Important Information
A Federal Tax ID, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service for banking, tax filing, and other business purposes. The various forms, directions and methods for filing are freely available from the IRS, and you can obtain, file, and receive your Tax ID (EIN) for no charge by researching and correctly filing for it by yourself. However, the requirements to prepare the SS-4 form to apply for a Tax ID vary depending on the circumstances. Different fields on the form are required, the same fields require different types of information in different cases, and the form is filled with terms you may not understand.
The IRS's own estimates for preparing and filing the SS-4 is over an hour. So you can do that on your own, you can wait in line or on hold for help from IRS agents, you can even try navigating the IRS website, or you can choose our value-added Tax ID service to do it on your behalf in minutes.
Starting with our proprietary online form, everything you see will apply to your specific situation based on your input.
Estimated completion time of our online form is less than five minutes. We'll use the information you choose to submit to securely obtain your Tax ID / EIN, which you may use immediately for most purposes.
Unique Value Added by this Service
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Why choose SimpleFilings over working directly with the IRS?
We realize at SimpleFilings that you have choices. You can work directly with the IRS to research, file for, and obtain your EIN for no charge, so we work hard to earn your business. Following are some of the unique features and benefits of our service, that you will not get when working directly with the IRS. We think you'll find that our service fee is money well spent.
1) Our website collects all information necessary to apply for an EIN in one simple page. IRS.gov by contrast is a huge government website which can make it difficult to find the information you're looking for. And even once you find their online EIN application process, you'll find that it can comprise many separate pages for a single application. Our website gets you in and out quicker, in fewer pages and plainer language, while still giving you all the information you need.
2) Banks and other entities sometimes require an SS-4 document with the EIN populated to the EIN field in the upper right hand corner of the document, as part of proof of an Employer Identification Number. The IRS EIN online application process provides an EIN confirmation notice, but it does not provide a prepared SS-4. Our service can provide you with both at no additional cost.
3) The IRS online EIN application system is only available from 6am to 9pm Central Time, Monday to Friday, for a total of 75 hours per week. Our online process is available 24/7 to better accommodate your schedule. In other words, we have more than twice the uptime of the IRS website, to receive and process your order at your convenience.
4) Some applications cannot be process through the IRS online EIN application system, and must instead be filed through an IRS phone/fax or mail-in process. This is something that we conduct on your behalf. We take care of waiting 30-45 minutes on hold for an IRS agent to file your order. To you, the process always remains quick, convenient, and online.
5) Like the IRS, we provide full-time phone support, but unlike the IRS, we also provide full-time e-mail support for those that prefer to communicate via e-mail, even on weekends. Our customer care team is highly experienced in EIN filings and is eager to assist you.
6) Often times, obtaining an EIN is the first step in getting a new business or other entity up and running. The IRS will sent you elsewhere to figure out the next steps, such as your state's secretary of state office for LLC formation, and/or your county government office for business name registration. SimpleFilings on the other hand can be your single point of contact for all of these tasks. We offer a whole suite of document preparation and filing services to simplify the life of today's small business person.
7) Additionally, when SimpleFilings has obtained an EIN for a customer, that information is available for them to securely access anytime online. This is a frequently used feature of our service in tax season, or when a past customer is filling out loan paperwork, or a business credit card application, even a COSTCO application. Basically, anytime a past customer loses their EIN paperwork or does not have it readily on-hand when they need it, they can quickly and securely retrieve it via our website. This is not something the IRS provides online. Someone can call the IRS to be reminded of their EIN number, but as stated above, hold times of 30-45 minutes for IRS agents are not uncommon.
These are a few of the reasons you might choose SimpleFilings. We work hard to add unique value in as many different ways as possible. Please contact us with any questions, and we look forward to assisting you.
Why should I pay SimpleFilings?
You can obtain an empty SS-4 document, study the form and instructions, prepare the document yourself, and file it with the IRS, all for free. Or you can choose our filing service to do it on your behalf.
We've put our experience to work by redesigning and simplifying the application process. And most importantly, we've personalized it. We give you all of the information you need, and none of the information you don't. Everything you see applies to you based on the input you provide. And it's all in as few pages as possible.
We've taken an exacting and highly variable process, and distilled it down to a simple web form and signature. So when you use our application preparation and filing service, you gain the confidence of knowing that it's getting done right, the first time.
What is a Federal Tax ID?
Also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or government tax ID, a Federal Tax ID is like a Social Security Number for your business. It is a unique 9 digit number (ex. 12-3456789) that the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies use to identify your business for tax filing and other purposes.
What is the filing process?
We've developed a custom one-page online form to collect the information needed to prepare your SS-4 application document. It will ask only the questions needed for your unique filing situation, based on the information you provide. Estimated completion time is no longer than 5 minutes, and the form is secured for your privacy. Then we prepare your SS-4 document and obtain your signature on it, authorizing us to work with the Internal Revenue Service to acquire your Federal Tax ID on your behalf. We will deliver your Tax ID within the time frame you select on the checkout page, after you have provided your signature on your prepared SS-4. Sometimes as a result of the filing process we find out that clarification and/or more information is required from you, and if that is thecase we will contact you by e-mail from TaxID@SimpleFilings.com.
What is an EIN?
EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, which is another name for a Federal Tax ID or government tax ID.
How long will it take to receive my Federal Tax ID?
The ID can be used immediately for most of your business needs including opening a bank account, applying for local business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail.
However it can take up to 15 days after receiving your ID to receive official documents in the mail from the IRS, which indicate that your ID has become part of the Internal Revenue Service's permanent records. You must wait until this occurs before you can file an electronic tax return, make an electronic tax payment, or pass an Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Identification Number matching program.
How do I check the status of my order?
You can stay updated on the status of your order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply enter your transaction ID on the Existing Customers page or contact us.
My business is an LLC. Why does my prepared form have a different entity type marked?
LLCs are a type of business entity created by state law instead of federal law and the Internal Revenue Service has not created a tax classification specifically for LLCs. Instead, other existing federal tax classifications are applied: Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietor. An LLC is classified by the IRS as one of these types of entities for federal tax purposes.
My Federal Tax ID has been assigned but I wish to cancel it now. How do I do that?
Once a Federal Tax ID has been assigned, it cannot be cancelled. However, you can request the Internal Revenue Service to close your business account, if your new business never started for example. To do this, mail a written request to Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, Ohio 45999. Include the complete legal name of the business entity, the business address, Federal Tax ID, and reason you wish to close the account.
How do I update basic information that I originally submitted on my Federal Tax ID application?
If you haven't provided your signature on the prepared SS-4 yet, simply contact us to update your application information. We will prepare another SS-4 and provide it to you for your review and signature.
If you have provided your signature, your Federal Tax ID is already on the way if you haven't received it already. Options for updating information now are:
• When you receive your official documents in the mail within 15 days of signing, you can hand write corrections and mail them back to the address provided.
• If you have had your ID for a while and wish to change your address, we can help you file form 8822, Change of Address, with the Internal Revenue Service. Click here for more information.
• If you have had your ID for a while and wish to change your business name, you must mail a request to the Internal Revenue Service at the address where you file your tax return. The request must be signed by an authorized individual in the business and additionally, businesses that had to file their creation with a state like LLCs and Corporations must include a copy of the Articles of Amendment or equivalent which was filed with the state that authorized the name change.
Is my information secure?
Yes. The information you submit is secured using SSL encryption technology. The "s" in the "https://" at the start of the address of pages that collect or display your information is what identifies this security. Click here for more information about our data security practices.
I'm a sole proprietor on my second new business. Why can I not get a new Federal Tax ID?
A Sole Proprietor can have as many different businesses as they want for as long or as short as they want, but the Internal Revenue Service will only issue one Federal Tax ID for all of them. For example, if a Sole Proprietor started business A in 1980 and got a Federal Tax ID for it but never used it, and then started the completely unrelated business B today... business B will use the same Federal Tax ID as was issued for business A in 1980, since both businesses are Sole Proprietorships under the same Sole Proprietor.
Who is SimpleFilings?
SimpleFilings has been providing document preparation and filing services nationwide for five years. We are Better Business Bureau-accredited and McAfee-certified. Our proprietary industry-leading software helps us to complete your order efficiently and securely. We're not affiliated with any government agency, so wework only for you and only to improve your filing experience. If you ever have questions, our knowledgeable customer service specialists are happy to assist you by phone or e-mail. In short,we know what we're doing, we're easy to reach, and your satisfaction is our top priority.
How can I contact SimpleFilings?
You can e-mail us at TaxID@SimpleFilings.com or by using the Contact Us page of this site. Our fax number is , and our phone number is . Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Central. Our specialists look forward to assisting you.
What is the SimpleFilings service fee?
Our service fee for document preparation and filing depends on your business entity type. Click here to use our fee calculator to see what it would be for you. Any exception handling that may be required on your order is included in this fee. For example, the IRS may identify an issue with your application data that we will then work with you to correct. Optional upgrades that are available include delivery within 24 hours and delivery within 60 minutes during business hours.
Do I need a Federal Tax ID?
Federal Tax IDs apply to many different groups, including:
• Individuals/Sole Proprietors
• Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
• Corporations
• S-Corporations
• Partnerships
• Trusts
• Estates
• Non-Profits
• Other employers and business entity types
Generally, if any of the following are true you will need to acquire a Federal Tax ID:
• You need to pay business taxes.
• You have one or more employees.
• You want to open a business bank account.
• You want to start a line of business credit.
• You form an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership.
• You change from one business entity type to another such as from an Individual/Sole Proprietor to an LLC.
• You are starting a Keogh Plan, also known as a Self-Employed Pension.
• You want to bid for a federal government contract.
Who can use this service?
The online form is available for all business entity types including:
• Individuals/Sole Proprietors
• Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
• Corporations
• S-Corporations
• Partnerships
• Trusts
• Estates
• Non-Profits
• Other employers and business entity types
The only restrictions are:
• The primary address must be in the United States, and
• The owner, principal officer, trustor, grantor, etc. must have a valid Taxpayer ID Number (Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer ID Number, or Federal Tax ID) to enter on the form.
How can I provide my required signature?
We have two options for you to provide us with your required signature. The preferred method for fastest processing is a secure electronic signature right on our website. Or if you prefer, we also make the prepared form available for you to print, sign by hand, and then fax or mail back to us. Simple instructions are provided on the site immediately after you submit payment. Or you can sign later by going to the Existing Customers page, or by clicking the links in one of the signature reminder e-mails we will send you.
Can I use my Federal Tax ID as soon as I receive it?
Yes. The ID can be used immediately for most of your business needs including opening a bank account, applying for local business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail.
However it can take up to 15 days after receiving your ID to receive official documents in the mail from the IRS, which indicate that your ID has become part of the Internal Revenue Service's permanent records. You must wait until this occurs before you can file an electronic tax return, make an electronic tax payment, or pass an Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Identification Number matching program.
Why is receiving my Federal Tax ID taking longer than expected?
Below are some common issues that can delay the delivery of a Federal Tax ID, along with solutions to them. Please check to see if one of them applies to you and if not, please contact us:
• Have you provided your signature to us on the form SS-4 that we prepared after you submitted payment? This signature is necessary to comply with IRS regulations, and you can provide it in two ways. The recommended method is a fast and secure electronic signature that you can provide right on our site. Or you can also print the form to sign by hand and then fax or mail back to us. To access both options, go to the Existing Customers page.
• Have you been watching the inbox of the e-mail address you provided with your order? Sometimes clarification and/or additional information are required from you and if that is the case, we will attempt to contact you by e-mail from TaxID@SimpleFilings.com. One thing that might cause this is a name and social security number not matching due to marital name changes that was never properly filed with the Social Security Administration. Another is the use of LLC or Inc. in the business name without having properly filed the creation of that LLC or Corporation with the state first.
• Have you checked the Spam/Bulk/Blocked folder of your e-mail? Sometimes (especially with @excite.com e-mail addresses), our e-mails to you from TaxID@SimpleFilings.com are automatically routed to there by accident. Remember, we send all correspondence by e-mail, including the delivery of your Federal Tax ID.
My Federal Tax ID has not yet been assigned and I wish to cancel my order. How do I do that?
Simply contact us. If your Federal Tax ID has not yet been assigned we will be happy to cancel your order and issue you a refund per the Limited Money Back Guarantee in the Terms of Service you agreed to when placing your order.
Someone is claiming that my Federal Tax ID isn't valid. What do I do?
We're sorry that you are experiencing this issue.
• First, check for typos. It's a long number (9 digits, such as 12-3456789) and accidental typos when transcribing it are not uncommon.
• Second, remember that your ID can be used immediately for most of your business needs. However it can take up to 15 days before your ID becomes part of the Internal Revenue Service's permanent records. And you must wait until that occurs before you can file an electronic tax return, make an electronic tax payment, or pass a Taxpayer Identification Number matching program such as some banks and credit/loan offices use.
• Third, we have seen an issue before where some banks (especially smaller ones), are using antiquated software which gets Federal Tax IDs mixed up with Social Security Numbers. If you have waited past the 15 days from receiving the ID and seem to be having this issue, please contact us.
I have misplaced my Federal Tax ID. How do I retrieve it?
SimpleFilings customers need only to visit the Existing Customers page of this site. You will need your transaction ID to retrieve it. If you have misplaced your transaction ID, please contact us.
I submitted my information but not the checkout page. Why do I see my information pre-populated on the application page now?
To keep you from having to re-enter your information if you decide to come back to finish placing your order later, your information displays only on your computer for a period of 48 hours from the last time you access the application. To clear this information on your computer sooner, simply delete your cookies. Cookies are small temporary files stored onyour computer, and deleting them can usually be done through the Tools or Options menu of your Internet browser.
What happens after my order is complete?
SimpleFilings is a secure solution for several of the most common new business filings, like LLC Formation or Incorporation, DBA Registration, and obtaining your Federal Tax ID. But there can be numerous other filings for you to perform both before and after starting business. As a courtesy, we've listed some below:
• Internal administration - LLCs require fewer administrative formalities than Corporations, but both require some. For example, LLCs must write and keep a document called an Operating Agreement which outlines basic ownership and management information. Many books have been written on the subject of LLC and Corporation administration, and they often include useful document templates. Find them at your library or bookstore.
• Federal government filings - The IRS needs to know how to tax your new business. Filing forms such as IRS 8832, IRS 2553, and IRS 1023 can accomplish this. Other IRS filings, and filings with other Federal government agencies may be required as well. Local tax professionals can be good sources of information on this.
• State government filings - Each state you do business in will have filing requirements such as state tax ID numbers, state tax returns, foreign business entity registration (if it is not the state you formed your LLC or Incorporated in), and annual business entity reports. Offices in each state such as the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue can help you determine which ones apply to your business.
• Local government filings - Each local jurisdiction you do business in may have filing requirements such as licenses, permits, etc. Offices in each jurisdiction such as the County Courthouse and City Hall can help you determine which ones apply to your business.
• Insurance and trade requirements - Depending on the nature of your business, other non-government filings such as obtaining insurance may be necessary to comply with all applicable laws. Consult your insurance agent and applicable trade association.
Starting and running a business is a richly rewarding but never-ending process, and the responsibility for research and compliance is solely yours. But remember that the profits are solely yours as well.