Obtain a Tax ID (EIN) Number in Maine | Tax ID Application

Looking to obtain your Tax ID (EIN) Number in Maine? This short Maine Tax ID Application Guide will walk you through the basic steps you need to follow to apply for your Tax ID (EIN) Number in the state of Maine. Whether you own a Partnership, multi-member Limited Liability Company, Corporation, Non-Profit, Trust or Estate, this guide will help you learn what you need to know to obtain your official IRS Tax ID Number within minutes.

Steps to Obtain your Tax ID (EIN) Number in Maine:

1. Prepare Required Information
2. Apply for a Maine Tax ID Online
3. Apply for a Maine Tax ID by Phone, Mail or Fax
4. How Do You Get a Tax ID Number in Maine?
5. Is a Maine Tax ID the Same as a Federal Tax ID Number?
6. How Do I Get a Maine State Tax ID Number?

1. Prepare Required Information

Before you begin the application process, it’s advisable to collect all the information you’ll need to answer the application questions. No matter which method you choose, you’ll need to provide details on the following aspects of your business:

• Member names and addresses. First, you’ll need to collect the full legal names and legal addresses of each of your business’s founding partners (including yourself).
• Member social security numbers (SSNs). You’ll also need to gather their social security numbers (SSNs) for tax purposes.
• The business’s name. This application registers your business with the government, so make sure you’ve decided on a legal business name.

2. Apply for a Maine Tax ID Online

There are a few different ways for you to apply for a tax ID number, some of which are based on obsolete technology. For example, you can still technically apply for a tax ID using a fax machine, or by mailing in your paper application form. However, it’s much faster and easier to apply for your tax ID online.

You can access the online tax ID number application using any device with an internet connection, making it far more convenient than trying to track down a paper application or call someone over the phone. The online form is also intuitive and easy to fill out. If you’ve collected all the information on your business in advance of beginning the application, it should only take you 5 minutes.

Once you’re done with the application, you’ll understand the greatest benefit of applying for a tax ID online: the wait time. When done with the application, you should receive your tax ID by email within an hour, enabling you to start your business faster (and start generating revenue sooner).

3. Apply for a Maine Tax ID by Phone, Mail or Fax

Despite the benefits of the online application, there are a few alternative methods you can use to obtain your tax ID. For example, you can find a paper application to fill out, answering the same questions you would on the online application, then send it in via mail or fax. You could also answer the question over the phone, in an interview format, provided you have the time. The biggest disadvantage to these methods is the time it takes to receive your tax ID when you use them. In addition to being inconvenient, you’ll be stuck waiting 4 to 6 weeks to get your tax ID by mail.

4. How Do You Get a Tax ID Number in Maine?

There are a few different ways to get a tax ID number for your Maine business, but no matter which method you choose, you’ll follow a similar pattern. First, you’ll need to gather the right details about your company and your founding members (listed in the first section of this article). Then, you’ll need to answer questions about your business in your choice of several different mediums. After that, you’ll receive your tax ID by email or mail, depending on which method you use.

Overwhelmingly, the most advantageous method to use is applying online. Using an online application for your tax ID will be more intuitive, easier, and most importantly, faster. If you use a traditional method, like applying by mail, fax, or over the phone, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to get your tax ID. By contrast, if you apply online, you should be able to receive your tax ID in an hour or less.

5. Is a Maine Tax ID the Same as a Federal Tax ID Number?

You may wonder whether your Maine business needs a federal tax ID number, and whether this is the same number as a Maine state tax ID. The terminology can get confusing, so let’s take a step back and explain.

Your federal tax ID number is another name for your employer identification number (EIN), and is sometimes referred to simply as a “tax ID.” You’ll need this number if your business has multiple members (like in a partnership, LLC, or c-corporation), and if you’re going to hire any employees. You’ll also need an EIN if you’re going to open a business bank account, establish business credit, or apply for a business license or permit. The vast majority of businesses will need one.

In addition, your business may also need a Maine state tax ID number. This is a unique identifying number like your federal tax ID, but it’s used to register your business at the state level. You’ll need one of these numbers if you’re going to hire any employees in the state of Maine, if you’re selling taxable goods and services in Maine, or if you’ll owe excise taxes.

6. How Do I Get a Maine State Tax ID Number?

Most Maine businesses will need both a federal tax ID number and a Maine state tax ID number. To get a Maine state tax ID number, the first step of the process is to obtain your federal tax ID number.

Once you have your EIN, you can apply for your Maine state tax ID number in one of several ways (not unlike applying for a federal tax ID). You can apply through a traditional method, like phone, mail, or fax, but you can also apply for your Maine state tax ID number online. The online application is much easier and more convenient to access. However, even if you use the online application, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to get your number.