How to Get an EIN for Your California LLC
An EIN is issued by the federal IRS, not California. First, file Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State under Cal. Corp. Code § 17702.01 ($70 filing fee, 3–5 business days). Then apply for your EIN directly from the IRS at irs.gov, by phone (1-800-829-4933), or by mail using Form SS-4. Online applications receive an EIN immediately. The IRS charges no fee.
Step 1: Form Your California LLC
File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State via BizFile Online at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/. The $70 filing fee covers standard processing (3–5 business days). Cal. Corp. Code § 17702.01 requires your Articles to include:
- LLC name with "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company"
- Principal office street address in California
- Registered agent name and California street address
- Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
- Organizer name and signature
You'll receive a Certificate of Organization once approved. Keep this—you'll reference it when applying for your EIN.
Step 2: Apply for Your EIN from the IRS
Once your LLC is officially formed, apply for an EIN directly from the IRS at no cost.
Online (fastest): Apply at https://www.irs.gov/ein. Most applicants receive their EIN immediately.
By phone: Call 1-800-829-4933 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET). The IRS issues your EIN the same day.
By mail or fax: Complete Form SS-4 and submit to the IRS. Processing takes approximately 4 business days.
Have your LLC's legal name, principal business address, formation date, and the organizer's Social Security Number or ITIN ready.
Timeline
Allow 3–5 business days for California to approve your Articles of Organization, then apply for your EIN immediately. You can operate while your EIN application is pending. Total time from LLC formation to EIN issuance: 3–5 business days (California) plus same-day to 4 business days (IRS).
Do You Need an EIN?
You need an EIN if you plan to hire employees, open a business bank account, or file certain tax returns. Single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships may defer obtaining one, but getting an EIN immediately is recommended for liability separation and banking purposes.
This is general information, not legal advice.