So I filed my LLC paperwork last week and it's still pending. I need an EIN like yesterday for a contract I'm signing. Is there any way to get one before the LLC is officially approved, or am I stuck waiting? I tried calling the IRS but couldn't get through. Any advice appreciated.
Tax ID
I submitted my LLC application but need a tax ID urgently
You can apply for an EIN online as a sole proprietor using your own SSN, but that won't be under the LLC name. If the the contract requires the LLC specifically, you'll probably have to wait.
Actually, if you're the sole owner of a single-member LLC, you can often just use your SSN for tax purposes until the EIN comes through. But many clients insist on the EIN on the W-9.
dumb question but why not just apply for the EIN with the LLC name? I did mine online and got it in 15 minutes, no LLC approval needed. Is your state different?
The IRS doesnt actually check if your LLC is approved before issuing an EIN. They just need the legal name and responsible party. I got my EIN the same day I filed my articles, before the state approved them. It worked fine.
This isn't always true. If the state hasn't approved the LLC yet, the name might not be in any database. But in practice the IRS doesn't cross-reference state records. You can apply online and just put the name you filed under. Worst case they ask for proof later.
I was told you need the approved articles as proof. Maybe that's only for certain application methods? The online form didn't ask me for any documents.
Yeah, online form is self-certifying. You're attesting that you're authorized. But if you're not actually approved yet, is that fraud? I'd be careful.
Not fraud, you're just applying as the entity that will exist. Plenty of people do it. The EIN is tied to the EIN application, not the state approval. I've seen it done many times.
thanks all. So just to be clear, OP can go to IRS site, choose LLC, put the name and their SSN as responsible party, and get the EIN immediately? That seems too easy.
It's easy but you need to be careful about the name. If the state rejects your LLC name later and you have to change it, your EIN is now under a name that doesn't match your articles. That can cause headaches with banks and the IRS. Might be worth waiting a few days if the contract isn't urgent.
Hadn't thught about the name change issue. That's a real point. Maybe call the state and see if they can expedite? Some states have same-day filing for an extra fee.
If you already submitted, you can't change the name on the application anyway. So either wait or risk it. I'd wait. Contract deadlines are stressful but a mismatched EIN is worse long-term.