Obtain a Tax ID (EIN) Number in Pennsylvania | Tax ID Application
Do you think you can obtain a Pennsylvania Tax ID (EIN) Number in less than one hour? It may sound like a crazy thought, but it actually is possible! If you want to know exactly how to do just that, you need to follow the Pennsylvania Tax ID Application Guide. Even if you own a Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC), is this guide that is going to drive you towards filling out the online application, getting to a decision point quickly, and having a number generation complete so you have an EIN in-hand.
Steps to Obtain your Tax ID (EIN) Number in Pennsylvania:
- Prepare Required Information
- Apply for a Pennsylvania Tax ID Online
- Apply for a Pennsylvania Tax ID by Phone, Mail or Fax
- What Is a Pennsylvania Revenue ID Number?
- How Do I Get a PA Tax ID Number?
- How Do I Get a Pennsylvania State Tax ID Number?
1. Prepare Required Information
Before you start the application, it’s a good idea to write down some key pieces of information about your business and your founding members. You’ll need this information when filling out the application, so if you gather it in advance, you’ll be able to complete the application sooner.
Before you begin, jot down the full legal names and legal addresses of all your founding members, including yourself and all your business partners. While you’re at it, take down their social security numbers (SSNs) as well. Last but not least, you’ll need to provide a legal name for your business, so decide on a name if you haven’t already.
2. Apply for a Pennsylvania Tax ID Online
You’ll have a few main options for applying for your tax ID, but there’s one method that’s inherently better than the others: applying online. You can apply through a traditional method, like filling out a paper application and mailing it in, but applying online is accessible to anyone, with any internet-connected device. It’s also faster and more intuitive to fill out the questionnaire in an online format. Assuming you’ve already gathered the requisite details on your business, you should be able to complete the application in 5 minutes or less.
When you’re done with the application, you’ll have to wait for your tax ID to be sent to you. This is where the most important advantage of applying online comes into play; if you’ve applied online, you should receive your tax ID via email in an hour or less. With your tax ID in hand, you can start your business and begin generating revenue.
3. Apply for a Pennsylvania Tax ID by Phone, Mail or Fax
Even though applying online is inherently superior, you can also apply for your tax ID through a more traditional method. You can answer questions about your business in an interview format if you apply over the phone, or you can fill out a paper application and send it in via traditional mail or fax. None of these methods are as quick or as efficient as applying online, but they are available if you want to try them. The biggest disadvantage comes after you’ve filled out the application; it often takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive your tax ID via traditional mail.
4. What Is a Pennsylvania Revenue ID Number?
Tax ID terminology can get confusing. You may have heard that you need a Pennsylvania revenue ID number for your Pennsylvania business, but how does this compare to your tax ID number, and do you really need one?
Your Pennsylvania revenue ID number is another name for your Pennsylvania state tax ID number. This number is different than your federal tax ID number, which is also called an employer identification number (EIN) or federal employer identification number (FEIN). Your federal tax ID number is necessary if you’re going to hire employees, if your business has more than one member (i.e., if it’s a partnership, an LLC with multiple members, or a corporation), or if you’re going to apply for business credit or a business bank account. You’ll also use your EIN when applying for certain permits and licenses.
Your Pennsylvania revenue ID number, by contrast, registers your business at the state level. Like a federal tax ID number, it uniquely identifies your business, but it’s used for different purposes. You’ll need one if you’re going to hire employees in the state of Pennsylvania, if you’re selling taxable goods and services in Pennsylvania, or if you’re going to owe excise taxes on certain Pennsylvania goods, like alcohol or tobacco.
5. How Do I Get a PA Tax ID Number?
Almost any business can get a Pennsylvania state tax ID number conveniently, through a similar process to the one you used to get your federal tax ID. First, you’ll need to have your federal tax ID in place, so follow the steps listed in the sections above before you try to apply for your Pennsylvania state tax ID.
Once you have that, you’ll be able to apply for your state tax ID through a traditional application method (like phone, mail, or fax), or online. As with the application methods for your federal tax ID, it’s much more efficient and convenient to apply for your state tax ID number online. The form is easy to access with an internet-connected device, and if you have the right information in front of you, it should only take a few minutes to complete. However, when you’re done with the state tax ID application, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to get your Pennsylvania state tax ID.
6. How Do I Get a Pennsylvania State Tax ID Number?
If you’re not sure whether you need a Pennsylvania state tax ID, or even a federal tax ID, you should know that most Pennsylvania businesses will need both.
You’ll need a federal tax ID (EIN) if your business has multiple members, or if you’re going to hire any employees. You’ll also need one if you’re going to apply for a business license or permit, if you’re going to apply for a business bank account, or if you’re going to try to get a business loan.
You’ll need a Pennsylvania state tax ID if you’re hiring employees in the state of Pennsylvania, if you’re selling taxable goods and services in Pennsylvania, or if you’re going to owe excise taxes on the goods you sell.