The Purpose of Tax Identification Numbers
Tax identification numbers are used by federal, state, and local tax
authorities to identify tax reporting entities such as individuals,
businesses, nonprofit organizations, and trusts and to facilitate tax
administration.
An individual's tax identification number is his/her social security number.
Tax Identification Numbers for Businesses
Here are the most common tax identification numbers used by businesses:
- Federal employer identification number (EIN). You can apply online.
- State Withholding Number
- State Unemployment Account Number
- Sales Tax Number (state/local)
Sole Proprietors:
If you're a sole proprietor, you need an Employer Identification
Number (EIN) if any of the following apply:
- You hired or will hire employees, including household employees
- Note: A sole proprietor is not
considered an employee of his/her own business for federal
income tax purposes.
- You file retirement plan tax returns
- You file excise tax returns (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, or firearms)
- You opened a bank account that requires an EIN for banking purposes
- You are subject to a bankruptcy proceeding
Other reasons an EIN may be required:
You...
- changed the legal character or ownership of your organization (for example, you incorporate a sole proprietorship or form a partnership)
- purchased a going business
- represent an estate that operates a business after the owner's death
- created a pension plan as a plan administrator
- created a trust and 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 (such as an individual, a corporation, or a partnership)
- are a state or local agency
- are a federal government unit or agency
- administer an estate formed as a result of a person's death
- need an EIN to open a business bank account.
Next:
Tax Identification Numbers:
Employer Identification Number
for a Sole Proprietorship;
Where to Get Your Employer Identification Number
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