How to Get an EIN in Idaho

How to Get an EIN in Idaho

How to Get an EIN in Idaho

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is your business's federal tax ID. If you're starting a business in Idaho, you'll almost certainly need one, whether you're forming an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship with employees. The good news: getting an EIN is free, and you can have one the same day you apply online.

What Is an EIN and Why You Need One

An EIN is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as your business's Social Security number. You use it to file income taxes, hire employees, open a business bank account, and apply for business licenses and permits.

The IRS issues EINs through their own systems, not through the state of Idaho. This means the process is the same whether you're in Boise, Moscow, or any other Idaho city. What changes is how quickly you need it and what application method works best for you.

Who Needs an EIN in Idaho

You need an EIN if you meet any of these criteria:

  • You have employees (even one part-time worker)
  • You formed an LLC, corporation, partnership, or S corporation
  • You operate a sole proprietorship but choose to be taxed as a corporation or partnership
  • You're opening a business bank account
  • You need to apply for business licenses or permits that require an EIN
  • You're applying for credit or loans for the business

Some sole proprietorships without employees can use the owner's Social Security number instead of an EIN, but most Idaho business owners find that getting an EIN is simpler and keeps personal and business finances separate.

What You'll Need Before Applying

Gather these materials before you start your EIN application. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays.

Required Information

  • Legal business name (exactly as it appears on your formation documents)
  • Business address (physical street address in Idaho, not a P.O. box)
  • Owner or responsible party name and Social Security number or ITIN
  • Business start date or expected start date
  • Primary business activity (what your business does)
  • Ownership structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S corp, C corp, partnership, etc.)
  • Number of employees (if known)

Optional but Helpful

  • Copy of your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation (if you've already filed)
  • Your formation document number or filing date
  • A specific responsible party's title (like "Managing Member" or "Owner")

You do NOT need to have already filed your formation documents with the Idaho Secretary of State to apply for an EIN. You can apply at the same time or before.

How to Get an EIN: Four Methods

The IRS offers four ways to apply for an EIN. Choose the one that fits your timeline and comfort level.

Method 1: Apply Online (Fastest)

This is the fastest method and the one most Idaho business owners choose. You get your EIN immediately upon approval, usually within minutes.

  1. Visit the IRS website at irs.gov/ein
  2. Click on "Apply for an EIN Online"
  3. You'll answer questions about your business ownership, location, and structure
  4. The system will verify your information
  5. If approved, you'll receive your EIN immediately on screen and via email
  6. Print your confirmation letter for your records

Timeline: Same day, typically within 5 to 10 minutes of completing the application.

Best for: Most Idaho business owners, especially those who need their EIN quickly for opening a bank account or filing permits.

Method 2: Apply by Phone

If you prefer to speak with someone or have complex circumstances, you can apply by phone through the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.

  1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933
  2. Select the option for applying for an EIN
  3. Have your business information ready (see the materials list above)
  4. The IRS agent will verify your information and assign an EIN
  5. You'll receive your EIN and a confirmation letter by mail within 5 to 10 business days

Timeline: EIN assigned over the phone; confirmation letter arrives in 5 to 10 business days.

Best for: Business owners who need to discuss their situation with an agent or prefer verbal communication.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Method 3: Mail Your Application

You can complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the IRS. This method takes longer but works if you need a paper trail.

  1. Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov or request it by phone
  2. Complete all required sections (instructions are included with the form)
  3. Mail the form to the IRS address listed in the form's instructions (typically the regional IRS office that handles your state)
  4. The IRS will mail you your EIN and confirmation letter

Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks for processing.

Best for: Business owners without internet access or those who prefer paper documentation.

Method 4: Apply by Fax

For time-sensitive situations, you can fax Form SS-4 to the IRS and receive your EIN faster than by mail.

  1. Download and complete Form SS-4
  2. Fax the form to the IRS number listed on the form's instructions
  3. The IRS will fax back your EIN assignment and confirmation

Timeline: 1 to 2 weeks.

Best for: Time-sensitive applications where you need your EIN faster than mail but prefer not to apply online.

Cost to Get an EIN

Getting an EIN costs nothing. The IRS does not charge any fee for assigning or processing an EIN application, regardless of which method you use. If anyone tells you otherwise, they're misleading you. However, if you use a third-party service like a business filing company to apply on your behalf, they may charge a fee for their service.

Processing Times by Method

Application Method EIN Assignment Time Confirmation Letter Arrival
Online Minutes (same day) Email immediately; mail in 5 to 10 days
Phone Immediately when you call 5 to 10 business days by mail
Fax 1 to 2 weeks 1 to 2 weeks by fax
Mail 2 to 4 weeks 2 to 4 weeks by mail

What to Do After You Get Your EIN

Congratulations, you have your EIN. Now what?

Immediate Steps

  • Save your confirmation letter. This is your official record and proof of your EIN. Keep it with your business records.
  • Open a business bank account. Use your EIN and confirmation letter to open a business checking account at an Idaho bank.
  • Update your records. If you haven't already filed your LLC or corporation with the Idaho Secretary of State, do that now.

Within 30 Days

  • Apply for required business licenses and permits. Your city or county clerk may need your EIN for local business permits. Check with your city and the Idaho State Tax Commission if you need a sales tax permit.
  • Set up payroll (if you have employees). Use your EIN to enroll in federal payroll tax programs through the IRS.
  • Apply for state tax registration. Contact the Idaho State Tax Commission to register for any state tax obligations specific to your business.

Ongoing

  • Use your EIN on all business tax forms and filings.
  • Keep your EIN information current with the IRS. If your business address or primary business activity changes, you can update it through Form 8822-B.
  • File your required tax returns. Your EIN is used on all your federal tax filings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using your SSN as your business tax ID. While sole proprietors can technically do this, getting an EIN is simpler and keeps your personal and business finances separate. It also provides a small measure of privacy protection.

Mistake 2: Applying with an incorrect business name. Make sure the name you put on your EIN application matches your formation documents exactly. If they don't match, the IRS may deny your application or issue an EIN under the wrong name.

Mistake 3: Using a P.O. box as your business address. The IRS requires a physical street address. A P.O. box will cause your application to be rejected.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to mention you have employees. If you have even one part-time employee or contractor classified as an employee, you must have an EIN. Using your SSN is not an option in that case.

Mistake 5: Not keeping your confirmation letter. Store it somewhere safe. You'll need it to reference your EIN, prove its legitimacy to banks and vendors, and show tax authorities if needed.

Mistake 6: Applying through an unreliable third party. Some services charge $100 or more to apply for an EIN on your behalf. The application is simple enough to do yourself for free. If you do use a service, make sure they're reputable.

Tips for a Smooth EIN Application

  • Apply online if you can. It's the fastest, easiest method and you get your EIN immediately.
  • Have your information ready before starting. Don't start the application and then pause to find details. Gather everything first.
  • Use your legal business name exactly as it appears on your formation documents. Copy and paste if you have to, to ensure perfect accuracy.
  • If you've already filed your formation documents, have that information handy. The IRS can cross reference, which speeds up processing.
  • Apply during business hours. For phone applications, call during IRS hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday) for the shortest wait times.
  • Print or save your confirmation immediately. Some browsers don't load the page correctly. Make sure you have a copy before closing the page.
  • Don't apply twice. If you've already applied, wait for your confirmation before applying again. Duplicate applications can cause confusion.

Related Idaho Business Formation Topics

Now that you have your EIN, you may need to complete other steps to legally form your business in Idaho:

Where to Get Help

For EIN questions: Visit irs.gov/ein or call 1-800-829-4933.

For Idaho business formation questions: Contact the Idaho Secretary of State at 208-334-2300 or visit their website.

For Idaho tax and license questions: Contact the Idaho State Tax Commission.

For free business advice: The Idaho Small Business Development Center offers free consulting and training to help you start and grow your business.

Disclaimer

This article is informational only and is not legal or tax advice. EIN requirements and procedures can change. For advice specific to your situation, consult with a qualified tax professional or attorney. The IRS website at irs.gov is the authoritative source for current EIN information and procedures.