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Arizona Business Formation
Get an EIN for Your Arizona LLC
The IRS issues EINs for free. Here's when that free route works, and when a paid service actually saves you real trouble.
How to apply with the IRS online, by fax, by mail, or by phone
Free
The IRS never charges for an EIN, no matter how you apply.
The Honest Answer: It's Free From the IRS
You can apply for your EIN directly at IRS.gov, free, and get it immediately if you apply online. The catch: the online tool requires a valid Social Security Number or ITIN, and must be completed in one 15-minute session, available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM ET only.
If you're not a U.S. citizen without an SSN, you generally can't use the online tool at all, you'd need to apply by phone or mail instead, which can take weeks. That's the specific situation where a paid EIN service genuinely earns its fee.
Applying from outside the U.S.? See the full non-resident LLC guide.
Side by Side
Your Options Compared
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bizee EIN Guide | Guide, not a filing service | Read it before you apply | Anyone who wants each IRS route explained step by step |
| IRS Direct (Online) | Free | Immediate, same session | U.S. citizens/residents with an SSN or ITIN |
| IRS Direct (Fax or Mail) | Free | 4 business days (fax) to 4 weeks (mail) | Anyone unable to use the online tool |
| BusinessAnywhere EIN Service | Paid, varies by package | Typically a few business days | Anyone who'd rather use an alternative paid service |
Wait until your Arizona Articles of Organization are approved before applying, so your EIN information matches your official state filing.
Get Started
Short on Time or Filing From Outside the U.S.?
Bizee's EIN guide walks through each IRS route, including the phone option for international applicants.
Prefer BusinessAnywhere instead? Get Your EIN via BusinessAnywhere →
Common Questions
What Arizona Business Owners Ask Us
Is applying for an EIN really free through the IRS?
Yes. The IRS never charges a fee for an EIN, regardless of whether you apply online, by fax, or by mail. Paid EIN services charge for convenience and speed, not for the EIN itself.
Why would I pay for an EIN if the IRS is free?
The IRS online EIN tool requires a valid Social Security Number or ITIN and must be completed in a single 15-minute session, available only Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM ET. If you're a non-U.S. citizen without an SSN, short on time, or want it handled correctly the first time, a paid service can be worth it.
Do I need an EIN for a single-member Arizona LLC?
Not always. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs with no employees can technically use their Social Security Number instead. Most business owners still get an EIN to keep their SSN off business documents and to open a business bank account.
Can I get an EIN before my Arizona LLC is officially approved?
You should wait until your Arizona Articles of Organization are approved. Applying for an EIN with information that doesn't match your final state filing can create IRS complications later.