How to Get a Federal Tax ID Number in Georgia

A federal tax ID number is also known as an employer identification number. The 9-digit federal tax ID number identifies a business in the same way that a Social Security number identifies a person for taxation purposes. The Internal Revenue Service is the agency responsible for issuing federal tax ID numbers to businesses. A business that is in Georgia can obtain a federal tax ID number in the same manner that a business located in another state acquires a federal tax ID number.

Instructions

1. Visit the IRS website. Type "EIN" in the IRS search box. Click on the link that says "Apply for an EIN online." Click the mouse on the "Apply Online Now" link. Click the button that says "Begin Application." Provide information about the business such as its structure, a description of the company's business activities, as well as the name and location of the Georgia business. Information will be validated during the online session, and the Georgia business will receive a federal tax ID number for immediate use.

2. Call 800-829-4933 to speak with a representative from the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line. The number can be called anytime Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time. An IRS representative will collect all the information about the Georgia business by phone. The 9-digit federal tax ID number will be provided to a representative of the Georgia business immediately following the telephone session.

3. Log onto the IRS website. Print Form SS-4 from the IRS website. Complete Form SS-4 by providing information such as the number of people employed by the Georgia business, as well as the name, address and social security number of an authorized member of the Georgia business. Provide contact information such as the name, phone number, address and fax number. Fax Form SS-4 to 859-669-5760. A Georgia business that applies for a federal tax ID number by fax must wait up to four business days before receiving a federal tax ID number from the IRS.

4. Mail Form SS-4 to the IRS. Check to ensure that Form SS-4 is completely filled out. Send the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS by addressing the envelope to:

   Internal Revenue Service

   Attn: EIN Operation

   Cincinnati, Ohio 45999

   A Georgia business that applies for a federal tax ID by mail may wait up to four weeks for a response.

References

• Findlaw: Getting an Employer Identification Number
• Business.gov: Employer and Tax Identification Numbers
• Small Business Notes: How to Apply for a U.S. Employer Identification Number

Resources

• IRS: How to Apply for an EIN
• SBA: Most Requested Items