How to Get an EIN in Michigan

Small Business

Starting a business in Michigan and feeling overwhelmed by all the acronyms and paperwork? One of the first things you’ll hear about is an “EIN” which sounds technical but is actually one of the simplest parts of setting up your business.

Whether you’re launching a food truck in Ann Arbor, opening a lawn care business in Dexter, or starting a consulting business from your Chelsea home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting an EIN in Michigan and why it might be one of the easiest (and most important) steps in your business journey.

Quick Facts About EINs

Short on time? Here’s what you need to know:

You’ll need an EIN if your business will have employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, open a business bank account, or file certain types of tax returns
Getting an EIN is completely free through the IRS (online, by mail, or fax)
Online applications take just minutes, and you’ll receive your EIN immediately
Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security Number instead (though an EIN still has benefits)
International applicants have a special process (by phone only)

Recommended Service: Northwest Registered Agent

If you still have not registered your business, we recommend forming an LLC before getting an EIN. This is quick-to-form, affordable, and will protect your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit.

Get Started for $29 + State Fees

What Is an EIN?

An EIN is a nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to your business. You can think of this like your business’s social security number; a unique identifier that stays with your company throughout its life.

How an EIN Works

Your EIN will be used on all your business tax filings, employment documents, and bank account applications. Think of it as an ID card for your business — every tax return, payroll report, and financial record under your EIN will automatically be linked to your specific business.

Once you get your EIN, it’s yours forever. It never expires (even if you never use it), and it can’t be reassigned to another business. That permanence makes it a fundamental building block of your business identity.

Do You Need an EIN?

Not every business legally needs an EIN, but most Michigan businesses find it useful to have one. Even if not strictly required, an EIN helps create separation between your personal and business finances. Many clients and vendors may also request it when doing business with you. Since it’s free and quick to get, there’s little downside to having one ready.

Generally speaking, you will need an EIN if:

You have or plan to hire employees
You plan to open a business bank account
You’ll operate as a corporation or partnership
You’ll file employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
You’ll maintain a self-employed retirement plan (formerly called a Keogh plan)

Important Tip: If you’re a one-person show running a sole proprietorship with no employees, you can technically use your Social Security Number for tax purposes instead.

How to Get an EIN in Michigan

Getting an EIN is handled by the IRS, not Michigan, so the process is the same no matter which state you’re in. Here are your options, from fastest to slowest:

Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)

This is by far the quickest method:

Visit the IRS website
Complete their user-friendly online form (Form SS-4)
Submit and get your EIN immediately, no waiting!

Things to Know: The online application is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. You’ll need a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to complete the application as the “responsible party.”

Option 2: Apply by Fax

If online isn’t an option for you:

Download and fill out Form SS-4
Fax your completed form to 855-641-6935
Receive your EIN within four business days

Remember This: Be sure to include your own fax number on the form; that’s how the IRS will send your EIN back to you.

Option 3: Apply by Mail

The traditional route:

Download and complete Form SS-4
Mail it to:
- Internal Revenue Service
- Attn: EIN Operation
- Cincinnati, OH 45999
Wait about four weeks to receive your EIN

Plan Ahead: This method takes the longest, so don’t wait until the last minute if you’re choosing this option!

Option 4: Apply by Phone (International Applicants)

If you’re applying from outside the United States:

Call the IRS at 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number)
Answer questions from an IRS representative
Receive your EIN during the call

Important Note: The person making the call must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions about the application. If you want someone else to handle this for you, you’ll need to fill out the Third Party Designee section on Form SS-4.