Key Takeaways

  • A PA State ID Number is required for businesses operating in Pennsylvania and may include multiple tax account numbers issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
  • Businesses may need both a state tax ID and a federal EIN, especially if they have employees.
  • The PA-100 Business Tax Registration Form is essential for businesses registering for state tax obligations.
  • Certain businesses need additional tax registrations, such as sales tax, employer withholding, and industry-specific taxes.
  • Pennsylvania provides an online application process for obtaining a state tax ID number, expediting the process.
  • Additional reporting and compliance requirements exist, including unemployment compensation and workers' compensation.
  • Foreign businesses must meet specific qualifications and registration processes when expanding into Pennsylvania.
  • A PA State ID Number is different from a driver's license or personal identification card, which are issued by PennDOT.
  • If legal or tax guidance is needed, businesses can consult with professionals via UpCounsel's attorney network.

A PA tax ID number lets you operate a business in the state, pay taxes, and hire employees for your business. 

What Is a Pennsylvania Tax ID?

A Tax ID Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier that the IRS issues to business entities. The TIN/EIN is to businesses as the Social Security number is to an individual. It identifies businesses of all types to the IRS. 

Pennsylvania does not use a single tax ID for businesses. Instead, it uses an box/account number for every tax account registered through the Pennsylvania Department of State. 

If you're applying for a tax ID in Pennsylvania, you may also need a Federal Tax ID in the event that you hire employees. You have to remit taxes on a state and federal level, and this requires a TIN. You also need a TIN for other business related needs that include:

  • Opening bank accounts in the name of the business
  • Filing taxes
  • Handling payroll for employees
  • Getting lines of credit for the business
  • Business loans
  • Obtaining credit cards in the business name
  • Applying for business licenses
  • Obtaining a merchant account for processing credit cards

You should wait for the LLC to be approved by the State before you obtain your EIN. You'll avoid the potential issue of the EIN getting assigned to the wrong LLC.

How to Get a Tax ID in Pennsylvania

When you register your company entity through the Pennsylvania Department of State, you will automatically receive your business tax account. The registration is relayed automatically to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (PDOR). The PDOR registers your company for corporate loans tax, net income, and capital stock. All businesses in Pennsylvania are required to register their applicable state tax accounts with PDOR. The registration is done by filing form PA-100 with PDOR.

You can get an EIN/TIN by mail, fax, or through the online application form on the IRS's website. It takes four days to get an EIN by fax, four weeks by mail, and around 15 minutes when done online. 

Tax Account Types & Business Obligations

When applying for a PA state ID number, businesses must consider the different tax accounts required for compliance. Common Pennsylvania tax account types include:

  • Sales and Use Tax – Required for businesses selling taxable goods and services.
  • Employer Withholding Tax – Necessary if hiring employees and processing payroll.
  • Corporate Net Income Tax – Applicable to corporations operating in Pennsylvania.
  • Unemployment Compensation Tax – Required for most employers with employees in Pennsylvania.
  • Local Tax Registrations – Businesses may need additional registrations based on local municipal laws.

Businesses should review their industry-specific tax obligations and register all applicable accounts with the PA Department of Revenue through PA-100.

Online Application of Tax ID

You can get your EIN immediately after answering all the questions found in the online application. After you submit the form, you will be able to download, save, and print your Employer Identification Number and the confirmation letter.

You need the Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) of the members at hand before you start the application online. If you and/or the members are US citizens, you will use your SSNs. If you are a foreign national, you will use your ITIN. If you are a foreign national and do not have your ITIN yet, you need to apply for the ITIN first before applying for and receiving your EIN. The application is mostly the same regardless if you are a single or multi-member LLC. The EIN application is a federal tax procedure and is not specific to the state of Pennsylvania.

Expedited Registration & Processing Time

Pennsylvania offers an online registration portal for PA state tax IDs, significantly reducing processing time. Here’s what to expect when applying:

  • Instant EIN Assignment – If applying for a federal EIN online, you receive it immediately.
  • State Tax ID Assignment – PA-100 applications are processed within 24-48 hours when submitted online.
  • Paper Filing Timeframes – Mailed applications may take several weeks for processing.
  • Account Verification – Businesses can verify registration and tax accounts via the e-TIDES system or the new myPATH portal.

By using the online system, businesses can quickly register and comply with Pennsylvania tax regulations without unnecessary delays.

What Is Form PA-100?

A PA-100 Business Tax Registration Form is used by newly formed companies for registering for their initial tax accounts through the state and by current businesses who want to register for other tax accounts. If any of the below are applicable to your company, you may wind up with a tax obligation with the state and need the PA-100 to register. They include:

  • Local sales tax
  • State sales tax
  • Hotel occupancy tax
  • Employer withholding tax
  • Workers' compensation coverage
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Wholesaler or reseller tax account
  • Wholesaler certificate
  • Use tax accounts
  • Use tax
  • Malt beverage and liquor tax
  • Cigarette license and tax
  • Small games of chance

You can file the form online or by mail. To file the form online, go to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's website and click "Business," then click "Online business Registration (PA100)." Type in your SSN or FEIN in the Application ID field and click submit. Answer the questions as prompted and supply requested information. Sign and date the form, enter a daytime phone number and your title in the provided spaces. If someone else prepared the form, the preparer should enter their own information. Submit the form online or mail it to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Foreign Businesses & PA Tax Registration

Businesses based outside Pennsylvania but operating in the state must follow specific registration steps to obtain a PA State ID number. The process includes:

  1. Registering as a Foreign Entity – Corporations and LLCs must register with the PA Department of State.
  2. Filing Form PA-100 – Required to obtain state tax accounts.
  3. Appointing a Registered Agent – Foreign entities must designate a PA-based registered agent.
  4. Determining Tax Liabilities – Businesses must assess whether they owe corporate net income tax or other obligations.
  5. Complying with Local Tax Laws – Some municipalities require additional registrations for foreign entities.

Failure to register properly can result in penalties, back taxes, and restrictions on conducting business in Pennsylvania.

Maintaining Compliance with PA Tax Laws

Once a PA state ID number is assigned, businesses must maintain compliance with Pennsylvania tax laws. Key responsibilities include:

  • Filing Tax Returns On Time – Sales tax, employer withholding, and corporate tax filings have specific due dates.
  • Keeping Records Up to Date – Address changes, business structure modifications, and ownership changes must be reported.
  • Annual Reporting – Certain entities, such as corporations and LLCs, must submit an annual report.
  • Renewing Licenses & Permits – If applicable, businesses must renew sales tax permits and industry-specific licenses.
  • Audits & Penalties – Non-compliance can lead to audits, fines, and business restrictions.

To avoid compliance issues, businesses should maintain detailed financial records and stay informed on Pennsylvania tax regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a PA state ID number?
    A PA state ID number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses for tax and regulatory purposes. It may include different tax account numbers issued by the PA Department of Revenue.
  2. How do I apply for a PA state tax ID number?
    Businesses must complete Form PA-100 online or via mail to register for tax accounts. Most applications are processed within 24-48 hours online.
  3. Do I need a PA state ID number if I have an EIN?
    Yes, businesses operating in Pennsylvania must obtain a state tax ID even if they already have a federal EIN. The EIN is for federal tax purposes, while the PA tax ID applies to state tax obligations.
  4. How long does it take to get a PA state ID number?
    Online applications typically process within 1-2 business days, while mailed applications may take several weeks.
  5. What happens if I don’t register for a PA state ID number?
    Failure to register can result in penalties, back taxes, and restrictions on conducting business in Pennsylvania. Compliance with tax laws is essential for maintaining business operations.

If you need help with obtaining a Pennsylvania tax ID number, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.