What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?Just as individual U.S. citizens have unique social security numbers to identify themselves, U.S. businesses are issued employer identification numbers, commonly referred to as EINs. EINs are unique, nine-digit numbers issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and primarily used to report employment taxes. They may also be called federal tax ID numbers. Like social security numbers, they never expire and are never reissued to another business. Show EligibilityTo receive an EIN, a business needs to be located in the U.S. and the person applying for the EIN has to have their own taxpayer identification number, such as a social security number. A wide variety of entities may apply for and be issued an EIN, from sole proprietorships to partnerships, LLCs, corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and other types of organizations. There are no size requirements or limitations, as far as employees are concerned. A sole proprietorship with only the owner as employee can request one, as can a multinational corporation or charity. When are they Needed?Businesses need an EIN to pay their federal taxes online, to file their annual tax return, and to issue payroll and tax documents to suppliers. The number has less to do with employees and more to do with taxation, so if your business pays taxes (and who doesn’t), you need an EIN. How To ApplyIn the past, companies completed IRS Form SS-4 to request an EIN. Today, however, the IRS encourages business owners to apply for an EIN online. Start an online store for freeIt’s never been easier to own and operate a beautiful, fully-featured online store. For Corporations and Non-Individual Entities: Employer Identification Number (EIN) Obtain an EIN by filing IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number . Complete this application over the telephone in one session either by calling +1 (267) 941-1099 or by fax in approximately 4 business days and by mail in approximately 4 weeks. Instructions for Completing and Submitting Tax Forms
The following guidelines do not replace the form instructions, and you should only use them as a supplement to the IRS instructions. Please consult your tax advisor if you require further guidance. Box 1 - 6: Enter the name and address of the company.
Box 7a – 7b:
Box 8a. An LLC is an entity organized under the laws of a state or foreign country as a limited liability company and may be treated as a partnership, corporation or be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner. If this application is for an LLC, select “Yes”.
Box 9a: Check the box that best describes the type of entity applying for an EIN. Please reference the IRS instructions for additional information. Box 9b: If a corporation, enter the state or foreign country where the company is incorporated. Box 10: Check the reason for applying. A selection is required and you cannot enter “N/A”. Only check one box. For example, if you are completing the form solely to obtain an EIN to claim a reduced rate of withholding under an income tax treaty, the appropriate box would be “Compliance with IRS withholding requirements.” Box 11: If you are starting a new business, enter the starting date of the business. You may reference the IRS instructions for additional guidance. Box 12: Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. You may reference the IRS instructions for additional guidance. For example, a calendar year would have December as the last month. Box 13 - 15: If applicable, please complete any required information. You may reference the IRS instructions for additional guidance. Box 16: Check the one box that best describes the principal activity of the applicant’s business. You must check a box. Please reference the IRS instructions for additional guidance. Box 17: Use Box 17 to describe the applicant’s principal line of business in more detail. An etnry is required. You may reference the IRS instructions for additional guidance. Box 18: Check the applicable box which indicates whether or not the applicant entity applying for an EIN was issued an EIN previously. Sign and Date the form
International applicants located outside of the United States can apply for an EIN by telephone, fax, or mail.
After obtaining the EIN, enter the EIN on KDP's online Tax Interview Form and submit to Amazon. For more information on applying for an EIN, you can go to the IRS website. These guidelines do not replace the form instructions, and you should only use them as a supplement to the IRS instructions. |