## Breadcrumb

-  Home 
-  Business Guide 
-  Launch Your Business 
-  Get Federal and State Tax ID Numbers 

## Section navigation

-  10 steps to start your business 
-  Plan your business 
-  Launch your business    -  Pick your business location 
  -  Choose a business structure 
  -  Choose your business name 
  -  Register your business 
  -  Get federal and state tax ID numbers 
  -  Apply for licenses and permits 
  -  Open a business bank account 
  -  Get business insurance 
-  Manage your business 
-  Grow your business 

# Get federal and state tax ID numbers

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## Content

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## Get a federal tax ID number

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your federal tax ID. You need it to pay federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and apply for business licenses and permits.

It's free to apply for an EIN, and you should do it right after you register your business.

Your business needs a federal tax ID number if it does any of the following:
                  - Pays employees
                  - Operates as a corporation or partnership
                  - Files tax returns for employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms
                  - Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien
                  - Uses a Keogh Plan (a tax-deferred pension plan)
                  - Works with  certain types of organizations

Apply for an EIN with the IRS assistance tool. It will guide you through questions and ask for your name, social security number, address, and your "doing business as" (DBA) name. Your nine-digit federal tax ID becomes available immediately upon verification. 

### Change or replace your EIN

If you already have an EIN, you might have to change or replace it with a new one if certain changes have occurred with your business, depending on your business structure and the kind of change that occurred. Check with the IRS to determine exactly whether you need to change or replace your EIN.

## What’s your number?

###         John and Kelly applied for federal and state ID numbers they need in order to pay taxes on income from their auto repair shop.      

John and Kelly’s auto repair shop needs federal and state tax ID numbers to file taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and more.

The federal ID number, what’s called an “Employer Identification Number” (EIN), is a unique nine-digit number issued by the I.R.S. that identifies John and Kelly’s business — sort of like a Social Security number.

John and Kelly apply for an EIN online via the IRS EIN Assistant, free of charge. They provide information about themselves, as well as their business, and their EIN is available immediately upon verification.

Because their business is located in a state that taxes income, John and Kelly have to get a state tax ID as well. Requirements vary by state, so John and Kelly contact their state tax office to find out about the specific steps they must follow to obtain a state tax ID.

They follow a process similar to the process for obtaining a federal ID.

John and Kelly’s auto shop has its federal and state tax ID numbers, and can pay taxes and handle other business functions.

## Get a state tax ID number

The need for a state tax ID number ties directly to whether your business must pay state taxes. Sometimes, you can use state tax ID numbers for other functions, like protection against identity theft for sole proprietors.

Tax obligations differ at the state and local levels, so you'll need to check with your state's websites.

To know whether you need a state tax ID, research and understand your state's laws regarding income taxes and employment taxes, the two most common forms of state taxes for small businesses.

The process to get a state tax ID number is similar to getting a federal tax ID number, but it will vary by state. You'll have to check with your state government for specific steps.

### State income and employment taxes for businesses

Seven states have no income tax, and another two only impose tax on income from dividends. States that do tax income will determine figures based on business structure.

Taxes also vary by state on employment insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Understand these and other implications in calculating startup costs and choosing a business structure.

Visit your state's website to identify whether you need to get a state tax ID number in order to pay state taxes.

### Look up your state

Select your state and hit select to view the results.

### Need help? Get free business counseling

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