When establishing a business entity, such as a corporation, LLC, or partnership, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a crucial step. An EIN, also known as a Tax ID or Federal Tax ID, is a unique identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business for tax purposes. Here's some information on obtaining an EIN for your business:
Determine Eligibility:
- Most business entities are eligible to apply for an EIN, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.
- Some exceptions apply, such as if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and do not plan to hire employees in the future. In this case, you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes instead of an EIN.
Application Process:
- You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, fax, or phone. The online application, known as the EIN Assistant, is the most convenient and commonly used method.
- To apply online, visit the IRS website and complete the online application form. The form will require information about your business, such as its legal name, structure, and the purpose of the EIN.
- If applying by mail, fax, or phone, you will need to complete Form SS-4 and provide the necessary information.
Required Information:
- When applying for an EIN, you will need to provide specific details about your