Obtain a tax ID number

Once the state sends you confirmation that your business has been created, you're ready to get going on the next steps! (Don't forget to have your first company meetings from the previous step.)

When you register online, many states will provide you a PDF with your articles of incorporation (or organization). Save it in your Business Documents folder. If you are mailed a letter but like to keep your files on your computer, you can get a scanner app for your phone that will let you take photos of documents and turn them into scan-quality PDFs. Even if don't need a scanner app now, you probably will eventually, because the government unfortunately still does many things offline.

The next step is to get a tax ID number, also called an FEIN or EIN (federal employer identification number). You'll need this number for many government registrations and even to open a bank account. Fortunately, getting an EIN is quick and easy, and you can do so here on the IRS website. When prompted, choose Corporation (and then S Corporation) or LLC, then "Started a new business", then Individual. The rest should be self-explanatory. When you're done, you'll receive a PDF that you can add to your Business Documents folder.

At this point, we'd recommend you create a document in your Business Documents folder called Business Numbers. In it, enter your EIN.

Another thing you can do now is figure out your NAICS code. While this isn't technically required, you'll need it for many government forms. You can look up your code here on the NAICS website. Then add it to your Business Numbers document.

Home

Feedback? feedback@startmybusiness.us