Key Takeaways

  • An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is essential for businesses in Georgia to establish a federal tax ID, enabling them to file taxes, hire employees, and conduct financial transactions.
  • The Georgia tax ID differs from the EIN; it is specific to state requirements like sales and use taxes and is issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue.
  • Registering for an EIN online is straightforward through the IRS website, while a Georgia tax ID can be obtained through the Georgia Tax Center.
  • Different business types, such as LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietorships, have specific requirements and benefits for obtaining these tax IDs.
  • UpCounsel can connect business owners with top-rated attorneys for assistance with EINs and Georgia tax IDs.

How To Get a Tax ID in GA

How to get a tax ID number in GA is fairly straightforward. The Georgia tax ID number is an identification number assigned to your business. It is much like a social security number, and with it, you can apply for a line of credit under your business name, open bank accounts, and other things, such as paying taxes. It is also mandatory to have a tax ID number if you have hired employees. 

Why You Need an EIN and Georgia Tax ID

An EIN, also called a Federal Tax ID, serves as a unique identifier for businesses with the IRS. It is necessary for businesses hiring employees, filing taxes, or opening business bank accounts. In Georgia, a state tax ID complements the EIN by enabling compliance with state-specific tax requirements like sales and use tax. This dual registration ensures businesses meet both federal and state obligations, avoiding penalties and facilitating smooth operations.

Who Uses a Federal Tax ID Number and How to Get One

The following entities use a federal tax ID:

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Individuals or sole proprietors
  • Estates
  • Partnerships
  • Trusts
  • Limited liability companies (LLCs)
  • S-corporations and corporations

In Georgia, the federal tax ID goes by different names, which include the following:

  • Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (FTIN)
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  • Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN)
  • Federal Tax Number (FTN)
  • Federal ID Number (FIN)

The process of obtaining a tax ID in Georgia is simple to do online. When it is time for you to file for a federal tax ID, you can do so by visiting the IRS website. At the start of the application, you will be asked some questions to verify that you need the tax number. Once you have completed the online form, you will receive a tax ID immediately. From then, all taxes should get filed under that number when the time comes. 

How to Apply for an EIN Online

The process to apply for an EIN online is free and simple:

  1. Visit the IRS EIN Assistant here​.
  2. Follow the prompts to verify your eligibility.
  3. Complete the application form, providing details about your business structure and purpose.
  4. Receive your EIN immediately upon successful submission.

The online process is available only for businesses with a U.S. address and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What Is the Georgia Tax Identification Number?

Businesses in Georgia that sell services or products, which involves the collection of state sales tax, need to get registered with the Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Center. You can do it online. After completing the online application, your business will receive a sales and use tax ID number. 

Your sales tax ID number is also called an employer identification number or state taxpayer identification number. It is a number specifically assigned to your business by the Georgia government for licensing or tax purposes, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue. 

You must register with the IRS to get a federal tax ID number and with the state to get a Georgia tax ID number, then register your business with the GA Secretary of State.

Steps to Register for a Georgia Tax ID

To register for a Georgia Tax ID:

  1. Go to the Georgia Tax Center's website​.
  2. Click "Register Your New Georgia Business."
  3. Provide business details, including federal EIN, business name, contact information, and the NAICS code.
  4. Indicate when your business will begin collecting sales tax.
  5. Submit the application and await confirmation via email.
    You’ll receive instructions on setting up an online account for managing tax payments and filings.

How to Obtain a Tax ID in GA

  1. You will first want to ensure that you have all the information needed for registration. New registration for a Georgia Sales and Use Tax Certificate requires that your business type, federal tax ID number, business name, contact details, including an email address, and owner information are entered into the online system.  
  2. Know the start date for when your business should begin receiving sales tax, which is typically going to be the day you open.
  3. You will need to enter your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code number. The federal code is used as an industry identification for your business. You can get the code from a list by visiting the U.S. Census Bureau website.  
  4. Now, navigate to the Georgia Tax Center site at www.gtc.dor.ga.gov. Click the link for "Register Your New Georgia Business." Simply follow the screen prompts to register an account for your business. When this information is shown on the screen, select "Sales and Use Tax" and provide the percentage of your revenue that corresponds to the provided categories.
  5. When you have completed the registration, you will receive a confirmation number. Please note that all applications are processed as they are received. It could take several days or up to several weeks to obtain approval.
  6. Once approved, the Georgia Department of Revenue will send you an email informing you that the registration of your business is complete. In the email, you will also receive your Georgia sales tax ID number, along with instructions on how to go about getting an online user account directly with the Georgia Tax Center. That registration will require that you use your new tax identification number.

If you misplace your Georgia employer identification number, you can contact the following government sites:

  • Georgia Office of the Secretary of State
  • Georgia Department of Revenue
  • Georgia Business Registry

The government keeps an accurate database of businesses that are registered and pay state taxes, which the system sorts by their Georgia employer identification number.

Common Challenges and Solutions

  • Lost EIN or Georgia Tax ID: If you lose your EIN, contact the IRS. For a Georgia Tax ID, visit the Georgia Tax Center​.
  • Incorrect Information: Ensure all submitted information matches official documents to avoid delays.
  • Assistance: If you encounter difficulties, consulting an attorney or accountant can streamline the process.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the difference between an EIN and a Georgia Tax ID?An EIN is a federal identifier for tax purposes, while a Georgia Tax ID is state-specific for sales and use tax compliance.

Q2: How long does it take to receive an EIN?EINs are issued immediately online, while applications via mail may take several weeks.

Q3: Do sole proprietors in Georgia need an EIN?Sole proprietors only need an EIN if they hire employees or file certain tax returns. Otherwise, their SSN can suffice.

Q4: Is there a fee to obtain a Georgia Tax ID?No, registering for a Georgia Tax ID is free.

Q5: Can I use the same EIN for multiple businesses?No, each business must have its own EIN. However, multiple businesses owned by a single entity may use the same EIN if they operate under a single structure.

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