EIN application errors and how to fix them

The online EIN application either gives you a number in minutes or stops with a reference number and no explanation. The IRS does not publish what each number means, but practitioners have mapped them well. This guide explains the common ones and the fastest way past each.

By Awais Jameel, Chartered Accountant. Reviewed by Muhammad Bilal, Chartered Accountant. Checked against official sources on . 2 minute read.

Short answer

EIN reference number 101 means the IRS online application found a business name that is the same as or too similar to yours, so it cannot issue the EIN online. Retrying will not help: apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or call the IRS business line. Codes 109 to 113 are usually technical and can be retried after 24 hours.

At a glance

101
Name too similar to an existing entity
102 and 103
SSN, ITIN or EIN entered does not match IRS records
105 and 114
Too many attempts, or the daily limit; wait
109 to 113
Technical; retry after 24 hours
115
Responsible party shown as deceased; call the IRS
Fallback
Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or the IRS business line
EIN application errors and how to fix them101: Name too similar to an existing entity; 102 and 103: SSN, ITIN or EIN entered does not match IRS records; 105 and 114: Too many attempts, or the daily limit; wait; 109 to 113: Technical; retry after 24 hours; 115: Responsible party shown as deceased; call the IRS; Fallback: Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or the IRS business line.KEY FACTS AT A GLANCEEIN application errors and how to fix them101Name too similar to anexisting entity102 and 103SSN, ITIN or EIN entereddoes not match IRSrecords105 and 114Too many attempts, or thedaily limit; wait109 to 113Technical; retry after 24hours115Responsible party shownas deceased; call the IRSFallbackForm SS-4 by fax or mail,or the IRS business lineChecked against official sourcesTax BakersEIN application errors and how to fix them101: Name too similar to an existing entity; 102 and 103: SSN, ITIN or EIN entered does not match IRS records; 105 and 114: Too many attempts, or the daily limit; wait; 109 to 113: Technical; retry after 24 hours; 115: Responsible party shown as deceased; call the IRS; Fallback: Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or the IRS business line.KEY FACTS AT A GLANCEEIN application errors and how tofix them101Name too similar to an existing entity102 and 103SSN, ITIN or EIN entered does not match IRSrecords105 and 114Too many attempts, or the daily limit; wait109 to 113Technical; retry after 24 hours115Responsible party shown as deceased; callthe IRSFallbackForm SS-4 by fax or mail, or the IRSbusiness lineChecked against official sourcesTax Bakers
Key facts at a glance, as set out in this guide.

What do the reference numbers mean?

Reference numberCommonly reported meaningWhat to do
101A business name in IRS records is the same as or too similar to yoursApply with Form SS-4, or call the IRS business line
102The SSN or ITIN entered does not match IRS records for that nameCheck the name and number exactly as on the card, then retry
103An EIN entered, such as the owner's, does not match IRS recordsCheck the number, then retry
104A problem with the third-party designee detailsCorrect the designee details or apply without one
105Too many unsuccessful attemptsWait 24 hours
106 and 107Problems with the single-member LLC owner's details or number of EINsCheck the owner details, or apply with Form SS-4
109 to 113Technical problems with the online systemRetry later, or after 24 hours
114The responsible party has reached the limit of one EIN per dayWait until the next business day
115IRS records show the responsible party as deceasedCall the IRS

The IRS does not publish this list. The meanings above are the ones consistently reported by practitioners, and the IRS business line can confirm yours.

How do you get past reference number 101?

The online system keeps returning 101 for the same name, so retrying does not work. The name is not the problem with the state: the IRS check is nationwide and stricter than any one state's name rules. Two routes work:

  1. Call the IRS business line

    On 800-829-4933, quoting reference number 101, and apply by phone if the agent can take it.

  2. Or file Form SS-4

    By fax for a faster answer, or by mail, with the same details.

  3. Keep the exact legal name

    Use the name exactly as on the state filing; do not change it to get past the check.

How can you avoid errors?

  • Enter the responsible party's name and SSN or ITIN exactly as the IRS has them.
  • Apply on a weekday during the online system's hours, in one session.
  • Apply for only one EIN per responsible party per day.
  • Have the LLC's exact legal name, formation date and state ready.

What if you have no SSN or ITIN?

The online application is not available to you at all, so these errors do not arise. Apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or by phone on the IRS international line. See EIN without an SSN or ITIN and Form SS-4 line by line.

Stuck on an EIN error?

We get the EIN by Form SS-4 or by phone with the IRS, including for owners without an SSN.

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Questions people ask

What does EIN reference number 101 mean?

The IRS found a business name that is the same as or too similar to yours, so the online application cannot issue the EIN.

How do I fix EIN reference number 101?

Apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or call the IRS business line on 800-829-4933. Retrying online will not work.

What do EIN reference numbers 109 to 113 mean?

Technical problems with the online system. Retry later or after 24 hours.

How many EINs can I get per day?

The online system issues one EIN per responsible party per day.

Sources

Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.

  1. IRS: Get an employer identification number
  2. IRS: Instructions for Form SS-4 (Rev. December 2025)
  3. IRS: Employer identification number

Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after October 1, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.

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This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.