Starting a Business?- The IRS has a new process to obtain an EIN
October 10, 2007
New businesses are no longer required to file a Form SS-4 with the Internal Revenue Service to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Instead, you may complete the more user-friendly, interview-style application found on the IRS website. By completing the online application, you will receive an EIN immediately to use for the purposes of opening a bank statements, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail.
Some people cannot use the new online application. If you are a third party filing the application on behalf of the business owner, the business owner must first complete a Form SS-4 and the third party must keep the application on file. Single-member LLC’s with employees where the owner is an individual who does not already have a sole proprietor EIN cannot use the new application. Likewise, if the business was incorporated outside the United States, the new application is not available. If you fall into any of the excluded categories, or are a traditionalist, you may still request an EIN by mailing a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. To access the online application, click here or contact our law firm for assistance.
