Applying for Federal and State ID Numbers When Starting a New Business
By: Jim Christensen, Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association
November 1, 2003
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When individuals start a new business, they will need to apply for separate Employer Identification Numbers from the State of Minnesota and the Internal Revenue Service. If the business is an individual or sole proprietorship and is applying for a tax ID number due to employees and tax withholding, the process is fairly brief. See the information below. If the new business is a partnership or corporation, there are additional steps to follow.
Federal ID Number - How to Apply
Go to the Internal Revenue Web Site - (www.irs.gov) At the left side of the Home Page, click on Businesses. On the left side of the Business page, click on Small Business/Self-employed. On that page, click on "Employer ID Numbers (EIN's). On this page, move down to the topic and click on "How to Apply for an EIN." You will see how to apply for an Employer ID Number by two methods (1) Apply Online and (2) Apply by Mail or Telephone. If you are applying online, a Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, will appear and must be filled in completely before submitting the application. If you are uncomfortable with sending the application via Internet, you may down load the Form SS-4 PDF file, fill-in the form, and send it via mail to the Internal Revenue Service Center, Philadelphia, PA 19255.
You can get an EIN within minutes by calling the Tele-TIN phone number for Minnesota, toll free 800-829-4933, or you may fax your completed Form SS-4 to phone number 215-516-3990. Whether you mail, fax or telephone your application, you must have a completed Form SS-4.
MN State ID Number - What to Do
Go to the Minnesota State Revenue Web Site (www.taxes.state.mn.us) This web address will get you to the Minnesota Revenue Home Page. On the left side, see Quick Start for: Business Taxpayers. Click on that heading and on this page, scroll down on the right column and click on Business Registration. On that page, under frequently asked questions, click on "How to Register." To apply for a Minnesota Tax ID, call 651-282-5225 with assistance available from 9:00am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. In most cases, a Minnesota Tax ID will be issued at that time on the telephone.
If you prefer to mail or fax your application in, do the following: Download the "Application for Business Registration" form along with instructions from the "How To Register" page. Complete the form and mail or fax to: Minnesota Revenue, Mail Station 4410, St. Paul, MN 55146-4410 or fax to: 1-651-297-2265.
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This page was created on 10/02/02 by J. Christensen with technical assistance from M. Werner. Last revised 11/1/03.