How can my client check the status of their EIN application?

The only information the IRS provides about the status of EIN applications is whether or not an EIN has been assigned. Your client can try to check on this status either by viewing their EIN application timeline on Clerky or by calling the IRS. 

On Clerky 

If your client applied by fax through Clerky, they’ll have access to a timeline showing where they are in the process of obtaining their EIN. You can view your client’s timeline by going to the EIN application step of their company formation checklist. 

Note that the information provided by the IRS about EIN applications that are still being processed is limited. If the IRS hasn't assigned an EIN yet, it won't disclose whether they've received the application or how far in the process an application is. As a result, your client’s EIN timeline on Clerky won't show this information either.

Calling the IRS

In our experience, due to IRS backlogs, it can take weeks to months for the IRS to assign the EIN when people apply by fax. There's often a delay between when the IRS assigns your client’s EIN and when they fax the EIN back. It’s also possible that something goes wrong when the IRS tries to fax the EIN to your client. 

If over a month has passed, or if your client thinks something has gone wrong, your client can try calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 if they want to find out whether their EIN has been assigned. You probably can’t make this call for your client unless they've authorized you in a Form 8821. If the EIN has been assigned to your client, the IRS will usually disclose the EIN over the phone, but only if the caller is the responsible party listed on the Form SS-4 or someone authorized as a designee on Form 8821. If the EIN hasn’t been assigned yet, or if the caller isn't the responsible party or an authorized designee, the IRS won’t be able to tell the caller anything.