How do I get a tax ID#?

Question

Hi,

Just wondering what I need to do to get a tax ID#. There is something that I need to fill out which requires SS# or a tax ID#. I would really prefer NOT to pass out my SS, so would like to get a tax ID instead.

How do I go about this and how long does it take? Does it cost anything?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

You need to really be self employed to use a tax id number. LLC, etc..

A tax id identifys the business, not you as an indiviudal..

see if they will let if fly with the last four of your social security number. The first three number of your social security number just identify the state that your social security card was issued. The last 6 idnetify you as a person.

Answer 2

A sole-proprietor type business can either use the tax id or ss#.
I, too did not want to use my ss#, so I obtained a tax id#
All you need to do is fill out a form with the city that you are doing business in. The process is very quick. You go to the office, fill out a form and you get your number in 5 mins.
I wasn't charged anything for it.

Answer 3

Social security numbers are issued to people, Tax ID numbers are for businesses or corporations.

Answer 4

I think what you may be thinking of is a Federal EIN aka employer identification number; even if you have no employees and just use if for business purposes. Simply go online to IRS.GOV forms and get a form SS4 to fill out and submit by fax or mail; and you will be assigned a number.

Answer 5

Your SSN is your tax ID. If you are eligible for an SSN, you cannot be issued an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID Number).

If you are operating a business, you can apply on the IRS website for an EIN (Employer ID Number) but individuals can only have one tax ID and that's their SSN.

(And please ignore the CLOWN above me. He's spewing gibberish that will land you in prison.)

Answer 6

Unless you are a corporation, you use your social security number.

You would have to file with the IRS and your State to become a corporation. It depends on how much you will make and any liability issues if it is worth filing for corporation status.

There are cost associated with becoming a corporation. Figure $1000.00 minimum, it depends on your state and attorney fees. Process can be completed very quickly, less than week.

Answer 7

Hold the phone animal lover. Here's what Congress has written. It's in the C.F.R. (Code of Federal Regulations). Some call it the law - and it works all the time. I haven't provided a number for 8 yrs. And yes, I was born and raised here in America by American parents. Even taught history on the secondary level. Here's what some call the law, it's what I use: