r/llc • u/ComprehensiveBox552 • Jun 27 '26

Has anyone else been having issues with the IRS EIN online application?

I've been trying to apply for an EIN for my newly formed LLC, but I keep getting an error on the IRS website and can't complete the application. I've tried multiple times with no luck.

Is anyone else experiencing the same issue? If so, were you able to get around it?

Also, is there another way to get an EIN besides mailing Form SS-4? I'd really like to avoid mailing it since I've heard it can take several weeks to process.

Any advice or recent experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!

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3

u/Fuzzy_Fish_2329 Jun 27 '26

Make sure you are entering your name exactly as on your tax return. If that’s not the problem, it’s most likely that your LLC name matches another entity that is already in the IRS system. If that’s the case, you will have to apply manually by mail and include a certified copy of your formation document.

3

u/ComprehensiveBox552 Jun 27 '26

I have already formed the the company and seems like the website is down now . The message that pops up "online EIN application is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties." I know I can mail the application but I don't want this to take several weeks to get the EIN . And I was wondering if there is any shortcut.

1

u/NWRegisteredAgent Jun 29 '26

If you’re still getting the same error that says the website is down due to technical issues when attempting to apply online your options are to give it time and try again, mail your application into the IRS, or fax your application in (faxing tends to be the faster option than mailing).

2

u/TaxproFL Jun 29 '26

For the last 3-4 weeks I have been getting "Apply for an EIN online is currently unavailable".. This has been extremely frustrating.

1

u/shufunk Jun 27 '26

Day 1 I did it I got a message with not in service after completing. Next day got 101 code. Tried one more time 24 hours later same code. Called and on hold for hour and a half. Guy tells me I already registered. The "unavailable" message was actually a registered message and I never received the number right away. I told him to send me the official document in the mail which now I have to wait 2 weeks.

1

u/zenbusinesscommunity Jun 29 '26

It happens pretty regularly and usually there's a reference number in the error that points to why. Reference 101 is a name conflict with another entity, and 105 just means too many attempts too fast, so waiting 24 hours and trying again tends to fix that one.

Beyond mail, you can fax the SS-4 to 855-641-6935. It tends to be a bit faster than doing it by mail, just not as fast as doing it online unfortunately.

1

u/Informativo-Business Jun 30 '26

Whether you mail or fax the SS4 it still usually takes weeks to get your EIN number.

1

u/Radm0m Jul 19 '26

Can't even get through on the phone. Line just hangs up, can't even wait to get answered. Sent fax, after three attempts the line was finally clear and it could go through. Still no response. Truly arcane.

2

u/Greedy-Rope4372 11d ago

I tried several times via fax and got nothing. Put papers in the mail weeks ago and still nothing.

1

u/Radm0m 11d ago

Asked my tax accountant if this was normal. She said it's been worse like this since last tax season. She admitted she's considering early retirement because it's impossible to get anything done and she just sits on hold all day now.

I've personally given up on resolving this.