The IRS says that an LLC must have an EIN if it employs people or if it is required to file certain excise tax forms. The EIN is typically used on tax filings, bank account applications, and other purposes when a third party needs to identify an entity doing business locally or across state lines. An LLC should obtain an EIN regardless of membership or tax status so as to ensure there is not liability of the business that is imputed to the owner via “alter-ego” liability theory.

Can an LLC Use a Social Security Number?Ī single-member LLC, in most instances, is permitted to use the member’s SSN for the business. An EIN is required to open a business bank account at many banks.Įven in instances when an EIN is not required by the IRS, an owner of a business may want to obtain one so they do not need to use their SSN for the business. Do I Need an EIN For My LLC?Ī company is required to obtain an EIN from the IRS when they hire employees and when they need to file certain tax returns. An EIN must be applied for separately from the Delaware filings and directly with the IRS.

An EIN is not the same number as the filing number that the Delaware Secretary of State issues to each new entity. What Is an EIN?Īn Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is the primary identification number for a business entity. The EIN will be the identifying number for your business, much like the Social Security Number is for an individual. An EIN is required for a multi-member LLC, or if you anticipate having employees.

You may wonder, “Do I need an EIN for my LLC?” A single-member LLC can either use the Social Security Number (SSN) of the single member to conduct business, or it can obtain a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Do you need an ein for an llc