How to Get an EIN for a New LLC (Free, Step by Step) | HelloBooks A step-by-step walkthrough of applying for an EIN for a new LLC on irs.gov: what you need, the online hours, and why you should never pay for an EIN.
An Employer Identification Number is the federal tax ID for your business. Applying on irs.gov is free and takes one sitting. Here is what to have ready and the order to do it in.
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1. Form the LLC first
File your articles of organization with your state and wait for approval, so the legal name you give the IRS matches the state record exactly.
2. Have the responsible party's SSN or ITIN ready
The IRS needs the Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number of the person who controls the business.
3. Decide how the LLC is taxed
The application asks how many members the LLC has. A single-member LLC is a disregarded entity by default; a multi-member LLC is a partnership by default. Ask a tax professional before electing S or C corporation treatment.
4. Apply online at irs.gov during opening hours
The online application is free and gives you the EIN at the end. It must be finished in one session and times out after 15 minutes of inactivity.
5. Save the confirmation letter
Download and keep the EIN confirmation. Banks ask for it when you open a business account.
The IRS online application is for businesses formed in the United States or US territories with a principal place of business in the US. You apply as the responsible party or an authorized representative, using the responsible party's SSN or ITIN. The IRS allows only one EIN per responsible party per day.
Applying is free. The IRS warns that some websites charge for an EIN; you never have to pay for one.
Per the IRS: Monday to Friday 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day, Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Check the IRS page for changes.
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