When applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), the most important document to submit is Form SS-4. Whether you’re an LLC owner, a sole proprietor, or a corporation, filling out this form is an essential step in the process of obtaining your EIN from the IRS.
In this guide, we will walk you through each step to fill out Form SS-4, from gathering your business information to submitting the form online or by fax.
Step 1: Understand Form SS-4
Form SS-4 is the IRS document you need to fill out to apply for your EIN. An EIN is required for various tax purposes, including hiring employees, paying federal taxes, and opening business bank accounts.
Step 2: Gather Your Business Information
Before you start filling out Form SS-4, make sure you have the following business information:
- Business Name: The legal name of your business.
- Business Address: The physical location of your business.
- Responsible Party: The name of the individual applying for the EIN.
- Business Structure: Choose whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC.
- Reason for Applying: Specify whether you are starting a new business, hiring employees, etc.
Step 3: Fill Out Form SS-4
Form SS-4 has several important sections. Here’s a breakdown of the critical lines to focus on:
- Line 1: Enter your business’s legal name.
- Line 2: Enter your trade name or DBA (doing business as) name if applicable.
- Line 3: Enter the name of the person applying for the EIN (the responsible party).
- Line 4: Provide the address of your business.
- Line 6: Specify the reason you’re applying for an EIN (e.g., starting a new business).
- Line 7a: Select the number of employees you plan to hire in the first year.
- Line 8: Enter your business’s fiscal year.
Each section requires careful attention, as mistakes could delay the approval of your EIN application. You can fill the form by following my instructions from here.
Step 4: Submit Form SS-4
After filling out the form, you can submit it to the IRS through one of the following methods:
- Online Submission: This is the quickest way to receive your EIN, and the IRS will process your application immediately.
- Fax: If you choose to submit via fax, you’ll need a fax number to send the form to the IRS. You can easily get a fax number and instructions on how to fax your application here.
- Mail: If you prefer to send the form by mail, you can find the correct IRS mailing address on the form itself.
Step 5: How to Buy a Fax Number for EIN Application
If you are submitting Form SS-4 via fax, you’ll need a fax number to send the form. Fortunately, obtaining a fax number is straightforward. You can get a fax number for your EIN application here. This guide will help you choose the best provider for your fax number needs.
Step 6: Receive Your EIN
Once submitted, you’ll receive your EIN from the IRS. If you submitted the form online, you will receive it immediately. If you used fax or mail, it may take a few weeks for the IRS to process your application and send your EIN.
Conclusion
Filling out Form SS-4 and applying for an EIN is a crucial step for every business. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will ensure your application is filled out accurately and submitted correctly.
If you need help with the fax submission process or acquiring a fax number, check out our guides on how to apply for an EIN by fax here and how to buy a fax number for EIN application here.
