How to Get a Federal Tax ID Number

A federal tax ID number is also referred to as an Employer Identification Number or EIN. It's a permanent number assigned to your business and is primarily for the IRS and tax purposes. Bypass the traditional paperwork and apply for an EIN online using an innovative interview-style application that assigns an EIN in a few minutes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Request a federal tax ID number for any business that has employees so that taxes can be properly filed.

2. Download IRS form SS-4 online from the Small Business Administration's website. Phone the IRS and request a Small Business Tax Kit #454 (See Resources).

3. Complete IRS form SS-4 in its entirety. Note the "Do You Need An EIN?" chart on Page 2 with specifics of how to complete the form. Contact the local IRS Field Office with questions.

4. Mark across the top of the form per the instructions of the IRS "For Identification Purposes Only" for business that have no employees. Use the federal tax ID number for the collection of sales tax on goods or services, or any other kind of taxes.

5. Contact the Department of Revenue in the business's home state for information on filing state taxes. Use the federal tax ID number for the purposes of state filings.

6. Request a federal tax ID number for sole proprietorships, partnerships, S-Corporations and Limited Liability Companies. Seek legal assistance to determine the best structure for the business.

7. Use the nine-digit federal tax ID number on all filings concerning business and taxes. Present the federal tax ID number for retail tax overrides, to open a business bank account or to apply for business licenses.

Tips & Warnings

• Find local phone numbers in the "blue pages" of the phone directory.

Resources

• Download IRS form SS-4.
• Explore EIN online.