Employer Identification Number (EIN)

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EIN identifies your business for tax purposes, the same way that a social security number identifies you as a taxpayer .

You will need an EIN if you:

• Plan to form a business other than a sole proprietorship

• Plan to hire employees for your business

• Need to withhold income tax

• Plan to fill out payroll reports

• Plan to pay taxes

• Plan to open a business checking account

A sole proprietorship does not always require an EIN because if you work alone you are not an employee of your own company. In this case, you would use your social security number to identify yourself when filing your taxes. However, if you are a sole proprietorship with employees, you need an EIN.

You may file for an EIN by completing Form SS-4. These forms can be found on the IRS website or at your local post office or library.

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