Key Takeaways

  • An LLC number, often synonymous with an EIN, is vital for legal and financial operations of an LLC.
  • You need an LLC number for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and building business credit.
  • While an EIN is issued by the IRS, some states may assign their own LLC identification numbers.
  • To find your LLC number, refer to your EIN confirmation letter, business tax returns, or contact the IRS.
  • If your LLC number is compromised, immediately contact the IRS and monitor financial accounts for fraudulent activity.
  • Applying for an EIN can be done online, by fax, mail, or phone for international applicants.

Business owners often ask: Where do I find my LLC number? An LLC number, also known as an EIN or tax identification number, is a nine-digit number assigned to each business entity as identification for taxation purposes. An LLC number is the business equivalent of a personal Social Security number.

Is an EIN Necessary?

Every business entity requires an EIN, except for partnerships. Partnerships don't require EINs, since the partners are personally responsible for the liabilities and debts of the business. The EIN is a form of identification number used by the IRS to monitor the tax account of each business entity.

Do You Need to Have Employees to Have an EIN?

A business entity doesn't necessarily need to have employees to obtain the EIN, although it stands for employer identification number.

What Is the Importance of an EIN?

An EIN is required for several business functions. You need an EIN for some of the following:

  • Filing tax returns
  • Opening business bank accounts
  • Handling salaries if you have employees
  • Securing business loans or lines of credit
  • Obtaining credit cards for your business entity
  • Applying for certain business licenses and others

Should You Wait Until Your LLC Is Approved by the State Before Obtaining Your EIN?

It's advisable to wait until the state has approved your LLC before filing for an EIN so you can be sure your LLC name is still available and prevent being assigned another entity's EIN.

Is It Easy to Apply for EIN Cancellation?

Canceling an EIN can be a difficult process.

Is an EIN the Same as a Social Security Number?

The only similarity between an EIN and a Social Security number is that both have nine digits. However, an EIN has two digits, followed by a hyphen, which is followed by the remaining seven digits.

How Much Does an EIN Cost?

Obtaining an EIN is free if you apply directly to the IRS. However, you may pay about $50-$100 if you apply through third-party websites.

What is the Difference Between an EIN and an LLC Number?

While an EIN is commonly referred to as an LLC number, they are not always the same. An EIN is a federal tax identification number provided by the IRS, which is necessary for tax filing and employment purposes. On the other hand, some states issue their own LLC identification numbers when the LLC is registered at the state level. This state-specific LLC number is different from the EIN and is used primarily for state tax and legal compliance.

How Do You Obtain an EIN?

There are three methods of obtaining an EIN:

  1. By mail, which can take up to four weeks before you get your EIN.
  2. By fax, which takes four business days.
  3. Through the IRS's online questionnaire, which takes 15 minutes. If you applied online, you would be issued your EIN immediately after completing the questionnaire.

How to Apply for an EIN if You Already Have an LLC

If your LLC is already formed but you haven’t obtained an EIN, you can apply for one through the following methods:

  1. Online Application: Visit the IRS website and use the EIN Assistant to apply for an EIN online. This is the fastest method, and you will receive your EIN immediately upon completion.
  2. Fax or Mail: Complete Form SS-4, "Application for Employer Identification Number," and submit it to the IRS by mail or fax. The processing time is longer for these methods, typically four weeks for mail and four business days for fax.
  3. Phone: For international applicants, the IRS provides a phone option at 267-941-1099.

Tip: Make sure you have the required information, such as your LLC's legal name, the name of the responsible party, and the LLC's principal address, before starting the application process.

How to Look Up Your LLC Number

If you've forgotten or misplaced your LLC number, you can use the following methods to find it:

  1. EIN Confirmation Letter: When you first apply for your EIN, the IRS sends a confirmation letter. This letter is one of the most reliable ways to find your LLC number.
  2. IRS Online Services: Use the IRS's EIN Assistant online tool to retrieve your EIN. However, this tool is mainly for locating a lost EIN if you registered recently.
  3. Business Tax Returns: Your LLC number is also included in your previously filed federal and state tax returns. Reviewing these documents is a quick way to locate your EIN.
  4. Bank Statements: Many business bank statements include the EIN you provided when opening the account.
  5. Contact the IRS: If you are unable to find your LLC number through the above methods, contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 for assistance. Ensure you have identification documents ready to verify your identity.

What is an LLC Number?

An LLC number, often referred to as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity. While many use the terms LLC number and EIN interchangeably, it's important to note that some states may issue their own LLC identification numbers for state-specific filings and records. These numbers are essential for various legal and financial processes, including filing taxes, opening a business bank account, and establishing credit for the LLC.

Why Do You Need an LLC Number?

An LLC number is crucial for conducting business operations legally and efficiently. Here are the main reasons why an LLC number is essential:

  • Filing Taxes: The IRS requires an LLC to have an EIN for filing federal taxes. Some states may also require this number for state tax purposes.
  • Opening Bank Accounts: Most banks require an LLC number to open a business bank account.
  • Hiring Employees: An EIN is necessary for reporting employment taxes and issuing employee wages.
  • Building Business Credit: An EIN helps separate personal and business finances, allowing the LLC to build a business credit profile.

What Businesses Can Get an EIN by Phone?

Only exempt organizations, such as nonprofits and foreign companies, are eligible to apply for an EIN over the phone.

What Should You Do if You Apply for an EIN Online?

If you applied for an EIN through the IRS website, you need to save and print your EIN and the confirmation letter so you can have copies to attach to your LLC documents.

Steps in Applying for an EIN Online

Applying for an EIN online involves the following steps:

  • When you log onto the site, you will be directed to enter all the required information. A user-friendly interface guides you through the application process.
  • You will be asked to identify your business entity's legal status, such as a sole proprietor, LLC, or partnership.
  • You will be redirected to a new screen when you click the relevant button.
  • The second question seeks to clarify the answer to the first question by asking you to define your business.

What Information Do You Need for the Online Application?

You need the following information when applying online for an EIN:

  • U.S. citizens require a Social Security number.
  • Foreign nationals require an ITIN, or individual tax identification number. If you don't have an ITIN, you need to apply to the IRS for one before applying for an EIN.

How Do You Find Your EIN?

The following are some of the ways of finding your EIN:

  • Ask an organization with which you have exchanged your EIN in the past, such as your bank.
  • Search through your mail for the confirmation letter sent by the IRS after your EIN application.
  • Check the EDGAR database of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
  • Contact your state's department of revenue, as they keep copies of business tax forms.
  • Check box 15 of the W-2 form issued by the business if you work or have worked for the company in the past.
  • Contact the company directly.
  • Use paid services, but this may not be necessary, as company EINs are easily accessible in the public domain.

What Should You Do if Your LLC Number is Stolen?

If you suspect that your LLC number has been stolen or compromised, it is vital to take the following steps:

  1. Contact the IRS: Immediately inform the IRS about the situation. The IRS can advise you on how to protect your business and possibly issue a new EIN.
  2. Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep a close eye on your business bank accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity.
  3. Update Business Documents: Consider updating your business records and notifying financial institutions of the potential fraud.

If you need help finding your LLC 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.