If your business structure is a sole proprietorship, your Social Security number may be the only tax ID (taxpayer identification number) that you will need. If you are starting a business using any other business structure (Partnership, Corporation, S Corporation, or Limited Liability Corporation), however, you will be expected to have an Employer Identification number (EIN). Additionally, this is true if you do either of the following:
1. Pay wages to one or more employees.
2. File pension or excise tax returns.
You can apply for an EIN in several ways:
- online: Clicking on the EIN link on the IRS Web site at: Internal Revenue Service Web site. The EIN is issued immediately once the application information is validated.
- by telephone at 1-800-829-4933 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in your local time zone.
- by mailing or faxing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
• New EIN: You may need to get a new EIN if either the form or the ownership of your business changes. For more information, see IRS Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN.
• State EIN: You should also check with the secretary of state in the state where your business will be registered to learn about how to get a state EIN.
