Getting Error Code 101 When Applying for a New EIN Online - Help!

Error Code 101 typically means there's an issue with the information you're entering in the EIN application. The most common causes are: 1. You might be using a Social Security Number that's already associated with another EIN application in the system. 2. The name and SSN combination you're entering doesn't match what the IRS has on file. 3. You could be trying to apply during the IRS system maintenance window (usually midnight to 5am EST). 4. There might be an issue with how you're answering the responsible party questions. Try applying during regular business hours and double-check all your personal information. Make sure you're using your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card - even small differences can trigger this error. Also, select the correct business entity type for your situation.

After spending WEEKS trying to get my EIN and hitting that same Error Code 101, I finally found a solution through taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). I was super frustrated with the whole process and ready to give up when a business friend recommended it. They actually specialize in analyzing tax issues like this and providing clear guidance. I uploaded screenshots of the error message and answered a few questions about my application details. Within hours, I got a personalized report explaining exactly what was causing my Error 101 (turns out I had an old defunct business EIN still associated with my SSN that was creating a conflict). They provided step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it, including which specific IRS form to submit and how to correctly complete the responsible party section for my situation.

Just wanted to follow up! I took the advice about taxr.ai from this thread and tried it for my Error Code 107 issue with my EIN application. Honestly, I was pretty amazed at how straightforward the process was. I uploaded screenshots of the error message and filled out their questionnaire about my business. They identified that I was incorrectly answering the "reason for applying" section in a way that was inconsistent with my business type (I had selected banking purposes but then selected a business type that didn't match my other answers). The report showed exactly which fields were creating the conflict and how to properly complete each section for my specific business structure. Applied again using their guidance and got my EIN on the first try! Total game-changer after struggling with this for almost two weeks.

If you're still getting Error 101 and need to talk to an actual human at the IRS (which is what I eventually had to do), I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent DAYS trying to get through to the IRS Business line about this exact same error code. My business loan was pending, waiting on the EIN, and I was getting desperate. Claimyr got me through to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes instead of the 3+ hour wait I was experiencing before. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The IRS agent was able to see that there was a flag on my SSN from a previous business I had closed years ago but hadn't properly dissolved with the IRS. They cleared it up immediately and helped me complete my EIN application over the phone.

I need to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comments, I was still stuck with Error Code 101 when applying for my EIN. After my fifth attempt failed, I broke down and decided to try Claimyr despite my doubts. The process was exactly as described. I entered my info, and about 35 minutes later, I got a call connecting me directly to an IRS representative. No waiting on hold! The agent explained that my SSN was linked to a dormant business entity from 10 years ago (a college lawn care business I had completely forgotten about). She removed the old association and helped me complete my new EIN application right there on the phone. I received my EIN confirmation letter in my email about 15 minutes after the call ended. Wish I had tried this two weeks ago instead of repeatedly banging my head against the IRS website!

Another thing to check - make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser when applying for an EIN. I was getting Error 101 constantly and it turned out my browser settings were blocking some scripts on the IRS site. Also, don't use autofill for the forms! Type everything manually. For some reason, autofill tends to mess with the IRS form formatting and triggers validation errors.

I ran into Error 101 last month when applying for an EIN for my photography business. In my case, the issue was that I was using a VPN. As soon as I turned off the VPN and cleared my browser cache, the application went through smoothly. Apparently, the IRS system flags applications coming from certain IP addresses or those that appear to be from outside the US.

I've been following this thread and wanted to share my own experience with Error Code 101. After trying all the browser fixes mentioned here (disabling autofill, turning off VPN, clearing cache), I was still stuck. The issue in my case was actually related to timing - I had applied for an EIN about 6 months ago for a different business idea that never got off the ground, and apparently that application was still "in process" in the IRS system even though I never completed it. When I called the IRS Business line (took about 2.5 hours to get through), the agent found the old incomplete application and was able to clear it from the system. She explained that you can only have one EIN application in process per SSN at a time, which makes sense but isn't clearly communicated on their website. After she cleared the old application, I was able to submit my new EIN application online without any issues. So if you've tried applying for an EIN before - even if you didn't complete the process - that might be what's causing your Error 101. Worth mentioning when you call the IRS!

I've been dealing with Error Code 101 for my new consulting LLC and wanted to add another potential cause that hasn't been mentioned yet. In my case, the issue was that I was trying to apply using my married name, but my Social Security records still showed my maiden name from before I got married 3 years ago. Even though I've been using my married name for taxes and other government documents, the Social Security Administration apparently hadn't fully updated their records. When the IRS system tried to verify my identity, there was a mismatch between the name I was entering and what SSA had on file. I had to contact the Social Security Administration first to update my name change records, wait about 2 weeks for it to process in their system, and then I was able to successfully apply for my EIN. The IRS representative I spoke with said this is actually a pretty common issue, especially for people who got married or divorced and changed their names within the last few years. So if you're getting Error 101 and you've had any recent name changes, definitely check that your Social Security records are fully updated first!

I've been following this thread with great interest since I'm dealing with the exact same Error Code 101 issue! After reading through everyone's experiences, I realize there are so many different potential causes - from browser settings and VPNs to old incomplete applications and name mismatches with Social Security records. What strikes me is how unhelpful the actual error message is. "Error Code 101" tells you absolutely nothing about what's actually wrong, whether it's a technical issue, a data mismatch, or something else entirely. It seems like the IRS could save everyone a lot of time and frustration by making these error messages more specific. Based on all the solutions shared here, I'm going to try a systematic approach: first disable my VPN and autofill, clear my cache, and manually type everything. If that doesn't work, I'll check if I have any old incomplete applications by calling the IRS. And if I'm still stuck, I might look into some of the services mentioned like taxr.ai or Claimyr to get more targeted help. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful in understanding that Error Code 101 isn't just one problem but can have many different root causes!

I've been struggling with Error Code 101 for over a week now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I tried several of the solutions mentioned here and wanted to share what finally worked for me. First, I disabled my VPN and turned off autofill as suggested - no luck. Then I called the IRS to check for old incomplete applications, but they said my SSN was clean with no pending applications. I was getting really frustrated until I read about the name verification issues. Turns out my problem was similar to what Paolo and Fatima mentioned - I had legally changed my first name about 18 months ago (from a nickname to my full legal name), but apparently Social Security hadn't fully updated their records even though I thought everything was processed. The IRS system was trying to match my current legal name against outdated SSA records. I had to contact Social Security again, provide additional documentation of my name change, and wait about 10 business days for their system to fully update. After that, I was able to complete my EIN application on the first try! The key lesson for me was that Error Code 101 can be caused by ANY mismatch between what you're entering and what various government databases have on file - not just technical issues with browsers or websites. If you've had any recent legal name changes, definitely verify that ALL your government records are consistent before applying. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences. This community is incredibly helpful!

I've been dealing with Error Code 101 for my small marketing agency and wanted to share another potential solution that worked for me. After trying most of the technical fixes mentioned in this thread (disabling VPN, clearing cache, manual typing), I was still stuck. It turns out my issue was related to how I was describing my business activities in the application. I was being too vague and generic in the "business activity" field, just writing "marketing services." When I finally got through to an IRS agent, she explained that overly broad descriptions can trigger validation errors because the system can't properly categorize the business. She helped me rewrite it to be more specific: "digital marketing consultation and social media management for small businesses." Once I resubmitted with the more detailed business description, the application went through immediately. The agent mentioned that this is becoming more common as the IRS system gets stricter about business categorization for tax purposes. So if you're getting Error 101 and have tried the technical fixes, consider whether your business description might be too vague or generic. Being specific about what you actually do seems to help the system process the application correctly. Hope this helps someone else who might be stuck on this frustrating error!

I've been lurking on this thread for a while dealing with my own Error Code 101 nightmare, and I'm amazed at how many different root causes everyone has discovered! This has been like a masterclass in EIN application troubleshooting. After reading through all these solutions, I want to add one more potential cause that I discovered through trial and error: address formatting issues. I was getting Error 101 consistently even after trying the browser fixes, checking for old applications, and verifying my SSN records were clean. Turns out the problem was that I was entering my address exactly as it appears on my driver's license, which includes "Apt 4B" in the address line. But apparently the IRS system is very picky about how apartment/unit numbers are formatted. When I changed it from "123 Main St Apt 4B" to "123 Main St #4B" (using the pound symbol instead of "Apt"), the application finally went through. The IRS agent I eventually spoke with mentioned that their system has specific formatting requirements for addresses, especially for apartments, suites, and PO boxes. She said using abbreviations like "Apt," "Suite," or "Unit" sometimes causes validation errors, but symbols like "#" or "Ste" work better. Just another thing to add to the growing checklist of potential Error 101 causes! It's crazy how many tiny details can trip up this system. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread - you've created an incredible troubleshooting resource!

Wow, this thread has become an incredible resource for troubleshooting Error Code 101! As someone who just successfully got my EIN after dealing with this same error for almost two weeks, I wanted to add my experience to help others. In my case, it was actually a combination of issues. First, I had the address formatting problem that Mateusius mentioned - I was using "Unit 12" instead of "#12" which was causing validation errors. But even after fixing that, I was still getting Error 101. The second issue was that I had accidentally selected the wrong state in the "principal business location" field. I live right on the border between two states and put my mailing address state instead of where my business is actually physically located. The IRS system apparently cross-references multiple pieces of information for consistency, and this mismatch was triggering the error. What finally helped me figure this out was keeping a detailed log of each attempt (as Carmen suggested earlier) and changing only ONE thing at a time. When I fixed the address formatting but still got the error, I knew to look for other inconsistencies in my application. For anyone still struggling: I'd recommend creating a checklist based on all the solutions in this thread and working through them systematically. Also, print out your application before submitting so you can review every single field for potential formatting or consistency issues. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot mistakes you've been overlooking! This community has been incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your experiences and solutions!