SCBOS Step 3

Federal Employer ID Number

The Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can register for one online.

Do I need a Tax ID/ EIN?

Hired or will hire employees, including household employees
Opened a bank account that requires an EIN for banking purposes
Changed the legal character or ownership of your organization
Purchased a going business
Created a trust
Created a pension plan as a plan administrator
Are a foreign person and need an EIN to comply with IRS withholding regulations
Are a withholding agent for taxes on non-wage income paid to an alien
Are a state or local agency
Are a federal government unit or agency
Formed a corporation
Formed a partnership
Administer an estate formed as a result of a person's death
Represent an estate that operates a business after the owner's death

Learn more about IRS Requirements here.

EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN) FAQs

I am a sole proprietor. Do I need an EIN?

Each business is different. Most sole proprietors identify by the owners' Social Security Number (SSN) when filing for the business.

Should I register for my Employer Identification Number first, or should I complete my registration with the Secretary of State?

It is best to register with the Secretary of State (if you intend to register with the state) before obtaining an EIN. This ensures that your business name is available when it's time to register with the IRS, State, County, and Municipal organizations.

What is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9". Visit the IRS Taxpayer Identification Number page for more information.