| As most know, you have been able to obtain an EIN | | | | the wrong forms, the mistake was discovered and |
| online through the IRS for new businesses. The | | | | then had to be corrected. |
| process was fairly confusing, however, because the | | | | The IRS has taken note of the problem and made |
| IRS essentially just put a form online. That has all | | | | changes to the EIN application process. No longer is |
| changed. | | | | there a blank form. Instead, the application process is |
| Just so we are clear, EIN stands for employee | | | | now done in a question and answer format. The IRS, |
| identification number. It is essentially the equivalent of a | | | | of course, speaks in a strange language, so help is |
| social security number for a person. If you want to | | | | provided at each step should you get confused. |
| form a corporation or limited liability company, you must | | | | Once you provide all the answers to the questions, the |
| have an EIN. | | | | site kicks out an EIN instantaneously. It is absolutely vital |
| The IRS has always had a strong online presence and | | | | that you write the number down immediately and print |
| an excellent website. This is a bit shocking to most | | | | it out. You cannot come back to the screen and more |
| taxpayers who think of the agency as technologically | | | | than a few people have learned this the hard way. If |
| backwards. Regardless, some parts of the site have | | | | you lose the number, do not re-apply for a new EIN. |
| been better than others. | | | | Instead, call the IRS to get it. |
| When it came to applying online for an EIN, the IRS site | | | | If you need to obtain a new employee identification |
| was not so great. The agency had essentially pasted | | | | number, it has never been easier. Just know what |
| the application form on a page without providing easy | | | | business entity you have and then visit the site of the |
| access to instructions or help. As a result, many filled | | | | IRS. Search for "EIN" and you should be taken to the |
| the form out incorrectly. Once the IRS started sending | | | | application section. |