The order
State filing must complete first
The IRS will issue an EIN to an entity that doesn't exist yet — but it can't match your responsible party against an entity record that contradicts it. File the LLC, wait for state approval, then apply.
Common timing mistakes
What goes wrong
Applying with a name still pending state approval; applying before the entity's effective date; applying with an organizer name when the operating agreement names a different responsible party.
Expectation-setting
Only the IRS issues EINs. No service — formation operator, attorney, CPA, or EIN-resolution shop — issues EINs. What they sell is the labor of refiling SS-4 on your behalf, not a different outcome.
Z
ZenBusiness
SS-4 refile assistance
Formation, registered agent, and SS-4 refile assistance.
Price$0 + state fee — StarterProgram$100 CPA / 30-day cookie · Awin
Disclosure. We earn a referral fee if you use this service. They do not get you a different EIN — only the IRS issues EINs. They refile SS-4 on your behalf with corrected information.
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Related codes