They uniquely identify your business to the government in the same way that Social Security Numbers do for individuals. But various non-government vendors will also request the number during routine commerce in Alabama. For example, Alabama banks will require you to provide one before opening a business bank account.
Generally, Alabama businesses need a Federal Tax ID.
Establishing a new Alabama EIN number / Federal Tax ID is often one of the first things a new Alabama business does. One common reason is that most business license applications will ask for the ID.
Federal Tax IDs can go by many names in Alabama, including:
