Business Registration

Get your EIN.
Own your music business.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is free, takes 5 minutes, and is the first step to running your music career like a real business. Choose how you want to do it.

How would you like to apply?

Both options get you the same result — your official IRS EIN. Pick what works for you.

📋
Free · 5 Minutes

I'll Do It Myself

Apply directly at IRS.gov. It's completely free and you receive your EIN instantly. We'll walk you through exactly what to click and what to enter.

Get notified when the automated EIN filing is ready.

We're building it now. Drop your email and we'll let you know the moment it's live.

From the Artispreneur Academy

How to Register Your Music Business & Get Your EIN

Watch the course video below, read the step-by-step guide, then open the IRS application when you're ready. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes and it's completely free.

EIN Registration LLC Formation Business Banking P.R.O. Setup
Full course at Academy →
Free
IRS Cost
5 min
To Complete
Instant
EIN Issued

What is an EIN and why do you need one?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's Social Security Number — a 9-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your music business as a legal entity. Once you have one, you use it instead of your personal SSN for all business dealings.

Open a business bank account

Every bank requires an EIN to open a business account. Keep your music money separate.

Register as a publisher with a P.R.O.

ASCAP and BMI require an EIN to register a publishing entity and collect royalties.

Protect your identity

Use your EIN on contracts and licensing deals — not your Social Security Number.

File business taxes properly

Deduct studio time, equipment, travel, and more. Your EIN is required for Schedule C.

Step-by-step: Apply at IRS.gov

1

Go to IRS.gov — the application is 100% free

Use the official IRS website only. Dozens of third-party sites charge $50–$300 to "file your EIN" — they are doing exactly what you can do yourself for free.

🔗 Direct link: irs.gov/EIN-online ↗ — Available Mon–Fri 7am–10pm ET
2

Click "Apply Online Now" and begin the interview

The IRS uses a short online interview format — it asks you questions and fills in the form based on your answers. Takes about 5 minutes.

3

Select your entity type

You'll be asked what type of business you are:

Sole Proprietor — just you, no LLC. Simplest option.
LLC — most popular for artists. Protects your personal assets.
S-Corp — tax advantages at higher income levels.
C-Corp — for labels or businesses taking on investors.
💡 Not sure? Pick LLC — it's the most common choice for independent artists and gives you the most flexibility.
4

Select your reason for applying

Choose "Started a new business." This is the correct answer for artists registering for the first time — even if you've been making music for years.

5

Enter your personal information (responsible party)

Your legal name, home address, and Social Security Number. The SSN is required by the IRS for identity verification only — it will not appear on business documents once you have your EIN.

6

Enter your business name and address

Use your legal business name exactly as it's registered (or as you intend to register it). Examples:

Marcus Johnson Music LLC (if you have an LLC)
Marcus A. Johnson (if you're a sole proprietor)
MJ Davis Music Inc. (if you have a corporation)
7

Review your answers and submit

Take 30 seconds to check every field before you submit. Once submitted, some details are hard to change.

🔒 Critical — do this immediately: After submitting, download and save your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575). The IRS does not let you retrieve this letter again online. You need it to open your bank account, register with a P.R.O., and for tax filings. Save it to your Artispreneur dashboard documents.
After Your EIN

Got your EIN? Here's what comes next.

Your EIN is step one. Each of these is covered in the full Academy course — and your Artispreneur Agent can guide you through every single one.

Open a Business Bank Account
Mercury or Relay — free, fast, built for businesses. You'll need your EIN and formation docs.
Mercury ↗
Register With a P.R.O. (ASCAP or BMI)
Register as both a writer and a publisher. This is how you collect performance royalties on every play.
ASCAP ↗
Build Your EPK
Your electronic press kit is your first impression with venues, labels, and media. Build one in minutes.
epk.artispreneur.com ↗
Set Up Your Contracts
Generate split sheets, performance agreements, and licensing templates before your next session or show.
contracts.artispreneur.com ↗
Continue Your Education at the Academy
Courses on copyright, distribution, royalties, contracts, branding, and more. Free for all members.
academy.artispreneur.com ↗

All done with your EIN?

Head to your dashboard to track your next steps and access all your tools.

Go to My Dashboard →
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Entity Your Info Business State Submit
Step 1 of 4 — Your Artispreneur Agent will complete the IRS application for you.

What type of entity are you registering?

Your agent needs this to select the correct entity type on the IRS form.

Sole Proprietor

Just you. Simplest option. No LLC required.

LLC

Separate legal entity. Most popular for artists.

S-Corporation

Tax advantages for higher earners.

C-Corporation

For labels, investors, full corporate structure.

Not sure? Most independent artists start with LLC — liability protection with minimal paperwork.
⚙️

Your agent is working.

Sit tight — your Artispreneur Agent is navigating the IRS application on your behalf.