Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete Form SS-4 for Your EIN Application

Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a crucial step for many businesses, especially if you plan to hire employees or form a corporation or partnership. The EIN is used for various purposes, including tax administration. The IRS Form SS-4 is used to apply for this number. This guide will walk you through each step of completing the SS-4 form effectively.

What is Form SS-4?

Form SS-4 is the application form used to obtain an EIN from the IRS. This number is required for a variety of business-related activities, including opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing tax returns.

Steps to Complete Form SS-4

Step 1: Download Form SS-4

Visit the IRS website to download Form SS-4. Make sure to get the latest version of the form.

Step 2: Fill Out the Basic Information

Begin by providing the following basic information in the top section of the form:

Legal name of the entity (or individual) applying for the EIN
Trade name (if applicable)
Executor, administrator, or trustee name (if applicable)

Step 3: Specify the Type of Entity

Indicate the type of entity applying for the EIN. Common options include:

Corporation
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Partnership
Sole Proprietorship

Step 4: Provide Address Information

In this step, fill in your mailing address, including:

Street address
City, state, and ZIP code

Step 5: Reason for Applying

Next, you need to provide the reason for applying for an EIN. Common reasons include:

Started a new business
Changed the structure of your business
Acquired a business

Step 6: Date Business Started or Acquired

Specify the date when your business began or when it was acquired. This helps the IRS understand your business activity timeframe.

Step 7: Number of Employees

Fill in the anticipated number of employees you expect to hire in the next 12 months. This can help the IRS estimate your tax obligations.

Step 8: Signature

Lastly, sign and date the application. Make sure to provide your title, as this will confirm your authority to apply for the EIN on behalf of the business.

Submitting Your Form SS-4

Once the form is completed, you can submit it to the IRS. This can be done via:

Faxing the form to the appropriate number provided on the form
Mailing the completed form to the IRS address indicated
Applying online through the IRS website for immediate processing

Conclusion

Completing Form SS-4 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Properly filling out this form guarantees that you will obtain your EIN efficiently, setting the foundation for your business operations.