Home: Message List - Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

cisaac — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:49:34 GMT

If you're opening a bank account for your LLC, the bank would require a tax ID/EIN number. Any bank loans will also reflect that. You can apply online easily and the form guides you by asking you the right questions about your business. To be taxed different than a disregarded entity, there's an option to later file another form with the IRS. This is where a good accountant can guide you. Also, for the type of business you're starting, you would definitely want to talk to an attorney about possible legal ramifications to avoid when dealing with clients and employees.

-Cheryl-
www.IsaacBusinessServices.com

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

SoCalLawGuy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:24:31 GMT

Look as the LLC as a seperate entity than yourself.It will need a tax ID number to establish credit, open it bank account ect.. Look at it as the SSN for your LLC.

Best of luck with your business. and keep in mind even as a single member LLC you will still need an operatign agreement.

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

mntwins87 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:29:08 GMT

Being taxed as a sole proprietor is not a bad thing. Since she is a single member LLC, her only alternative would be to be taxed as an S corp (or C corp). Being taxed as an S corp may be beneficial, but it depends on the nature of your business. If you do conclude that being taxed as an S corp is more advantagous for your situation, you do not need to create an corporation. Rather, you can elect to have your LLC taxed as an S corp. You should hire a qualified tax attorney to advise you on the best tax regime for your business.

Note that even if your entity is disregarded for tax purposes (i.e., taxed as a sole proprietorship), it is still a legal entity under state law and you will have the liability shield that your state's law provides.

As for an EIN, beginning in 2009, even if your LLC is disregarded for tax purposes, you will need an EIN for all employment tax purposes. So, you should go ahead and file the SS-4 now if you are going to have any employees.

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

GrowthCurve — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:52:58 GMT

You need to speak to someone who is familiar with your situation and who is an actual CPA or tax accountant (someone who specializes in this stuff!), but it's unlikely that you're going to want to be taxed like a sole proprietorship.

Remember that this advice is worth many times what you're paying for it.

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

smoothlounge — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:52:52 GMT

So, all I need to do is complete and send the SS-4 form, stating that my LLC is a "diregarded entity" and therefore, will be taxed as a sole properietorship? Are there any other form I need to be concerned with the LLC? I will be operating a Skincare Lounge offering services and in the near future, retail products in the state of North Carolina.

By the way, thanks for your help and warm welcome to the community.

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

smoothlounge — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:49:56 GMT

It was actually recommended by a tax attorney on a casual basis, not professionally. Why? Should I have incorporated as an S-Corp?

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

Lighthouse24 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:32:32 GMT

As GrowthCurve quoted, the LLC is taxed by the IRS as a pass-through entity (same as a sole proprietorship) unless you elect for it to be taxed as a corporation. So like a sole proprietorship, you can operate on just your SSN. However . . .

Since you went to all the extra expense and trouble to form an LLC instead of sole proprietorship in the first place, I'd assume there are reasons (that either now or someday involve the business entity being legally separate from you personally). So the business really needs its own identification number -- i.e., the EIN.

My suggestion is to apply for one now (you can do it on-line in minutes), and start using it in all situations for the business entity. As a single member LLC, you will still have to provide your SSN along with the EIN (e.g., to the bank, creditors, etc.) -- but unless the business has an EIN, it's just an extension of you for all practical purposes (in which case, you might as well have formed a sole proprietorship).

Hope that helps. Welcome to the community and best wishes.

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

GrowthCurve — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:57:16 GMT

You will find what you're looking for here:

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=158625,00.html

"A single member LLC (SMLLC) can be either a corporation or a single member "disregarded entity". To be treated by the IRS as a corporation, the SMLLC has to file the Form 8832 and elect to be classified as a corporation. An SMLLC that does not elect to be a corporation will be classified by the IRS as a Disregarded Entity which is taxed as a sole proprietor for income taxes."

Why did you go the LLC route as opposed to a corporation?

Re: Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

LUCKIEST — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:21:30 GMT

Single Member LLC, Welcome

Who are you?? Where are you??

Every person in business should have an Accountant and a lawyer.

Ask the Professionals. Good luck

Single Member LLC - EIN/Tax ID still required or SS#?

smoothlounge — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:37:05 GMT

I am so confused as to the answers I have been getting regarding my new business setup. As a single member-managed LLC, I have been told that I can use my SSN as my TAX ID/EIN. Is this correct, or do I still have to apply for an EIN with the IRS? Also, (per an IRS rep), they (IRS) do not recognized LLC's, and said I would have be recognized as some other form of organization? Any suggestions or recommendations on what I need to do? When I filed my Business License/Priviledge & Zoning License, I used my SSN and assume this may also need to be changed?