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IRS Form SS-4 EIN Guide



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IRS Form SS-4 EIN Guide


DOCUMENT TYPE: IRS FORM SS-4 MOCKUP

Form SS-4
Application for Employer Identification Number
IRS
1 Legal name of entity

ACME ENTERPRISES LLC
2 Trade name (DBA)

ACME BAKERY
3 Executor/Trustee ‘care of’ name

(Blank if self-filing)
8a Is this for an LLC?

[X] Yes [ ] No
8b Number of members

1
9a Type of Entity (check one):

[X] Sole proprietor [ ] Partnership [ ] Corporation

Line 1: Legal Name of Entity

Enter the legal name of the entity applying for the EIN. For LLCs, this must match the name registered on the Articles of Organization exactly (e.g., ‘Acme Widgets LLC’).

Compliance Tip: Avoid spelling variations or typos. The name is cross-referenced with your state filings.

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Interactive IRS Form SS-4 Walkthrough Guide

Form SS-4 is the application used by companies and trusts to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is necessary for opening corporate bank accounts and hiring staff.

Navigating Key Fields

Click on the fields in the interactive mockup above to see instructions for each line:

  • Line 1 (Legal Name): Ensure this matches your official state registry filing character-for-character.
  • Line 8a (LLC Status): Select ‘Yes’ to register under the LLC tax structures.
  • Line 9a (Entity Type): Choose ‘Sole Proprietor’ for single-owner disregarded entities, or ‘Partnership’ if you have co-owners.

Filing Options for US and Non-US Residents

If you have a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can apply online through the IRS website for instant processing. If you do not have an SSN/ITIN, you must apply by faxing your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS at (855) 641-6935.