California Tax ID (EIN) Number Application Guide
Your California business will most likely need a tax ID, but do you know the best way to get one? Most businesses, whether you need a tax ID for a pizza shop or a trucking business, you will likely end up needing a tax ID for one reason or another, regardless of what structure they’re using. LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and even nonprofits will need to register with the government to get one. However, there are multiple application methods you could conceivably use, and some of them are objectively better than others. This article will teach you the difference.
Steps to Get a California Tax ID (EIN) Number :
- Gather Business Information
- Apply for a California Tax ID Using the Online Application
- Get a California Tax ID Through Traditional Methods
- How Does a Business Owner Get a Tax ID in California?
- How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Tax ID Number in California?
- California State Tax ID Number: What Is It and How to Get It
1. Gather Business Information
The process for getting a tax ID requires you to fill out an application for your business, so it’s helpful to prepare the necessary information in advance. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have to look far to get these pieces of information. You’ll need to note the full legal names and addresses of all your business’s founding members; this includes you and any partners with whom you’re starting the business. Make sure you also get their social security numbers (SSNs), since you’ll need these to complete the application. Once you have these pieces of information, you should be able to complete the application in mere minutes.
2. Apply for a California Tax ID Using the Online Application
There are a few different angles you can take for the tax ID application. No matter what, you’ll follow the same basic formula; you’ll need to fill out a questionnaire, answering key questions about your business and its founding members. This will register your business with the government, at which point, you’ll obtain your tax ID number.
The fastest and easiest way to get a tax ID number for your business, whether you need a tax id for an automotive shop is with the online EIN application method. You can access this application using any device that has an internet connection, and it should be easy to navigate. If you have all the requisite information for the questionnaire, you should be able to complete it in a mere 5 minutes. Once done, you’ll submit the form, and you’ll get to receive your tax ID in an hour or less. This makes the online application ridiculously faster than any other method.
3. Get a California Tax ID Through Traditional Methods
Traditional application methods for getting your tax ID also exist. Like with the online application, you’ll complete a questionnaire about your business and its founding members, but these alternative methods rely on more traditional mediums. For example, you can talk to someone over the phone to complete your application, or you can fill out a paper application and mail or fax it in.
The problem with these methods is the processing time. When finished, you’ll be forced to wait 4 to 6 months to receive your tax ID by mail. Compared to the hour turnaround time of the online application, this is egregious.
4. How Does a Business Owner Get a Tax ID in California?
In California, most businesses will be required to get a tax ID number, also known as an employer identification number, or EIN. This 9-digit, unique number identifies your business, and is used for a wide variety of purposes; for example, you’ll need one if you’re going to hire employees or if your business will have multiple partners. You’ll include one on almost any type of paperwork you fill out, including partnership agreements with other businesses and applications for business licenses and permits. You’ll also need one if you’re going to apply for a business bank account, a line of credit, or a loan.
To get a tax ID number, you’ll need to register your business with the government via an application. This application will prompt you for a few pieces of information on your business partners and your business as a whole, but it shouldn’t take too long to fill out. While traditional application methods are available, it’s much more efficient to apply online. When you apply for a tax ID online, you can usually finish the application within a few minutes, and receive your tax ID via email an hour later.
5. How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Tax ID Number in California?
California business owners are usually eager to start generating revenue as soon as possible, but before they can start making money, they need to have a tax ID number in place. So how long can you expect to wait for your tax ID number to arrive? The answer largely depends on the method you use to apply for your tax ID. No matter what, it probably won’t take long to answer the questions on the questionnaire. However, if you use a traditional method to apply (like applying via phone, mail, or fax), you’ll likely have to wait 4 to 6 weeks to get your tax ID by mail. If you’re interested in getting your tax ID faster, you’ll need to use the online application. If you apply online, you should get your tax ID in an hour following your completion.
6. California State Tax ID Number: What Is It and How to Get It
You may also hear that your business requires a California state tax ID number. When most people use the general term tax ID, they’re talking about your EIN, or federal tax ID number. However, California also issues a tax ID number that applies at the state level, when you register your business with the state government of California.
You’ll need a California state tax ID number if your business is going to hire employees in the state, if you’re going to sell taxable goods and services in the state, or if you need to factor in excise taxes for certain regulated products. Like with your EIN, there are a few ways to get one. However, the online application method is the fastest and easiest. First, you’ll need to get your federal tax ID number. When you have that in place, you can access the online application using any internet-connected device. Answer the questionnaire, submit it, and you should get your state tax ID in 4 to 6 weeks.