Fill Out the SS-4 Form with Ease and Get Your EIN Today

The SS-4 form is an essential document for business owners, partnerships, and corporations. The form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business for tax purposes. An EIN is necessary if you plan to hire employees, open a bank account, or file tax returns.

Filling out the SS-4 form can seem daunting, but with a little guidance and patience, the process can be relatively straightforward. In this article, we’ll go over the steps involved in filling out the SS-4 form to obtain your EIN.

Step 1: Gather Information

Before you start filling out the SS-4 form, you’ll need to gather some essential information about your business. This includes:

• Legal name of your business
• Trade name (if applicable)
• Physical address of your business
• Mailing address (if different from physical address)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Date the business was started or acquired
• Legal structure of the business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
• Type of business (e.g., manufacturing, retail, service)
• Reason for applying for an EIN (e.g., starting a new business, hiring employees, opening a bank account)
• Name, Social Security number (SSN), and title of the person responsible for the business (e.g., owner, partner, CEO)
• Name, SSN, and title of any additional responsible party (if applicable)
• Number of employees (if applicable)

Having this information on hand will make the process of filling out the SS-4 form much smoother.

Step 2: Download and Review the Form

You can download the SS-4 form from the IRS website. It’s important to review the form thoroughly before you start filling it out to ensure you understand all the sections and requirements.

The SS-4 form has several sections, including:

• Section 1: Identification of Applicant
• Section 2: Type of Entity
• Section 3: Reason for Applying
• Section 4: Trade Name (if applicable)
• Section 5: Other Information
• Section 6: Third-Party Designee
• Section 7: Signature and Certification

Step 3: Fill Out the SS-4 Form

Now that you have all the necessary information and have reviewed the form, it’s time to start filling out the SS-4 form. Let’s go through each section of the form in more detail.

Section 1: Identification of Applicant

In this section, you’ll provide the legal name of your business, trade name (if applicable), physical address, mailing address (if different from physical address), phone number, and email address. If you’re applying for an EIN for a trust or estate, you’ll need to provide the name of the trustee, executor, or administrator.

Section 2: Type of Entity

In this section, you’ll indicate the legal structure of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and the state or country where your business was formed or incorporated.

Section 3: Reason for Applying

In this section, you’ll indicate the reason for applying for an EIN. The most common reasons include starting a new business, hiring employees, opening a bank account, or changing the legal structure of the business. If you select “Other,” you’ll need to provide a brief explanation.

Section 4: Trade Name (if applicable)

If your business operates under a trade name (also known as a “doing business as” or DBA name), you’ll provide that information in this section.

Section 5: Other Information

In this section, you’ll provide additional information about your business, including the date the business was started or acquired, the type of business (e.g., manufacturing, retail, service), and the number of employees.

If your business is a foreign entity, you’ll need to provide additional information, including the country of incorporation and the name and address of a U.S. agent authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.

Section 6: Third-Party Designee

If you want to authorize someone else (such as an accountant or attorney) to receive your EIN and correspond with the IRS on your behalf, you can provide their information in this section. This is optional and can be left blank if you don’t have a third-party designee.

Section 7: Signature and Certification

In this section, you’ll need to sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is accurate and complete. If the person filling out the form is different from the person responsible for the business, you’ll need to provide the name and SSN of the responsible party.

Step 4: Submit the SS-4 Form

Once you have filled out the SS-4 form, the next step is to submit it to the IRS. You have several options for submitting the form, including online, by fax, or by mail.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for an EIN is online using the IRS’s online EIN application. This method allows you to receive your EIN immediately upon completion of the application. Keep in mind that you can only apply for one EIN per day using this method.

If you choose to submit the form by fax, you can do so by faxing the completed SS-4 form to the fax number provided on the form. The IRS typically processes faxed forms within four business days.

You can also submit the form by mail. Simply mail the completed SS-4 form to the address provided on the form. You should receive your EIN within four weeks if you submit the form by mail.

It’s important to note that the IRS may request additional information or documentation depending on the information provided on the SS-4 form. Be prepared to provide any additional information or documentation if requested.

Once you have obtained your EIN, make sure to keep it in a safe place as you will need it for tax purposes and other business-related activities. With your EIN, you can begin to establish your business’s credit profile, apply for business licenses and permits, open a business bank account, and hire employees.

Tips for Filling Out the SS-4 Form

Filling out the SS-4 form can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, with a little preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully fill out the form and obtain your EIN. Here are some tips to help you through the process:

1. Use the correct legal name: Make sure to use your business’s legal name on the form. This should be the name that is on file with the state where your business is registered.
2. Gather all necessary information: Before filling out the form, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand. This includes your business’s legal name, address, and type of entity, as well as the name and social security number of the responsible party.
3. Double-check all information: Once you have filled out the form, double-check all information to make sure it is accurate and complete. Any mistakes or omissions can delay the processing of your application.
4. Consider hiring a tax professional: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider hiring a tax professional to assist you. They can help you gather the necessary information and ensure that the form is filled out correctly.
5. Keep a copy of the form: Make sure to keep a copy of the completed SS-4 form for your records. You may need it in the future for tax purposes or other business-related activities.

By following these tips, you can make the process of filling out the SS-4 form easier and more efficient. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a tax professional or the IRS if you have any questions or concerns along the way.

Conclusion

Filling out the SS-4 form is an essential step for any business owner who wants to obtain an EIN. While the process may seem daunting at first, by following the steps outlined in this article and gathering all the necessary information, you can successfully fill out the form and submit it to the IRS.

Remember to double-check all information, use the correct legal name, and keep your EIN in a safe place once you receive it. By obtaining an EIN, you can separate your personal and business finances, establish your business’s credit profile, and make it easier to apply for licenses, permits, and other business-related activities.

If you have any questions or concerns about filling out the SS-4 form, don’t hesitate to reach out to a tax professional or the IRS for assistance. With the right resources and guidance, you can successfully obtain your EIN and start growing your business.