Before filing state and federal taxes, each eligible new business must
register for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
You need to get a FEIN if you:
- have employees
- have a qualified retirement plan
- operate your business as a corporation or partnership
or:
- file returns for employment taxes, excise taxes, or alcohol, tobacco
or firearms taxes
How to get an EIN: Fill out Form
SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, and mail
or fax to the IRS Service Center in your state (For Florida, the address
is: IRS, Atlanta, Georgia 39901). See SS-4
instructions or the flyer "Understanding
Your EIN" (in Adobe Acrobat format) for how to fill out
form SS-4.
Or you can apply by phone ("TeleTIN") by calling 1-800-829-3676
or in Florida, 770-453-2360. See instructions "Understanding
Your EIN" (in Adobe Acrobat format) for how to apply by
phone.
When to Apply: Apply for the EIN at least 4-5 weeks before you
need to file a a return or make a tax deposit. If you don't receive
your EIN in time, dile the return anyway. Write "Applied for" and the
date you applied for the number in the space for the EIN.
