FAQ: How to Get an EIN for
an Arizona LLC
Richard Keyt (Rick, the father at 480-664-7478) and his son, former CPA Richard C. Keyt (Ricky at 480-664-7472), are Arizona limited liability company attorneys who have formed 10,000+ Arizona LLCs. They have 294 5-star Google reviews and 407 5-star Google, Facebook & Birdeye reviews. They want to form your new LLC. Call, email, or book a free office, phone or Zoom video meeting.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How to Get an EIN
for an Arizona LLC
Every newly formed Arizona LLC needs a federal Employer Identification Number — commonly called an EIN or FEIN. Without one, you cannot open a business bank account, and opening that account in the LLC’s name is one of the most important legal formalities your company must complete. Below I answer the questions I hear most often from new LLC owners about getting an EIN.
Q1: What is an EIN and why does my Arizona LLC need one?
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is a nine-digit federal tax ID number the IRS assigns to a business entity. It is also called a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Think of it as a Social Security number for your LLC.
I recommend without exception that every Arizona LLC obtain an EIN. The most important reason is that Arizona law requires your LLC to open a bank account in the company's name and run all income and expenses through that account. Banks will not open a business account without an EIN. If your LLC does not have one, the bank will ask for your personal Social Security number instead — and that is exactly what you do not want to give out.
Q2: Does every Arizona LLC need an EIN, even if it has no employees?
Yes, with one narrow exception. Even LLCs with no employees need an EIN to open a business bank account, apply for business licenses, and file certain tax returns.
The only exception is a single-member LLC that will be taxed as a sole proprietorship and has no employees. In that case, the IRS generally allows the owner to use their own name and Social Security number for federal tax purposes. However, even in that situation I still recommend getting an EIN so you never have to give your Social Security number to your bank or any vendor.
Q3: What is the fastest way to get an EIN for my LLC?
The fastest way — and the method I recommend — is the IRS online EIN wizard at IRS.gov. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You answer a series of questions about the LLC, and the IRS system immediately issues your EIN on the spot. The entire process takes only a few minutes. There is no paper to file and no waiting.
You can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free on the official IRS Apply for an Employer Identification Number Online page.
Q4: Is the EIN I get online permanent?
Yes. The EIN issued through the IRS online wizard is the LLC's permanent federal employer identification number. The IRS may void an online EIN only in two narrow situations: (1) the name and Social Security number of the responsible party do not match Social Security Administration records, or (2) the business has already been assigned an EIN.
Be sure to print and save your completed SS-4 application after the EIN is assigned. Click the “Print Form” button before you leave the IRS site. Keep a paper copy in your LLC records.
Q5: Can I use the EIN immediately after I get it online?
You can use it immediately for most purposes — opening a bank account, applying for licenses, and filing paper tax returns. However, it takes up to two weeks for the EIN to be fully loaded into the IRS permanent records system. Until then, you cannot use it to file an electronic tax return, make an electronic tax payment, or pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program. Plan accordingly so you are not trying to file electronically the same week you received the number.
Q6: What IRS form do I use to apply for an EIN?
The application for an EIN is IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. When you use the IRS online wizard, the system walks you through the SS-4 questions automatically. If you apply by phone, fax, or mail, you complete the paper Form SS-4 yourself. The IRS also publishes Instructions for Form SS-4 and IRS Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN, both of which are worth reading.
Q7: What information do I need when I apply for an EIN for my LLC?
When you complete the SS-4 for an LLC you will need:
- The LLC’s exact legal name as it appears in the Articles of Organization, ending with “LLC” and without punctuation such as periods or commas
- The LLC’s mailing address
- The name and Social Security number of the responsible party — typically the manager of a manager-managed LLC or a member of a member-managed LLC
- The type of entity for federal tax purposes — whether the LLC will be taxed as a partnership, a sole proprietorship, or a corporation
- The reason the LLC is applying for an EIN, such as starting a new business
Important detail for box 8a of the SS-4: type the words “single member LLC” or “multi-member LLC” on the “Other” line, but do not check the “Other” radio button.
Q8: Can I get an EIN by phone instead of online?
Yes. You can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. This number serves Arizona entities. Before you call, fill out a paper Form SS-4 as completely as possible because the IRS representative may ask you to refer to it during the call and may ask that you sign and fax or mail a copy within 24 hours. The person who calls must be authorized to sign the Form SS-4 or be a designated third-party representative.
Q9: Can I get an EIN by fax or mail?
Yes, but these methods are far slower than the online or phone options. For Arizona entities, fax your completed Form SS-4 to 215-516-3990. If you include a return fax number, the IRS will respond in about one week. Without a return fax number, expect about two weeks. If you mail the form, send it at least four to five weeks before you need the EIN. Given how quick and easy the online method is, I see no reason to use fax or mail.
Q10: Can someone else get the EIN for me?
Yes. A third party — such as an attorney or accountant — can apply for an EIN on behalf of your LLC through the IRS online system. The third party must retain a completed Form SS-4 signed by you and a signed statement from you authorizing the third party to file the application. When KEYTLaw forms your LLC, we handle the EIN application as part of the formation process
Q11: Why should I get an EIN instead of just using my Social Security number?
In an era of rampant identity theft, you should give out your Social Security number as rarely as possible. Every additional person or business that has your Social Security number increases the risk that someone will steal or misuse it. Getting an EIN for your LLC is free, takes only a few minutes online, and eliminates any need to hand your Social Security number to a bank, vendor, or business partner. There is simply no good reason not to get one.
Q12: When should I apply for the EIN — before or after the LLC is formed?
Apply for the EIN as soon as the Arizona Corporation Commission approves your Articles of Organization and your LLC is officially formed. The LLC must exist before you apply. Once the ACC issues the approved Articles, apply for the EIN immediately — even the same day if you like. Get it done right away so you have the number in hand when you go to open your business bank account.
Q13: Do I need an EIN if my LLC will have employees?
Absolutely. If your LLC will hire employees and pay wages, it must file payroll tax returns and make payroll tax deposits using the EIN. You cannot legally run payroll without one. But again, even LLCs with no employees should obtain an EIN for the bank account and identity protection reasons explained above.
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Call, email or text Richard Keyt, father
Direct phone: 480-664-7478
Email: [email protected]
Call, email or text Richard C. Keyt, son
Direct phone: 480-664-7472
Email: [email protected]