North Dakota LLC EIN: Your Complete Guide to Getting a Federal Tax ID in 2025

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Expert

Just launched your North Dakota LLC? Excellent choice—you’ve established your business in the Peace Garden State, one of America’s most economically dynamic and business-friendly regions. But here’s what every North Dakota entrepreneur needs to understand: getting your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your next crucial step, and it’s far simpler than most people realize.

After helping dozens of North Dakota business owners from Fargo to Williston navigate the EIN process, I can tell you this: the IRS makes it straightforward and completely free, but there are North Dakota-specific considerations that can catch Roughrider State businesses off guard. Let me walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is an EIN and Why Your North Dakota LLC Must Have One

Think of an EIN as your business’s Social Security Number for the federal government. It’s a unique 9-digit identifier (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) that distinguishes your LLC from millions of other business entities nationwide.

Don’t be confused by “Employer” in the name—you don’t need employees to get an EIN.

Your North Dakota LLC Needs an EIN to:

• Open business bank accounts (absolutely required by all financial institutions)
• File federal tax returns and North Dakota state tax returns
• Apply for business credit cards and commercial financing
• Obtain North Dakota business licenses and local permits
• Register for North Dakota sales tax with the Office of State Tax Commissioner
• Set up payroll systems when hiring employees
• Establish business credit separate from your personal credit
• Protect your personal Social Security Number from business exposure

Jake’s reality check: I’ve seen North Dakota entrepreneurs try to operate using only their SSN, especially in the state’s booming oil patch towns. This creates tax complications, limits banking options, and exposes you to identity theft—particularly risky in North Dakota’s rapidly growing business environment.

North Dakota EIN vs North Dakota Tax ID: Know the Difference

This distinction confuses many new North Dakota business owners:

Federal EIN (what we’re covering here):

• Issued by the IRS for federal tax identification
• Used nationwide for business identification
• Required for banking and federal compliance
• Always free directly from the government

North Dakota State Tax ID:

• Issued by North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
• Required for North Dakota state taxes and business registrations
• Separate application process from federal EIN
• Different numbering system from your EIN

You’ll need both for complete North Dakota business compliance. They serve different purposes and come from different government agencies.

The Great News: EINs Are Always Free

Absolute fact: The IRS never charges for EINs. Period. It’s a free government service, like visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Major scam warning: Ignore any website charging $50-$500 for “EIN processing services” or “expedited filing.” These are predatory companies selling you something the government provides free. I’ve seen North Dakota business owners pay $400 for a 15-minute process that costs nothing.

Red flags to avoid:

• Websites designed to mimic IRS.gov but aren’t official
• “Guaranteed instant approval” promises (most applications are approved automatically)
• Rush processing fees (online applications provide instant results)
• Upfront payment requirements before services
• Cold calls claiming “EIN renewal” is required (EINs never expire)

Perfect Timing for Your North Dakota EIN Application

Critical rule: Wait until your North Dakota LLC is officially approved by the North Dakota Secretary of State before applying for your EIN.

Why timing matters:

1. IRS requires your exact LLC name as approved by North Dakota
2. Premature applications create complications if your name gets modified during state approval
3. Name mismatches trigger IRS reviews and potential processing delays
4. North Dakota processing is typically efficient, but timing prevents problems

My recommended timeline:

1. File your North Dakota Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State
2. Wait for official approval confirmation (typically 3-10 business days)
3. Apply for EIN using the exact approved LLC name
4. Begin North Dakota state tax registrations and business banking immediately

What if you applied too early? Don’t panic. If your LLC gets approved with the identical name you used on your EIN application, you’re fine. Name changed? You’ll need to apply for a new EIN.

Step-by-Step EIN Application Process

For US Citizens and Residents (SSN/ITIN Holders):

Apply online at IRS.gov—it’s the fastest, most reliable method available.

Essential Information to Gather:

• Your North Dakota LLC approval documents
• Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• LLC formation date and state (North Dakota)
• Principal business address (anywhere in North Dakota)
• Responsible party information (typically you as the LLC owner)
• Clear description of your business activities
• Expected number of employees (zero is perfectly acceptable)

The Online Application Process (15-20 minutes):

Step 1: Navigate to IRS.gov and search “Apply for EIN Online”

Step 2: Select “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” as your entity type

Step 3: Enter LLC information exactly as shown on North Dakota documents

Step 4: Provide responsible party details (person authorized to receive tax information)

Step 5: Answer business activity questions accurately but concisely

Step 6: Review all information meticulously and submit application

Instant results: You’ll receive your EIN immediately upon approval and can download your official EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) right away.

For Non-US Residents (No SSN/ITIN):

You must apply by mail or fax using Form SS-4.

Required Documentation:

• Completed Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number)
• Copy of your North Dakota LLC approval documents
• Copy of passport or government-issued photo identification
• Valid US mailing address for IRS correspondence
• Cover letter explaining your non-resident status and business purpose

Processing Timeline:

• Mail application: 4-6 weeks typical processing time
• Fax application: 4-5 business days to (855) 641-6935
• Central Time Zone: North Dakota businesses benefit from convenient IRS processing hours

Common North Dakota LLC EIN Mistakes

Mistake 1: Wrong Entity Type Selection

The error: Selecting “Corporation” instead of “Limited Liability Company”

The consequence: IRS processing delays and incorrect federal tax classification

The prevention: Always carefully select “Limited Liability Company” for all LLC applications

Mistake 2: Using Trade Names Instead of Legal Names

The error: Applying with your DBA or trade name rather than registered LLC name

The consequence: EIN gets associated with incorrect entity

The solution: Use exactly the name appearing on your North Dakota Articles of Organization

Mistake 3: Rushing the Application Process

The error: Applying before North Dakota Secretary of State officially approves your LLC

The consequence: Name discrepancies and potential compliance complications

The fix: Practice patience—wait for official North Dakota approval confirmation

Mistake 4: Incorrect Responsible Party Information

The error: Listing someone without legal authority to bind the LLC

The consequence: Future IRS compliance and communication problems

The correction: List an LLC member or manager with actual legal authority

Single-Member vs Multi-Member North Dakota LLCs

Single-Member LLCs:

Federal tax treatment: Disregarded entity (taxed like sole proprietorship)

EIN requirement: Technically optional, but practically essential

Key benefits: Banking access, identity protection, business credibility

North Dakota specifics: Still subject to North Dakota business income tax

Multi-Member LLCs:

Federal tax treatment: Partnership taxation (unless you elect corporate treatment)

EIN requirement: Absolutely mandatory per federal tax regulations

Tax obligations: Must file Form 1065 partnership return annually

North Dakota requirements: Additional state partnership tax filings required

Married Couples in North Dakota:

Important clarification: North Dakota is NOT a community property state, so married couples have limited options:

• Standard approach: Multi-member LLC with partnership taxation
• Not available: Qualified Joint Venture election (reserved for community property states)

Professional guidance: Consult with a North Dakota tax professional about the most advantageous structure for your specific business situation and North Dakota’s tax landscape.

Your EIN Confirmation Letter: Guard It Carefully

After approval, you’ll receive an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)—one of your most critical business documents.

Absolutely Essential For:

• Opening all business bank accounts in North Dakota
• Applying for business credit cards and commercial loans
• Filing federal and North Dakota state tax returns
• Obtaining North Dakota business licenses and local permits
• Registering for North Dakota sales tax with Office of State Tax Commissioner
• Setting up merchant accounts and payment processing
• Establishing vendor relationships and business contracts

If You Lose Your CP 575:

Critical information: You cannot obtain another CP 575 from the IRS. However, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C), which serves the same purpose for virtually all business needs.

Protection strategy: Immediately save digital copies in multiple secure locations and maintain physical copies in your primary business filing system.

Opening Your North Dakota LLC Bank Account

Next essential step: Establish dedicated business banking using your new EIN.

Required Documentation:

• EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)
• North Dakota Articles of Organization
• Operating Agreement (especially important for multi-member LLCs)
• Personal identification for all authorized signers
• Initial deposit (varies by financial institution)

North Dakota Banking Landscape:

Regional leaders: Gate City Bank, First International Bank & Trust (strong North Dakota presence and local expertise)

Community banks: Choice Financial Group, American State Bank & Trust (excellent personalized service)

National banks: Wells Fargo, US Bank (extensive branch networks throughout North Dakota)

Credit unions: Town & Country Credit Union, Capital Credit Union (competitive rates and member benefits)

Jake’s North Dakota banking insight: North Dakota’s banking market is highly competitive with excellent local institutions. Regional banks often provide superior understanding of North Dakota’s unique economic environment, especially in energy and agriculture sectors.

North Dakota-Specific EIN Considerations

North Dakota Energy Sector:

If your LLC operates in North Dakota’s oil and gas industry, your EIN will be essential for specialized licensing and regulatory compliance with the North Dakota Industrial Commission.

Agricultural Business Registration:

North Dakota’s significant agricultural sector may require additional registrations with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Your EIN is required for most agricultural business licenses.

Professional LLCs in North Dakota:

North Dakota allows Professional LLCs (PLLCs) for licensed professionals. The EIN application process is identical to regular LLCs.

Multiple North Dakota Businesses:

Each separate LLC requires its own unique EIN. Never attempt to share EINs across different business entities.

Multi-State Business Operations:

If your North Dakota LLC operates in multiple states (common in energy and agriculture), you may need additional state registrations while using the same federal EIN.

Troubleshooting Common EIN Application Issues

“Cannot Complete Your Application Online” Error

Typical causes:

• SSN/ITIN verification problems with IRS databases
• Multiple previous EIN applications under the same SSN
• Technical issues with IRS online systems

Effective solutions:

• Verify all personal information matches IRS records exactly
• Call IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: (800) 829-4933
• Consider mail/fax application as backup approach

Business Name Already Taken Error

If IRS claims your North Dakota LLC name is unavailable:

• Double-check your North Dakota Secretary of State documents for exact spelling
• Ensure you’re using the complete legal name, not abbreviated version
• Contact IRS directly if you believe there’s a database error

Lost or Incorrect EIN Information

For lost EINs: Request EIN Verification Letter (147C) from IRS

For incorrect details: File Form 8822-B for address changes, call IRS for name corrections

For North Dakota address updates: Update both federal EIN records and North Dakota state registrations

Professional Services vs DIY Approach

DIY Approach Makes Sense When:

• You have valid SSN or ITIN
• Your LLC structure is straightforward
• You’re comfortable with online government applications
• You want to save unnecessary service fees
• You have time to handle the administrative process personally

Consider Professional Help When:

• You’re a non-US resident without ITIN
• You have complex multi-member ownership structures
• You’ve made previous mistakes requiring corrections
• You prefer to delegate administrative tasks to experts
• Time has extremely high opportunity cost for your business

Cost reality check: Professional EIN services charge $150-$500 for something that’s completely free and takes 15 minutes. Only consider this if your time is extraordinarily valuable.

Post-EIN Essential Action Items

Immediate High-Priority Tasks:

1. Securely store EIN documentation (multiple digital and physical copies)
2. Open North Dakota business bank account using EIN confirmation
3. Register with North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for applicable taxes
4. Apply for required North Dakota business licenses specific to your industry and location
5. Establish business credit cards to build separate business credit history

Ongoing EIN Management Best Practices:

• Consistent usage: Include EIN on all official business documents
• Security protocols: Never share EIN unless absolutely necessary for legitimate business purposes
• Record maintenance: Keep EIN documentation with other essential business records
• Annual reviews: Ensure EIN information remains current and accurate across all registrations

North Dakota LLC Tax Landscape Overview

Federal Tax Responsibilities:

Single-member LLCs: Report business income/expenses on Schedule C with personal Form 1040

Multi-member LLCs: File Form 1065 partnership return with individual K-1 distributions

Corporate elections: File appropriate corporate returns if S-Corp or C-Corp election made

North Dakota State Tax Requirements:

• Individual income tax: North Dakota residents pay state income tax on LLC pass-through income (rates vary by income level)
• Business income tax: Some LLCs may owe entity-level tax depending on structure
• Sales tax: 5% state rate plus local taxes on taxable goods and services
• Employment taxes: Required if hiring employees in North Dakota

Your EIN serves as the common identifier connecting all these tax obligations across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.

North Dakota Business Environment Advantages

Economic Boom Benefits:

• Energy sector growth: Oil and gas development creating business opportunities
• Low unemployment: Strong job market and skilled workforce availability
• Business incentives: Various state programs supporting business development
• Infrastructure investment: Ongoing improvements to support economic growth

Strategic Location Benefits:

• Central location: Access to Canadian markets and Midwest distribution
• Transportation infrastructure: Railway and highway access for logistics
• Agricultural resources: Rich farmland and food processing opportunities
• Energy resources: Oil, gas, and renewable energy development

Business-Friendly Policies:

• Low taxes: Competitive business tax rates
• Regulatory environment: Streamlined business regulations
• Government support: Proactive economic development programs
• Quality workforce: Strong work ethic and technical education

North Dakota Regional Considerations

Western North Dakota (Bakken Oil Field):

• Energy sector focus: Oil and gas services, equipment, and support businesses
• Rapid growth: Williston and surrounding areas experiencing economic boom
• Higher costs: Increased demand driving up business operating costs
• Workforce challenges: Need for housing and services for workers

Eastern North Dakota:

• Fargo-Moorhead area: Technology, healthcare, and financial services hub
• Agricultural focus: Farming, food processing, and agricultural technology
• Education sector: North Dakota State University and research opportunities
• Stable growth: More moderate but consistent economic development

Central North Dakota:

• Bismarck area: Government, healthcare, and professional services
• Energy corridor: Coal and renewable energy operations
• Transportation hub: Railway and highway distribution center
• Balanced economy: Mix of government, private sector, and agriculture

The Jake Lawson Bottom Line

Getting an EIN for your North Dakota LLC is straightforward, completely free, and absolutely essential for legitimate business operations in the Peace Garden State. North Dakota’s dynamic economy makes this foundational step even more important for business success.

My proven North Dakota approach:

1. Wait for North Dakota Secretary of State approval before applying for federal EIN
2. Apply online directly through IRS.gov if you have SSN/ITIN
3. Use your exact legal LLC name from North Dakota registration documents
4. Immediately save confirmation documentation upon approval
5. Begin North Dakota state registrations and banking to capitalize on the state’s economic opportunities

Key insight: Your EIN is the foundation of your business’s financial and legal identity in North Dakota and nationwide. Combined with North Dakota’s economic advantages, it positions your business for significant growth.

Roughrider State reality check: This is one of the simplest business compliance tasks you’ll face as a North Dakota entrepreneur. Don’t overthink it, don’t pay scammers for it, and don’t delay completing it—especially in North Dakota’s fast-moving economy.

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Ready to get your North Dakota LLC EIN? Navigate directly to IRS.gov and search “Apply for EIN Online.” Completely ignore all the paid middlemen trying to charge you for this free government service.

Need more North Dakota LLC guidance? Check out our comprehensive North Dakota LLC formation guide or explore our North Dakota business tax overview to understand your complete compliance obligations in the Peace Garden State.

Questions about North Dakota LLC EINs? Ask in the comments below—I personally respond to every legitimate business question.