Employer and Tax Identification Numbers
All businesses are required to pay federal and state taxes, and depending on where you live, local taxes. If you are just starting a business you may need to obtain employer tax identification numbers from the IRS and your state revenue agency that identifies you as a business. Not every business is required to obtain n tax ID, so consult the following resources to learn more about the requirements for your specific type of business:
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations and other types of organizations, must obtain an EIN from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The EIN is also known as an Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4:
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone: 1-800-829-4933
State Tax Registration
Businesses that operate within the state are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller's permit), and unemployment insurance tax. The State Tax Guide provides links to information about business registration requirements and your tax obligations in your state.
- Starting a Business and Keeping Records
This guide clearly explains basic fedeal tax and recordkeeping requirements. - Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop
One-stop resource for all small business tax forms, resources and assistance. - Starting, Operating and Closing a Business
This guide provides more in-depth tax information to business owners at different phases of ownership. It also provides information to assist in making basic business decisions.
- Contact the IRS
Get in-person answers to tax questions and more - Taxpayer Advocate
Get help resolving tax problems
