Recently I was applying for an EIN online at the irs.gov website. I was on the very last step and received an error referencing error number 109:
I was using the Google Chrome browser the first time I applied, so I switched to Internet Explorer and attempted the application again. This time the application completed successfully. If you are using Chrome and receive a similar error at the end of the application process, I recommend retrying with Internet Explorer. Hopefully that will resolve any problems you may encounter 
Best regards,
-JD
All I have is IE, yet got that error multiple times.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for you comment. I am sorry to hear that you too encountered the Error 19 problem
If anyone else out there has tips for solving this issue (even when using IE), please comment.
My only suggestion is to perhaps try again on a different day, as I know one time I tried accessing the IRS EIN application page and they said it was undergoing maintenance for a number of days. So hopefully your Error 19 issue may be resolved when they update their site.
Sorry to not be of more help!
Best regards,
-JD
Sounds like a logical idea. Thanks.
I had the same problem, attempted with Chrome, Safari, and IE, kept getting 109. I finally called, using reference number 101 (just to get through), and the rep, after going through a series of security questions, told me that and EIN was issued and gave it to me. She also said that only one EIN will be issued in a lifetime. So, I guess the error handling is just really bad. Go old school and use the phone if you get the error, you might already have your new EIN!
Hi pd,
Thank you for your comment and for the tip about calling them to get your EIN.
Here’s hoping they improve their website a bit to eliminate these issues altogether!
Best regards,
-JD