The Washington State Department of Revenue offers free eServices to help you apply for a tax identification number. You can apply for tax identification numbers online or by mail.
If you are applying for a corporation, LLC, partnership, estate, trust, or nonprofit entity, you must provide a copy of the organizational documents to verify your status. You do not need to submit proof of identity if you are applying for yourself.
You can find out how much filing fees are due by checking the “Filing Fees” section of the application form.
For additional assistance, contact us at 877-848-3239.
Table of Contents
What is an EIN Number?
An EIN is required for many reasons. You might use it to apply for a job, open a bank account, or even file taxes. An EIN number is also used to identify taxpayers eligible to claim certain tax credits. If you don’t know an EIN.
How to get a tax identification number (EIN) in Washington:
If you are filing taxes as a single individual, you do not need an EIN number. However, if you are married, file jointly, or operate a business, you must have an EIN. You can apply online or download an application form from the IRS website.
Once you complete the application, you will receive a letter confirming receipt of your request. Then, it takes approximately three weeks for the IRS to process your request. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email stating that your EIN has been assigned.
The next step is to use the EIN number to open a bank account. Many banks require you to provide proof of identity such as a driver’s license or passport.
You can find out how much money you owe in taxes by logging into My Account at irs.gov. From there, select File Taxes Online.
1. Prepare Required Information
When registering a business name, there are some things you absolutely cannot do without. You need to make sure that the name you choose is both legally acceptable and unique. In addition, you need to know who owns the company. And finally, you need to prepare yourself for a background check. You’ll find out quickly if you don’t have the information needed to register a business name.
The following list highlights the most common reasons businesses fail to obtain registration numbers.
#1 – Incorrect Name
You might think that “ABC Company” sounds like a great idea, but that name isn’t allowed because it contains the word “company.” A good rule of thumb is to avoid words that begin with “a,” “an,” “the,” “and,” “to,” “from,” “for,” “in,” “of,” “on,” “with,” or “without.”
#2 – Too Many Words
Your business name shouldn’t contain too many words. A good rule of thumb here is to keep it under 30 characters. Keep in mind that abbreviations are fine. For example, “Inc.” is perfectly legal, while “Inc.” is not.
#3 – Unregistered Trademark
2. Online Washington Tax ID Application
Online application for a Washington state tax ID is quick, easy, and free. You can do it 24/7 without ever having to pick up the phone. If you don’t already have one, you’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after submitting your application.
You can use the same information to apply for a federal tax ID. However, other options are available, such as calling toll-free numbers, faxing documents, mailing forms, and filling out paper forms. These methods are generally slower and cost money.
Online applications are the fastest way for most people to apply for a tax id. They’re also the easiest. All you need to do is enter basic Benefits personal information, like name, address, date of birth, social security number, etc., and submit.
3. Call, write, or fax in an application for a Washington Tax ID.
Fill out the form online, fax or mail it in. Wait 4 to 6 weeks before receiving your tax id number.
4. Are EIN and Tax ID numbers the same thing?
An EIN is a nine-digit number associated with your organization. A FEIN is the same, except it’s used at the Federal level. A state tax ID is ten digits long and is used for taxes in a particular state.
The IRS requires businesses to use either an EIN or a FEIN. If you’re looking to open a bank account, you’ll likely want to apply for one of those numbers. You might even need both.
The Internal Revenue Service offers online applications for free tax IDs. You don’t even need to fill out a form. If you’re eligible, the IRS will send you a letter asking you to complete the application. Once you do, it takes about 10 days to receive your ID number.
6. How Do I Get a Tax ID Number for the State of Washington?
Washington state businesses must obtain a Washington State Tax ID number. This applies to employers, sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, trusts, estates, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, you must apply for an Employer Identification Number with the Internal Revenue Service every year.
Benefits of having an EIN for your Washington LLC
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is important because it helps you open a business bank account, file taxes, and pay payroll. If you are considering starting a small business, here are some reasons you should consider getting one now.
1. Open Business Bank Account
If you plan to start a business in Washington state, you must have a business bank account. This is where you keep money coming into your business and paying out expenses. Opening a business bank account requires an EIN. An EIN is a unique number used to identify businesses. Without an EIN, you cannot open a business bank account.
You must file tax returns every year. When you register your business, you will receive a 1099 form from the IRS. This form tells you how much income you earned during the previous year. You must report this information on your federal tax return. To do this, you must use Form 1040 Schedule C. You can find instructions on filing taxes online.
3. Payroll
When you hire people, you must issue W-4 forms to each employee. These forms tell the government whether someone works part-time or full-time. They also indicate what percentage of their wages you need to withhold. Withholding is taking money out of each paycheck and sending it to the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Cancel an EIN?
If there was a mistake with the first filing of your EIN number or you want to cancel it for any reason, you can do so by sending a written request to the IRS. There are no fees associated with canceling your EIN. However, we recommend contacting us to ensure you’re doing everything correctly.
You don’t have to wait until your EIN cancellation is processed to apply for a new one. In fact, you can file another application while yours is being processed. Just follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a new EIN.
How is a Washington LLC taxed?
Washington state law defines whether an entity is taxed as an LLC or corporation. A single-member LLC is taxed like a sole proprietorship; a multi-member LLC is taxed like a partnership. However, there is one exception: a Washington LLC is treated as a disregarded entity unless the LLC chooses otherwise. This means that if the LLC is owned solely by individuals, the LLC is taxed as a Sole Proprietor. If the LLC is owned solely or partially by companies, the LLC is taxed similarly to a division of the parent company. For example, a Washington LLC owned by a company called Acme Corp., and another company named Acme Inc., would be taxed like Acme Corp.’s division.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
