Obtain a North Carolina EIN

The IRS assigns an employer identification number (EIN) and uses it to decide the tax accounts of employers and some certain exceptions who may not have employees. It is needed for many tasks, including opening a business bank account, paying federal taxes, applying for business licenses and permits, and hiring employees.

When used for identification rather than employment tax reporting, it can be called the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). It is a unique nine-digit number that prevents your business from being confused with another. It is often compared to a social security number, but rather than being for individuals, it’s for the IRS to identify your business.

An EIN is necessary if your North Carolina business has any of the following:

1. Employees
2. Operates as a corporation or partnership
3. Files tax returns for employment, excise, alcohol, firearms, and tobacco
4. Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien
5. Uses a Keogh Plan (retirement account for self-employed workers and business owners)
6. Involvement with certain types of organizations, including:
   1. Trusts (except some grantor-owned revocable trusts), IRAs, exempt organization business income tax returns
   2. Real estate mortgage investment conduits
   3. Non-profit organizations
   4. Plan Administrators
   5. Farmers’ cooperatives

See here for additional information on whether you need to file for an EIN.

It is free to apply for an EIN through the IRS. You should file for an EIN before registering your business with the state. There are many methods to apply, including an online application, fax, mail, or telephone.

Method 1: Apply Online

Online is preferred as it is the fastest method to receive your EIN. The applicant must use a different application method if the "responsible party" (see below for additional information) is an entity with an EIN previously obtained online. The application is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. After your application is reviewed, an EIN is provided immediately. The online application is open to all entities whose legal residence, office, agency, or business is in the United States or U.S. territories. International applicants must apply through other methods, including fax, mail, or telephone.

Method 2: Apply by Fax

Taxpayers can also complete Form SS-4 and send it to the IRS fax number listed below for Utah businesses. A fax will be sent back with the EIN within four business days if the information on the form is validated.

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Method 3: Apply by Mail

Taxpayers can also submit Form SS-4 via mail. The application is expected to take around four weeks for the IRS to review. If it is determined that you, the applicant, need a new EIN, one will be assigned and mailed to you. For those who are filing for an EIN in Utah, send your application to the address below.

Method 4: Apply by telephone- International Applicants

Applicants whose principal business, office or agency, or legal residence is located outside the United States can call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time to obtain their EIN. The person calling must be authorized to receive the EIN and be prepared to answer questions concerning Form SS-4. This is also an option for Utah businesses who prefer this method of filing over the others listed previously for whatever reason.

It is important to distinguish between two types of tax ID numbers. As mentioned previously, the Federal Tax ID number is your business’s EIN. Your EIN is used for federal purposes. The State Tax ID number is similar to your EIN but is used to pay taxes at the local or state level.

Your North Carolina state tax ID number is required if you hire employees or require sales tax exemption permits. If you are also selling any taxable goods and services or are selling regulated goods such as alcohol or tobacco where you will need to pay excise taxes, you must also apply for the state tax ID number.

Like the EIN steps outlined above, you can obtain a Utah state tax ID number through phone, mail, fax, or online. As with the EIN, online applications are processed more quickly and are preferable. Visit the official state website of North Carolina for additional information on how to apply for a State Tax ID number in North Carolina.

Daily Limitation of EIN

The IRS limits EIN issuance to once daily per responsible party. This limitation applies to all EIN application methods (online, fax, mail, or phone).

Responsible Party

Regardless of the EIN application method, you must provide the owner, trustor, general partner, or true principal officer's name and taxpayer identification number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN). They will be referred to as the "responsible party" by the IRS. This individual will be responsible for controlling, managing, or directing the applicant entity and the disposition of its funds and assets. The responsible party is typically an individual, and the only exception is if they are a government entity.

EINs don't expire; once issued to an entity, another business can never recycle them. The only way to cancel an EIN is if it is determined that you never needed one after the IRS has already administered one. For instance, if your business never started running, a request can be sent to the IRS to close your business account.

To proceed with closing a business account, send a letter that includes the complete legal name of the business, the EIN, the business address, and a reason for closing. Also, include the EIN assignment notice if that was issued when the EIN was assigned. Send the documents to the following address:

If the business dissolves, the EIN will become inactive, closing your account with the IRS. There is no need to take additional steps to cancel your EIN.

A new EIN is unnecessary if there are changes to your business, including the location or business name. File the Statement of Correction with a non-refundable processing fee of $10. You can print the form from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Also, the form cannot be handwritten.

If you were assigned an EIN but lost it, you can find it in these ways:

1. Locate the EIN assignment notice received when you applied for and received the number. It should have it listed.
2. Contact financial institutions where you used your EIN to open accounts or apply for a loan. They will have it on your applications or files.
3. Speak to the state or local agencies you went through to apply for licensing. They should have your EIN on file.
4. Find your business tax returns. The EIN will be listed on these documents.
5. Finally, you can call 800-829-4933, the IRS business and Specialty Tax Line. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday Eastern time. The IRS will provide the EIN to the “responsible party” defined above. You will provide some identifying information to prove your authorization.

If you have any additional questions, please contact 800-829-4933, the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.

When you're prepared to form your North Carolina LLC and have any questions please contact us. You can reach us by filling out the contact form or giving us a call at +1 (307) 683-0983. Our team of experienced paralegals is here to provide support and guidance.