Key Takeaways

  • An LLC number is a unique identifier assigned to a business by the state, distinct from a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number).
  • The LLC number is used for state-level records, filings, and searches, while the EIN is used for federal tax purposes.
  • You can find an LLC number via your state’s Secretary of State business search portal, often by searching by entity name or number.
  • An LLC number is necessary for obtaining certain legal documents, filing annual reports, and verifying business registration.
  • An EIN is required for hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, and filing federal taxes.

Knowing what is an LLC number can be useful when you'd like to obtain detailed information regarding a specific company in the state of California. If you know the LLC number for a specific business for which you would like to search, you can use that number and avoid having to scan through lengthy search results to find the business in which you're interested.

Purpose of a Business Search

There are many reasons for looking up an existing limited liability company in the state of California. Some examples may include:

  • Obtaining information regarding the status of an LLC
  • Obtaining more detailed information about the LLC for legal reasons

The easiest way to search for specific company's details is to utilize the California Business Search Tool. This can provide you with information such as:

  • The LLC's formation
  • Registration information
  • Conversion dates
  • LLC status
  • The company's registered address
  • Detailed information about the LLC's registered agent

However, keep in mind that running a business search of this kind will not provide you with the results you need when you wish to check on the availability of your intended company name if you're planning to form a new business in the state of California.

Difference Between an LLC Number and an EIN

An LLC number is a state-issued identification number assigned to your limited liability company when it is officially formed. It appears on your Articles of Organization or formation certificate and is used for state recordkeeping, legal filings, and compliance.

In contrast, an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called a federal tax ID, is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for federal tax administration. While both numbers identify your business, they serve different purposes:

  • LLC Number: Used for state-level filings, annual reports, and public records searches.
  • EIN: Required for federal tax filings, hiring employees, and opening business bank accounts.

Most LLCs will need both numbers to remain compliant at both the state and federal level.

Performing a California LLC Search

To search for a specific LLC in the state of California, visit the California Secretary of State's website and navigate to the business search page. Next, select the limited liability company / limited partnership name option. If you know the 12-digit entity number for the company you would like to find, you can enter it into the search field. Otherwise, you can search by the company's name. Either way, once you have entered your search parameters, click on the search button.

Where to Locate Your LLC Number

Your LLC number is typically listed on:

  • Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation from the state
  • Official correspondence from the Secretary of State
  • Annual report or Statement of Information filings
  • Your online business entity record in the state’s database

If you misplace your LLC paperwork, you can retrieve your number by searching your company name in the state’s online business search portal. Make sure to enter the name exactly as registered to ensure accurate results.

Tips for Performing Your LLC Search

If you don't know the entity number of the company you'd like to find, you'll need to search by the company's name. For best results, consider these tips when searching by the company's name:

If the name of the company for which you are searching has initials in it, avoid including punctuation of any kind in your search. Instead, group the initials together. If the name of the company for which you're searching, for example, includes the initials, "X.Y.Z.," enter them as "XYZ" when typing the company name into the search field.

If the initials in the company name have initials with punctuation that are followed by spaces, remove the punctuation and keep the spaces in your search. If the company includes the initials, "X. Y. Z.," for example, you should enter them as "X Y Z" when typing the company's name into the search field.

Spaces and plural cases can also have an impact on your search results. If you're looking for a company that includes "X Y Z," for example, and you enter "XYZ," your search will not yield accurate results. In plural cases, if the name of the company for which you are searching includes the word "Services" and you enter "Service" into the search field, you will not receive accurate search results.

The business search page on the California Secretary of State's website also includes additional tips and suggestions for obtaining the best possible results when you run your search. Be sure to review these tips if you run into trouble finding the specific LLC for which you are looking.

When You’ll Need Your LLC Number

Knowing your LLC number can save time and prevent filing errors. Common situations where it’s required include:

  • Filing your annual report or Statement of Information
  • Submitting amendments to your Articles of Organization
  • Requesting certified copies or certificates of status
  • Responding to official notices from the Secretary of State
  • Applying for certain state permits or licenses

Failing to use your correct LLC number in filings can lead to processing delays or rejections.

Certificates, Copies of Documents, or Status Reports

Once you've obtained the information for which you're looking, it may be necessary to obtain certain documents, such as:

  • Certificates
  • Copies of documents
  • Status reports

You may need to get a copy of a certificate of status, for example, which certifies the status of the company in which you are interested. Or, if you need proof that there is no record of the business for which you are searching, you may need to obtain a certificate of no record.

Other documents you may need to obtain can include certified or uncertified copies of:

  • Formation and registration documents
  • Amendment documents
  • Termination documents
  • Statements of information

Obtaining a status report can be useful when you need to get a hold of specific company information, such as:

  • The complete company name
  • File number
  • Company status
  • Company jurisdiction
  • The company's address

How to Get an EIN for Your LLC

If your LLC doesn’t already have an Employer Identification Number, you can apply for one directly with the IRS online, by fax, or by mail. The online application is the fastest and provides your EIN immediately upon completion.

You will need:

  • Your LLC’s legal name and LLC number
  • Responsible party’s name and Social Security Number or ITIN
  • Mailing address and business activity information

While there is no cost to apply for an EIN, using a third-party service can simplify the process if you prefer assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is an LLC number the same as an EIN?
    No. An LLC number is assigned by your state for registration purposes, while an EIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes.
  2. How do I find my LLC number?
    You can find it on your Articles of Organization, state filings, or by searching your business name in your state’s online business database.
  3. Do all LLCs need an EIN?
    Most LLCs need an EIN if they have employees, more than one member, or choose corporate taxation. Single-member LLCs without employees may not need one for federal purposes.
  4. Can I apply for an EIN without my LLC number?
    You can apply for an EIN before or after receiving your LLC number, but some applications may require the state-issued number for verification.
  5. What happens if I lose my LLC number?
    You can retrieve it by accessing your state’s Secretary of State business search tool or requesting a copy of your formation documents.

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