Employer Identification Number (EIN)

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. The IRS requires that you have such a number when you incorporate or form an LLC. Think of an EIN as a Social Security number for your business. You will file all your tax returns using this number and you will need this number to open a bank account for the business.

Once you’ve filed your incorporation papers and they’ve been approved by the Secretary of State, your corporation needs to file for an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. An EIN is a permanent number assigned to your business, which is used for official corporate business such as opening bank accounts and paying taxes.

How Do I Get an EIN?

You can apply for the EIN yourself on the IRS.gov website for free; however, some people find this confusing and/or do not wish to spend the time doing it themselves. If this is the case for you, Corporate Direct can obtain one for you for a small service fee. Whichever way you choose, know that it required for your business.

The IRS allows businesses to apply for an EIN either online, by phone, fax or mail. If applying online, the EIN is assigned immediately upon completion of the interview-style application that walks you through type of business, identity of business, authentication, addresses, details and confirmation of the new EIN number.

Even though receiving the number is immediate, it can take up to two weeks to be added into the IRS database and until it is added, the number can’t be used for filing returns. In order to avoid any issues, be sure to obtain your EIN as soon as possible.