Get a Federal Tax ID Number for Your Business
Written on August 9, 2007 by Amanda M. Gladden
A federal tax identification number (TIN), also referred to as an employer identification number (EIN) is used to identify a business entity in the United States. Numbers are assigned by the US Internal Revenue Service to sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts; the primary legal residence of which is in the United States or U.S. territories for tax filing and reporting purposes.
How to Apply for an EIN
APPLY ONLINE
The Internet EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN. per the IRS’ website. Once the application is completed, the information is validated during the online session, and an EIN is issued immediately. The online application process is available for all entities. The principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor etc. must have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in order to use the online application. Complete the application form (SS4) and submit to the IRS either online, by phone or by mail.
Access the form-SS4 here
APPLY for an EIN by Phone
Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. An assistor takes the information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone.
APPLY BY MAIL
The processing time frame for an EIN application received by mail is four weeks. Ensure that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information. If it is determined that the entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned using the appropriate procedures for the entity type and mailed to the taxpayer.
Read the information on the IRS website to determine if you need a Federal Tax Identification Number http://www.irs.gov
Check out the Business Startup Checklist for other short business start up posts.
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August 25th, 2007 at 9:35 am
The one thing to be careful of when getting an EIN is that you have the correct filing requirement. We inadvertently did ours as a partnership, and I later had to change it to a sole proprietorship to avoid ugly tax consequences.