Having a tax ID number can be an important step for LLC members. This guide will answer questions like how to find my federal tax ID number, is EIN and tax ID the same and show you how to look up your tax ID number.

Table of contents

Key takeaways:...Read more

A brief overview of LLCs...Read more

What is a tax ID number?...Read more

Is an Employer Identification Number the same as a tax ID?...Read more

Is a tax ID the same as SSN?...Read more

How can I get a US tax ID number?...Read more

How to get a tax ID for an LLC?...Read more

How do I find my IRS tax ID number?...Read more

How do I verify a Tax Identification Number?...Read more

Can I look up an EIN number online?...Read more

Key takeaways:

An LLC tax ID number is also called an Employer Identification Number.
EINs are not the same as SSNs.
You can look up your tax ID number on the IRS website or by calling a helpline.

A brief overview of LLCs

An LLC is a type of business recognized by state laws. According to the IRS, an LLC can be classified as a corporation, partnership or disregarded entity. If there are multiple members, the LLC can choose to be taxed like a partnership, where profits and taxes are divided among the members, or like a corporation, which pays taxes separately from its owners. If there's only one owner, the LLC can be treated as a disregarded entity, meaning it's taxed like a sole proprietorship, or as a corporation, with separate taxation.

What is a tax ID number?

A tax ID number, also called a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), is a unique number used for tax purposes. Everyone gets a tax ID number at birth, known as a Social Security Number (SSN). Businesses need a tax ID number too, called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You have to register to get an EIN. This number is needed to file business taxes or hire employees. There’s also the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), used by people who need to file taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN, like non-resident aliens or certain dependents. Having a tax ID number, especially for an LLC, is important. It’s used for filing taxes, opening bank accounts and applying for loans. It helps the IRS keep accurate records of your income and tax payments.

Is an Employer Identification Number the same as a tax ID?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a type of tax ID. Basically, a tax ID is a broad term that refers to several types of numbers used by the IRS to track tax records. The most common types of Tax IDs are SSNs and EINs. An EIN is often referred to as an LLC tax ID number. It’s like a Social Security Number, but for your business. You need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership or meet other criteria set by the IRS. If your business needs to pay taxes other than income tax, you might need a tax ID number. So, while an EIN is a type of tax ID, not all tax IDs are EINs.

Is a tax ID the same as SSN?

A tax ID number and a Social Security Number are not exactly the same. However, an SSN is a type of tax ID number. Your SSN is used for getting Social Security benefits, certain government services and for IRS tracking. So, a tax ID number can refer to different types of identification numbers. An SSN is specifically for individuals, while an LLC tax ID is used for businesses.

How can I get a US tax ID number?

Getting a US tax ID number depends on whether you need one for yourself or your business. If you’re starting a business, especially an LLC, you’ll need an LLC tax ID number. You can obtain an EIN through several methods: applying online via the IRS website, completing Form SS-4 and submitting it by mail or fax or applying through an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your business, including its legal name, structure and the reason for requesting a number. If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, your tax ID number is typically your SSN. To get an SSN, you have to apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) by completing Form SS-5. You’ll need to provide supporting documents that verify your age, identity and citizenship or immigration status. You can submit your applications by mail or in-person at your local SSA office.

How to get a tax ID for an LLC?

So, you want to obtain a federal tax ID number for your LLC. Here's what you have to do. Determine your need: If your LLC has employees, you're opening a business bank account or you need to file federal taxes, you’ll need an EIN. It serves as your LLC’s tax ID number, like an SSN for individuals. Apply: The quickest way is to apply online through the IRS website using their EIN Assistant. You’ll just need to provide basic information about your LLC (legal name, business type and address). Provide necessary information: Specify why you’re applying for an EIN (starting a new business or hiring employees). Have details ready about your LLC’s structure and the SSNs of all owners or partners. Submit your application: After completing the application, submit it electronically. If you apply online, you’ll receive your EIN immediately upon validation. Remember to download the PDF containing the tax ID for your LLC for your records. If you're applying by mail or fax, be prepared to wait a few weeks.

Infographic entitled How To Obtain A Federal Tax ID For An LLC showing the steps to get an EIN.

If you apply for a tax ID for an LLC and your company's name is too similar to another one out there, the IRS might reject your application. When you register an LLC in your state, its name just needs to be different from others in that state. However, EINs are used everywhere in the country. To dodge the name issue, lots of businesses use more official names, like using the last names of their members. They can still operate under a different name, known as a DBA (Doing Business As). Another common problem happens with online applications. If the person listed as the "responsible party" already applied for another EIN online that got approved, your application might be rejected. To sort this out, try applying by mail, phone or fax instead.

How do I find my IRS tax ID number?

Finding your tax ID number, whether for your LLC or personal taxes is essential for most of your financial and administrative tasks. Your SSN is your personal tax ID number, typically found on your Social Security card or tax documents. For LLCs, the Employer Identification Number (EIN) functions as the tax ID number. To find your EIN, start by checking your business records—things like tax filings, bank statements or any mail you've gotten from the IRS. If it's not there, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. They'll ask for some info about your LLC to help you retrieve it. Your EIN is also listed on your business bank account paperwork, so that's another place to look. If your LLC has employees, your EIN will be on payroll documents like W-2 forms.

How do I verify a Tax Identification Number?

There are many ways to verify and look up your tax ID. For LLCs, you can check the validity of an EIN using the IRS's "EIN Assistant" online tool or by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Individuals can verify their SSN by reviewing their Social Security card or through credit reports.

Can I look up an EIN number online?

If you need to look up the tax ID number for your LLC, you can easily do it online using the IRS's "EIN Assistant" tool. This free tool is accessible on the IRS website. FlyFin’s expert CPAs provide unlimited tax support on the app, including help you obtain a federal tax ID for your LLC. If you choose the Ultimate Plan subscription, you can get access to accurate tax calculators, an AI that finds your deductions and tax pros who can prepare and file your returns.

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How To Get A Tax ID Number For An LLC