Preface
This brief note is not legal advice and is for educational purposes only.
Quick Discussion
You’ve decided to start a business or other legal entity. Congratulations.
Among the many things in starting a company you’ll be asked to provide either your Social Security Number or an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Since you’re a company or legal entity, it’s best to provide the company’s EIN.
The EIN is used by small businesses, estates, trusts, charities, etc.
The EIN serves as a Tax ID Number. Getting the EIN is free and takes only a couple of minutes.
Here’s how to get an EIN:
- Head over to: https://www.irs.gov/ein ( You can Click on this link to go there.)
- Click on the “Apply Online Now” button.
- Read the prompts and the click the “Begin Application” button.
- Click the radio button for the type of legal entity you are. Then click the “Continue” button.
- Read the prompts, then click the “Continue” button.
- The next screen will ask information based on your legal entity. Then click the “Continue” button.
- Confirm your selections by clicking “Continue”.
- You’ll be asked more simple questions, so answer and then click “Continue”.
- Eventually you’ll get to a screen asking what your business does. If none of the categories seems correct then click “Other” and if still not a category then click “Other” and describe it.
- Finally, you’ll get to review the information you entered and then click “Submit”.
- Select PDF if you want to get your EIN confirmation immediately.
- If you selected to get a PDF confirmation then you’ll get to download the PDF with your EIN listed in the top right under: Employer Identification Number:
- Save the PDF with other legal documents.
- Congrats you’re done (for now :).
Conclusion
- Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is not that difficult.
- It’s free.
- It’s fast.
- It’s used by for all sorts of identification, like opening a bank account, getting a business license, tax related documents.
- If you have difficulty or questions talk to the IRS or an attorney.
