Washington Tax ID (EIN) Number Application | How to Apply Online

Looking to obtain your Tax ID (EIN) Number in Washington? This short Washington Tax ID Application Guide will walk you through the basic steps you need to follow to apply for your Tax ID (EIN) Number in the state of Washington. Whether you own a Partnership, multi-member LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit, Trust or Estate, this guide will help you learn what you need to know to obtain your official IRS Tax ID Number within minutes.

Steps to Obtain your Tax ID (EIN) Number in Washington:

1. Prepare Required Information
2. Apply for a Washington Tax ID Online
3. Apply for a Washington Tax ID by Phone, Mail or Fax
4. Is an EIN Number the Same as a Tax ID Number?
5. How Do I Get a Tax ID Number?
6. How Do I Get a Washington State Tax ID Number?

1. Prepare Required Information

Before you begin the application process for either tax ID in Washington, you'll want to prepare the required pieces of information. These may vary depending on how you're applying, but generally, you'll need:

• Your name, address, and SSN. Have your full legal name ready, as well as your social security number (SSN), and your home address.
• The names, addresses, and SSNs of all founding members. You'll also need the names, addresses, and SSNs of all your founding members and partners.
• Your business name. You should have an original business name decided on before you apply for a tax ID.
• Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement. Though you may be able to get a tax ID without one, it's wise to have your articles of incorporation or your partnership agreement drafted before you begin the process.

2. Apply for a Washington Tax ID Online

When you begin the process of applying for a Washington tax ID, you'll want to choose the method that gets you registered as quickly as possible. The longer it takes you to get your tax ID in place, the longer you'll have to wait before starting your business, and the longer you'll have to wait before you start making money.

Because of this, the best way to get a federal tax ID or Washington state tax ID is to apply online. When you apply online, the process is step-by-step and straightforward; you'll need to answer a handful of questions about you and your business, which shouldn't take more than half an hour. You can submit your information instantaneously when you're all done, without the need to send anything by mail. Then, your business will be registered with the federal or state government, and you'll receive your Washington tax ID via email, usually within an hour of applying for it.

3. Apply for a Washington Tax ID by Phone, Mail or Fax

For those curious about a more traditional application process, there are alternatives to applying for a tax ID online. You may also be able to apply for a tax ID by phone, mail, or fax. The process is similar in that you'll have to answer many of the same questions. However, the phone interview usually takes longer, and you'll have to go through the process of mailing or faxing your paperwork as well. Depending on when you file the paperwork, it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks to register your business, and you may have to wait even longer to get your tax ID numbers in the mail.

4. Is an EIN Number the Same as a Tax ID Number?

One concept that confuses a lot of new Washington business owners is the difference between an employer identification number (EIN) and a Washington state tax ID number. The terminology can be difficult here, but once you understand the differences, it will all seem much clearer.

Typically, "EIN," employer identification number, and tax ID number all refer to the same thing- your federal tax ID, a 9-digit number issued by the IRS. This number registers your business with the federal government, allowing you to file for taxes appropriately at the end of the year, and allowing you to hire employees. This number is also used for many agreements and partnerships, as well as opening new financial accounts and keeping tabs on your business credit.

Your state tax ID is a similar, but distinct number, also used to identify your business, except this number is issued by your state government. You'll need it if you're hiring employees in your state, or if you're selling taxable goods and services in Washington.

5. How Do I Get a Tax ID Number?

You may be wondering whether you need an EIN or a Washington state tax ID number. If you're operating a corporation, an LLC with multiple members, or a partnership, you'll definitely need a federal tax ID. You'll also need both if you're planning on hiring employees in Washington, or if you're selling taxable goods and services in Washington. In some rare cases, a sole proprietorship or LLC with a single member can get by without either number, but most businesses will require one or both.

If you find you need a tax ID number, the application process is simple for both your federal tax ID and your Washington state tax ID. By utilizing our federal tax ID and Washington state tax ID number obtainment services, you can apply online, and get your numbers via email, you can even expedite if you're in a hurry.

6. How Do I Get a Washington State Tax ID Number?

If your business needs a Washington state tax ID number (if you're hiring employees in Washington, are selling taxable goods and services in Washington, or will need to pay excise taxes), the best way to get one is to apply online. With our services, you'll simply need to answer a few questions about your business, and we'll register your business with the Washington state government. When done, we'll email you your new state tax ID number within an hour.

Your federal tax ID number and Washington state tax ID number aren't the only legal requirements your business may face- for example, you may also need a local permit, license or certification. Be sure to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to know for certain.

Washington is one of the most entrepreneurially friendly states in the country, with startup hubs around Seattle, Spokane, Olympia, and Spokane, and more than 590,000 small businesses currently in operation. The state even has an official website where you can download free guides on how to start a business. Plus, in place of traditional state income taxes, Washington implements a business and occupation (B&O) tax on your gross revenue- which in many cases, is advantageous over the taxes imposed by other states.

Whatever your reasoning for doing business in Washington, you'll need a federal tax ID number and Washington state tax ID number.