How do you obtain a Tax ID number for a business in PA?

Answer 1

If your filing as an individual (i.e. you do not own an entity such as a corporation or LLC) and have no employees, registration is not required. You simply file your taxes on the PA sch C (which is part of your PA individual tax return).

If you own an entity or have employees, PA requires that you file form PA-100 to register for corporation, sales, employee withholding and other common (and not so common) taxes.

The PA-100 looks complicated at first but it's really not too bad. You only have to fill out the sections that apply to your business. Almost all corporations and LLCs will need to register for "corporation taxes"(i.e. franchise taxes). Sales taxes will depend on what your business does (most service businesses are not subject). Employee withholding taxes and unemployment compensation are only applicable to businesses with employees. Usually, the other taxes on the form are N/A.

Go to this website for the form and instructions:

http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/revenue/lib/revenue/pa-100.pdf

Answer 2

Go to the County Clerk's Office

Answer 3

Every area has it's own taxation board. Locally, the city will have one, and the state will also have one. You may need to be licensed on both levels.