How to Get a Corporate Tax ID

Corporate Tax ID Number

A corporate tax ID is the same as an employer identification number (EIN). Issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it also is called a federal tax identification number. You can apply for an EIN through the IRS in several ways, including an online process. Although many states use the federal EIN number, you should check with your state to verify its corporate ID requirements. (The information in steps one through five can be found at IRS.gov.: How to Apply for an EIN and related links).

Instructions

1. Apply for an EIN through the IRS online. The Internet application process is the quickest and most convenient method. Once you complete the online application, the information is validated and an EIN is issued immediately. To use the online application process, entities must reside in the U.S or a U.S. territory, and the responsible party for the business must have a valid tax identification number or Social Security number.

2. Apply using the EIN Toll Free Telephone Service by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line (see IRS.gov. for applicable phone numbers), available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. After taking and validating the information, the IRS will issue an EIN number immediately.

3. Complete and FAX form SS-4 to the applicable IRS state fax number (see where to file business forms and filing addresses at www. IRS.gov. to get the applicable state fax number). You must provide your fax number for the IRS to fax the EIN to you within four business days.

4. Complete form SS-4 and mail it to the applicable IRS address depending on your location (see where to file- business forms and filing addresses on www.irs.gov. to get the applicable IRS address). Allow four weeks for processing applications received by mail.

5. Update any incorrect business entity information. Many entities have applied for Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) using a temporary responsible party (a nominee) during the organization period of the entity. Also over time the responsible parties for entities change and the records may not get updated timely. These situations should be corrected by sending the IRS a letter providing the name and taxpayer identification number of the true responsible party. There is no form available for updating the information, when updating information entities should send a letter, providing the name and taxpayer identification number of the current responsible party and the entity's complete name, EIN, and mailing address so the IRS can correctly identify the entity's IRS account (IRS.gov.: Updating Incorrect Business Entity Information). The address where you mail the letter will depend on your location, the addresses for different regions can be found on IRS.gov.: Updating Incorrect Business Entity Information.

References

• IRS.gov.: How to Apply for an EIN
• IRS.gov.: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online
• IRS.gov.: Updating Incorrect Business Entity Information