Form SS-4

The EIN is required for federal tax reporting, business bank account opening, and many other corporate functions. Form SS-4 is an IRS form that businesses use to apply for an employer identification number (EIN). The EIN is a unique nine-digit number that many types of businesses need to pay and file payroll taxes or a business income tax return. Sole proprietorships and single-person LLCs with no employees are not required to get an EIN.

You should have all of the information necessary to complete it before you start completing Form SS-4. The IRS may time out on your application if you do not enter information quickly enough. You should also make sure to keep your business’s SS-4 up-to-date with all of its changes. There are 14 questions on the form that you must answer to obtain an EIN for your business or other tax entity. You will also need to provide some basic information about your company, including its name, address, and tax filing status.

How to Submit Form SS-4?

There are many ways to submit your Form SS-4, including online and by mail or fax. However, you should always check the IRS website to ensure that you are sending your form to the right fax or mailing address. If you choose to fax your Form SS-4, it will be sent directly to the IRS for processing. It can take up to six weeks for this process to be completed, so you should plan accordingly.

Alternatively, you can fill out the form online and immediately receive your EIN. It is an easy and convenient way to apply for your EIN, and it can save you time and money in the long run. Some business owners prefer to submit Form SS-4 by fax rather than by mail. This is a great option if you do not have internet access or want to get your FEIN quickly and securely.

How to complete Form SS-4?

There are three main sections on Form SS-4. The first section is general information, which includes your company’s name, address, and other identifying details. The next two sections are specific to your type of business. These sections include whether your company has been established for a long period of time or has only recently started, the date you expect to pay employment taxes, and any other information relevant to your business.

Generally, it’s not hard to complete Form SS-4. It only takes a few minutes to fill it out. However, it’s best to do this as soon as possible. This will help prevent you from having to fill it out over and over again later on. When you’re done with the form, you should make sure to sign it and affix your signature to it. Then, you can send it to the IRS for approval and to get your EIN. This process can take a few days to weeks, depending on how you submit it. The IRS will send you a notification letter with your EIN and SS4 form. This document will be the proof you need when applying for loans or filing your small business taxes.

Getting an EIN for your small business is essential to paying and filing payroll taxes, as well as filing your company’s business income tax returns. An EIN is also important when it comes to obtaining business credit, and it helps you streamline your bookkeeping processes. Using your EIN is also a great way to protect your company’s identity and avoid being targeted by hackers or scammers.

Form SS-4 Instructions

Line 1: Enter the name of your business or entity.

Line 2: Enter the trade name of your business if it is different from the legal name.

Line 3: Complete this line if you are seeking an EIN for a trust or estate of the decedent.

Line 4a–b: Enter the business’ mail. Use the mail for the “care of” person. ( If you entered information in line 3).

Line 5a–b: Enter the physical address if different from the mail.

Line 6: Enter the entity’s primary location.

Line 7a–b: Enter the full name and Social Security number or taxpayer identification number of the entity’s responsible party.

Line 8: Check whether the entity is an LLC or not.

Line 9: Indicate the type of entity your business is, such as the sole proprietor, corporation, partnership, personal service corporation, estate, trust, plan administrator, or government entity.

Line 10: Check the box for the reason you are applying for an EIN.

Line 11: Enter the date your business was started.

Line 12: Enter the closing month of your business’s fiscal/accounting year. 

Line 13: Enter the highest number of employees you expect to have in the next 12 months. You can enter “0.” if you are a sole proprietor with no employees.

Line 14: Check whether you plan to file IRS Form 994

Line 15: Enter the first date your business paid wages or annuities.

Line 16: Enter the main purpose (activity) of your business. Choose “other” if not listed.

Line 17: Describe the main purpose of your business in more detail.

Line 18: Check the box to confirm whether the filer has previously applied for an EIN.