Error 109 when applying for an EIN online

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

9 comments

  • 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.

  • pd

    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

    • jaden

      I tried to call so many times, however, the wait time is too long to stand. Once it was 15 mins, the second time it was 30 mins. I am wondering how long have you been waiting on hold?

      • Hi Jaden,
        Thank you for your message. I know the wait can be quite a bummer 🙁 15 min wait (or less) is about what I try to shoot for, if it is longer than that you may want to try them at a non-peak time (like early in the morning or during lunchbreak etc.) Or as a last resort just put them on speakerphone and do something else why you wait.

        Good luck!
        -JD

  • Donald T

    typical government, it’s the year 2021 and they can’t even get their f–king website to work. Incompetent losers

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