Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): Chicago restaurant guide

IRS

What it is

Your business's federal tax ID. Chicago lists it as a required document for a business license, and Illinois uses it for tax and liquor registrations.

When a restaurant needs it

Right after the entity is formed and before state and city registrations.

How to apply

Apply online with the IRS EIN tool in one session (it times out after 15 minutes of inactivity).

Documents you’ll need

Legal name and formation details
Responsible party's SSN or ITIN

Fee

Free — the IRS never charges for an EIN

Processing time

Immediate online

Renewal

None

Who files

The responsible party applies, or a third-party designee with signed authorization.

Good to know

Ignore websites that charge for an EIN. The online tool only runs during set hours (Eastern time).

Official source

IRS — get an EIN

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.