Best LLC service with ein, free filing & tax id included
Contents
- Our Verdict
- Why an EIN matters for your business
- Inc Authority: Best Free EIN Package
- ZenBusiness: Best dashboard plus EIN add on
- Bizee: our top pick for a lean setup that comes with an EIN
- Northwest: top privacy and EIN help
- EIN Service Comparison Table
- Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
Inc Authority is the best LLC service that includes EIN filing. Loads of places charge extra for that, but Inc Authority just folds it into the base package. You get state filing prep, a full year of registered agent service, and the EIN, all for free. ZenBusiness tacks EIN on as an add-on, even with their slick dashboard. Bizee only includes it in pricier plans. Northwest does help with ITINs for international folks. For most people starting out, Inc Authority's free EIN deal gives you the most bang for your buck.
Your EIN is basically a social security number for your business. You’ll need it to open a bank account, bring on employees, file taxes, and apply for licenses.
Some LLC services charge extra for EIN filing. Others just throw it in for free. That difference can really add up, especially when you're watching your budget.
We tested the top LLC services to see which ones give you the best EIN filing options. Here's what we found.
Not sure what an EIN is or why you'd need one? Our what is an EIN and why do you need it article covers the basics.
Why an EIN matters for your business
Before we dive into the rankings, let's talk about why an EIN matters.
First, banking. You can't open a business bank account without an EIN. That's a must for keeping your personal and business money apart.
Second, taxes. You need an EIN to file business tax returns, pay estimated taxes, and handle payroll if you have employees.
Third, credibility. Lots of clients and vendors won’t even work with you without an EIN. It’s your proof you’re a real business.
The good news? Applying for an EIN is free through the IRS. The bad news? It can get confusing, especially if you're a first-time founder. That's where LLC services step in.
For a deeper look at the EIN application process, our is EIN service worth paying for article explains the tradeoffs.
Inc authority, best free EIN package
Inc Authority gives you the most complete free package out there, and it covers your EIN filing. With the free plan you get state filing prep, a full year of registered agent service, and the EIN filing itself, all with zero extra charges.
This is a big deal. A lot of competitors tack on $50 to $100 just for EIN filing. With Inc Authority, it’s already part of the base package.
Their team handles the EIN filing. They’ll fill out the IRS Form SS-4 for you and send over your EIN confirmation. No need to talk to the IRS yourself.
For a detailed look at how the free plan works, our is Inc Authority really free article breaks down exactly what you get.
Zenbusiness, best dashboard + EIN add-on
ZenBusiness gives you the slickest dashboard around, and they’ll handle your EIN filing for an extra fee. That usually runs you about $50 to $100, depending on the plan you pick.
The free Starter plan covers state filing prep, but EIN filing costs extra. Upgrade to a higher tier and EIN is sometimes thrown in. Pro, for instance, bundles EIN filing with stuff like operating agreement templates.
For founders who want a modern dashboard and are willing to pay for EIN filing, ZenBusiness is a solid choice. The interface is clean and the process is simple.
To see how ZenBusiness stacks up against Inc Authority, our Inc Authority vs ZenBusiness comparison breaks down the key differences.
Bizee, best lean option with EIN
Bizee (formerly Incfile) lets you add EIN filing to their free Silver plan. It usually runs about $50 to $70. But if you bump up to Gold, EIN’s already covered.
Bizee keeps things simple, so it's a solid pick if you just want your filing done without any extras. Their team handles the EIN application, and they'll email you the confirmation once it's ready.
For founders who want to keep costs low and don’t mind paying for EIN separately, Bizee works well. You also get a free registered agent in Year 1, which adds a bit more value.
For a detailed look into all the free plans, our best free LLC service article breaks down every option.
Northwest, best privacy + EIN support
Northwest Registered Agent lets you add EIN filing to their $39 formation package. That usually runs you about $50 to $100, depending on what you need.
Where Northwest really stands out is how they support international founders. If you're not an US resident, they can walk you through both the EIN and ITIN applications. That’s a pretty specialized thing, and most other providers just don’t do it.
Northwest also uses their own address on state filings, so your personal address stays off public records. That’s a big deal if you’re a founder working from home.
For a detailed look at how Northwest handles EINs, our Northwest Registered Agent review breaks down everything you get.
EIN service comparison table
| Feature | Inc Authority | ZenBusiness | Bizee | Northwest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Filing Prep | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | $39 |
| Year 1 Registered Agent | ✓ Free | $199 | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| EIN Filing Cost | ✓ Free | Add-on ($50-$100) | Add-on ($50-$70) | Add-on ($50-$100) |
| ITIN Support | No | No | No | ✓ Yes |
| Privacy Protection | Basic | Basic | Basic | ✓ Excellent |
| Dashboard Quality | Functional | Modern | Lean | Functional |
| Total Cost (2 Years + EIN) | ~$125 | ~$498 | ~$219 | ~$264 |
As the table shows, Inc Authority gives you the lowest total cost over two years, and it throws in free EIN filing. Bizee comes in second for affordability.
For an Analysis of pricing across all services, our pricing comparison research has detailed tables and analysis.
Common EIN mistakes to avoid
Even with a service handling your EIN filing, mistakes still happen, and those can bite you later. We’ve seen it a lot. Some errors are small, but others really mess things up. The trick is knowing what to watch for before you hit submit.
First, you picked the wrong business structure on your EIN application. If you file as a sole proprietor but you're really forming a LLC, you'll have to fix that down the road. That can mess with your banking and your tax filings.
Second, losing your EIN confirmation. The IRS mails you a letter (CP 575) with your EIN. Some services give you a digital copy, but you should also stash a physical one somewhere safe.
Third, not using your EIN consistently. Your EIN should show up on every business account, tax filing, and official document. If you use your personal social security number for business stuff, it can really mess with your taxes.
For a deeper look at what happens when you mess up, our the $199 EIN mistake every founder makes piece digs into the sneaky costs of EIN errors.
Another common mistake? Thinking you can skip the EIN entirely. Even if you're a solo founder with no staff, an EIN still matters for opening a business bank account and building credit. Our LLC guides dig into that more.
Which EIN service should you choose?
Your EIN Priority
- • Free filing plus a free registered agent
- • Free EIN included
- • Dedicated support consultant
SELECT: INC AUTHORITY
- • Modern software experience
- • EIN as an optional add-on
- • Premium price for premium features
SELECT: ZENBUSINESS
- • Free filing + free registered agent
- • EIN as an affordable add-on
- • Functional dashboard
SELECT: BIZEE
- • ITIN support for international founders
- • Privacy protection
- • Dedicated support specialists
SELECT: NORTHWEST
If you’re after the best value and free EIN filing’s part of the deal, Inc Authority’s the obvious pick. You skip the registered agent fee and the EIN fee, so you’re saving cash versus other options.
If you care about a modern dashboard and don’t mind paying extra for EIN filing, ZenBusiness feels the most polished.
If you want a lean, no-frills approach with affordable EIN add-on pricing, Bizee is a solid choice.
If you're an international founder who needs ITIN support, Northwest is your best bet. Their specialized know how is hard to beat.
For a bigger picture of the best EIN services out there, our best LLC service with EIN page digs into similar stuff for founders who need a tax ID.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you have employees or plan to open a business bank account. Even if you're a solo founder, an EIN is worth it for keeping business and personal money separate. Our what is an EIN and why do you need it article covers the details.
Yes, you can get an EIN straight from the IRS for free. It takes about 15 minutes online. But a lot of founders would rather let a service do it so they don’t screw it up. Our is EIN service worth paying for article breaks down the tradeoffs.
Inc Authority throws in EIN filing free with their base package. ZenBusiness and Bizee? You pay extra for that. Northwest, though, they’ve got EIN support right in their formation package.
If you apply online through the IRS, you get your EIN right away. When a service does it for you, it usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Some places offer faster options, but you'll pay extra for that.