Delaware EIN Number
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Having an employment identification number (EIN) isn’t required if you have a small business and you haven’t hired employees. However, it’s worth getting ahead of time, as things can change in the future. Plus, an EIN is often needed for things like filing tax returns and opening business bank accounts, so it’s better to be prepared.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting a Delaware EIN.
What's a Delaware EIN?
- Federal tax ID number
- Federal employer identification number (FEIN)
- Federal tax identification number (FTIN)
- Delaware federal tax ID number
How to Get a Delaware EIN
The first thing you should know is that you don’t get a Delaware EIN from the Secretary of State. Instead, it’s something that the IRS provides.
How you get a Delaware EIN will depend on whether or not you’re a US citizen/resident. Either way, it’s completely free to get a Delaware EIN.
US Citizens and Residents
US citizens and residents will have a Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs). This will make it a simple process to request a Delaware EIN, as you can just fill out your application online.
You’ll use the EIN assistant on the IRS’s website, which is available from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm EST. You can also download Form SS-4 from the IRS’s website if you want to apply by phone, fax, or mail. However, this will take longer, so we don’t recommend this route if you’re in a rush.
Here’s the information you’ll need for the application:
- Your LLC's legal name
- The state it's registered in
- The principal office address of your LLC
- All your LLC member names
- The responsible party's name and Social Security number
- The reason for obtaining the EIN
Non-Citizens
Non-US citizens are people who don’t have an SSN or ITIN. They’ll have to download the SS-4 Form, fill it out, and then send it to the IRS. You can do this by fax or mail, although faxing is the faster choice.
Check out this complete guide for more information on filling out the SS-4 Form.
Delaware EIN Approval
Those who apply online will get their EIN confirmation letter immediately. However, if you have to mail or fax your application, it’ll take longer to get your approval. It can take 2-6 weeks for fax submissions and 4-8 weeks for mail submissions.
Delaware EIN FAQs
Got more questions about Delaware EINs? Then read our FAQs.
What can I use a Delaware EIN for?
As we've said before, you can use it for filing tax returns and opening business bank accounts. In addition, you can:
- Hire employees
- Operate a partnership or corporation
- Pay sales and excise taxes
- Change business structures or ownership
- Administer certain trusts, retirement plans, and estates
When should I apply for my Delaware EIN?
You should only apply for a Delaware EIN after you've received approval for your LLC formation. If you've done so beforehand, but your LLC gets approved, you won't have to do anything. However, you'll have to refile your LLC application, cancel the current EIN, and then get a new EIN based on the new business.
Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN?
If you operate as a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC without employees, you can use your SSN. However, an EIN is often recommended for privacy and banking purposes.
Do I need a Delaware state tax ID in addition to an EIN?
Yes, if your business is required to collect sales tax or withhold payroll taxes, you must register for a Delaware state tax ID with the Delaware Division of Revenue.
What if I lose my EIN?
If you lose your EIN, you can:
- Check IRS correspondence
- Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933
- Look at past tax returns or bank account documentation
Can I cancel or transfer my EIN?
EINs are never reused or transferred. If you close your business, you can notify the IRS, but the EIN remains assigned to your business entity.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business structure?
Yes, if you change from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you typically need a new EIN.
Step-by-Step Guide to
Forming a Delaware LLC
Delaware LLC Starter Guide
A step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Delaware, covering all legal and operational requirements.
1. Delaware Name Search
Learn how to check the availability of your desired LLC name and ensure compliance with Delaware naming rules.
3. Delaware Certificate of Formation
Find out how to file the Certificate of Formation, the official document that establishes your LLC.
4. Delaware Operating Agreement
Discover why an Operating Agreement is crucial for defining the structure and management of your LLC.
