

 

What’s an EIN Used For?

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is vital for various legal and financial operations of your Alabama Limited Liability Company. Having an EIN allows your business to:

 
  • Open an LLC business bank account. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)
  • File federal, state, and local tax returns.
     
  • File Alabama income tax.
  • Register for Alabama sales tax (if applicable).
     
  • Obtain business lines of credit or business loans.
  • Get a business credit card for your LLC. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)
  • Apply for necessary business licenses or permits.
  • Handle employee payroll (if your LLC has employees).

🧭 Cost and Timing: Getting Your Free Alabama EIN

How Much Does it Cost to Get an EIN?

Good news! Applying for an EIN for your Alabama LLC is absolutely free. The IRS does not charge any service fees for the EIN online application. Be wary of third-party services that charge for this—you can obtain your EIN yourself without cost.

When Should You Get an EIN?

Critical Tip: Do not apply for an EIN until your Alabama LLC has been officially approved by the Alabama Secretary of State. Applying too early can lead to complications, including needing to cancel and reapply for your EIN.

📋 How to File Your EIN Application for Your Alabama LLC

The method for applying for your Federal Tax ID Number depends primarily on whether you (or the person responsible for the LLC) have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Important Consideration: Before you apply for an EIN, finalize the number of LLC Members your company will have. Changing from a Single-Member LLC to a Multi-Member LLC (or vice versa) after getting an EIN requires additional paperwork with both the IRS and the state. This can also necessitate transferring LLC ownership, amending your Operating Agreement, and updating your accountant due to changes in tax filing status.

 

Note: Just a friendly reminder, LLC stands for Limited Liability Company, not “Limited Liability Corporation.”

 

Apply for an EIN (US Citizens and US Residents with SSN/ITIN)

We highly recommend applying for your EIN online if you possess an SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This is by far the easiest and fastest filing method. Your EIN Number is typically issued immediately at the end of the online application, which usually takes only about 15 minutes to complete.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions on the online application process, please refer to our guide: How to Apply for an EIN Online. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)

Alternative (Slower) Method: While you can also apply for an EIN by mail or fax, this method is significantly slower compared to the online filing. We only advise using mail or fax if you encounter an error message (often referred to as an EIN reference number) during the online application that specifically instructs you to use an alternative method.

 

Apply for an EIN (Non-US Residents without SSN/ITIN)

If you are a non-US resident and do not have an SSN or ITIN, you can still obtain an EIN for your Alabama LLC. However, the Federal tax EIN online application is not available to you.

 

Instead, you will need to mail or fax IRS Form SS-4, which is the official application form. We provide comprehensive step-by-step instructions for this process here: How to Get an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)

Dispelling a Myth: You might have heard that non-US residents must hire a third-party designee to obtain an EIN. This is not true. You can successfully obtain your EIN yourself without incurring extra fees from a third-party service.

💸 EIN Approval: Your EIN Confirmation Letter

Once the IRS successfully processes your application and issues an EIN for your Alabama LLC, you will receive your official approval. This is known as an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575).

The delivery method of your EIN Confirmation Letter depends on your application method:

  • Online Application: You can download the EIN Confirmation Letter directly at the end of the online application process.
     
  • Mail or Fax Application (Form SS-4): The IRS will mail your EIN Confirmation Letter to the address you provided.

⏱️ Next Steps: Opening Your LLC Business Bank Account

With your EIN securely in hand, you can proceed to open a business bank account for your Alabama LLC. Most banks will require your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) or an EIN Verification Letter (147C) to establish the account.

For a list of recommended banks and the essential documents you should bring, please see our detailed guide: Business Bank Account for LLC. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)

For Non-US Residents: If you are a non-US resident, you can absolutely open a US bank account for your LLC. We have specific guidance for this process: Non-US Resident Opening US Bank Account for an LLC. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)

🔁 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Contact Information

Should you have any questions or require assistance directly from the IRS regarding your EIN application process, you can contact them:

  • IRS Phone Number: 1-800-829-4933
  • Office Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM (local time), Monday through Friday.

Tips for Speaking to a Live Person: To speak with a live representative, follow these options:

  1. Press option 1 for English.
  2. Then press option 1 for Employer Identification Numbers.
  3. Then press option 3 for “If you already have an EIN, but you can’t remember it, etc.” (This is the most reliable path to a live person).

Recommendation: We suggest calling the IRS right when they open to minimize your hold time. While the IRS cannot provide legal or tax advice, they are equipped to answer questions specifically about the EIN application process.

Common EIN Mistakes and How to Fix Them

How Do I Find My EIN Number Online?

If you misplace your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) or forget to download it after an online application, you cannot get another original CP 575. It’s vital to use a reliable mailing address when applying for your EIN if you choose the mail method.

However, you can easily request an EIN Verification Letter (147C) from the IRS. This letter officially verifies your Federal Tax ID Number for any existing business and is universally accepted by banks, state governments, and other entities in place of the CP 575.

“I thought applying for my EIN is what forms my LLC, right?”

No, that’s a common misconception! Obtaining an EIN from the IRS does not form your LLC. LLCs are legally formed with your specific state, not with the IRS.

The correct sequence is to first form an LLC with your state’s Secretary of State (or equivalent office), wait for its approval, and then apply for your EIN (your Federal Tax ID Number).

If you have been operating your business solely by obtaining an EIN without officially forming an LLC with your state, you have unknowingly been operating as a Sole Proprietorship. In this scenario, the EIN is “attached” to you personally, not to an entity you formally established. The EIN is not connected to your company because the LLC itself hasn’t been formed.

To rectify this: First, formally form an LLC in Alabama, wait for it to be approved, and only then apply for a new EIN specifically for your newly formed LLC. After that, you can proceed to cancel your first EIN if it’s no longer needed.

What if I Applied for an EIN Before My LLC Was Approved?

  • If your LLC gets approved using the exact name you listed on your EIN application, there is nothing to worry about. As long as the name on your EIN Confirmation Letter precisely matches your approved LLC name, you can use that EIN for your LLC.
  • If your LLC is rejected by the state (for example, due to a name conflict), then you will need to re-file with the state under a new, approved LLC name. Once your new LLC is approved, you will need to get a new EIN from the IRS for the correct entity. After obtaining the new EIN, you can then cancel the old EIN. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)

How Do I Cancel an EIN?

If you need to cancel your EIN Number, you must officially notify the IRS by mailing a cancellation letter. We provide detailed instructions and a template for the cancellation letter here: How to Cancel an EIN. (Internal Link – Verify/insert your actual URL)

❓ FAQs - Free Alabama EIN Number

An Alabama EIN Number (Employer Identification Number) is a unique 9-digit federal tax ID assigned by the IRS to identify your Alabama LLC for tax and business purposes, similar to a Social Security Number for an individual.

Yes, applying for an EIN for your Alabama LLC is completely free when you apply directly through the IRS online application. The IRS does not charge any fees for this service.

You should only apply for your Alabama LLC’s EIN after your LLC has been officially approved and formed by the Alabama Secretary of State. Applying prematurely can lead to complications.

No, an EIN is issued by the federal IRS, while an Alabama State Tax ID Number is issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue for state-specific tax requirements. They are distinct identifiers.

If your LLC name matches, you can still use the EIN. If you lost your letter, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C) from the IRS, which serves the same purpose as the original confirmation letter for all business needs.

 

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