My Notary Shoppe

What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number, is a unique identifier issued by the IRS to businesses for federal tax purposes. Similar to a Social Security Number for individuals, each EIN is distinct to a specific business.

Do You Need an EIN?

Most Texas businesses are required to obtain an EIN, but there are some exceptions. According to the IRS, you must apply for an EIN if:

• Your business is a corporation or partnership formed in Texas.
• Your business has employees.
• Your business files Employment, Excise, or Alcohol/Tobacco/Firearms tax returns.
• Your business withholds taxes on income (other than wages) paid to non-resident aliens.
• Your business has a Keogh plan.
• Your business involves trusts, estates, non-profits, farmers’ co-ops, real estate mortgage investment conduits, or plan administrators.
•  most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open a business bank account.

If you’re forming a Texas LLC and your business doesn’t meet any of the criteria above, you’re not required to obtain an EIN. However, even if it’s not mandatory, having an EIN can be beneficial for banking, hiring employees, and maintaining your business’s credibility.

How Do I Get an EIN?

There are four ways to submit a Form SS-4: online, by telephone, mail, and fax.

The simplest, fastest and most-preferred method is online EIN filing.

Toll-free number: 800-829-4933

Fax Number: 859-669-5760

Mailing Address:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

What Form Do I File?

To obtain an EIN for your Texas business, you must file a Form SS-4. There is no fee for applying for an EIN.

A Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report is a mandatory national filing that’s part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Effective January 1, 2024, most corporations and LLCs in the U.S. are required to report ownership information (names, addresses, SSN and photo ID) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These filings are free and confidential—and full of confusing legal jargon.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to file your BOI report correctly and on time.