A business registration number is a unique number allocated to a business entity by regulatory authorities or government agencies to serve as an official ID for the business.
Starting a new business involves multiple steps to ensure you’re ready to offer your goods or services while remaining compliant with rules and regulations. Getting a business registration number is not the same as a federal employer identification number (EIN). Let’s start by discussing the difference.
The Difference Between Business Registration Numbers and an Employer Identification Number
The IRS issues EINs to businesses, which act as unique identifiers for tax purposes, payroll, and opening a business checking account at a financial institution.
Virtually all businesses need an EIN, but it’s important to note that an EIN is a type of business registration number. So, what is a business registration number (BRN)?
There are different types of BRNs depending on the type of business and the location where it is registered. These may include:
- The IRS issues an employer identification number (EIN) for tax reporting purposes. The EIN contains nine numbers formatted as XX-XXXXXX.
- State registration numbers are issued by the Secretary of State when a business registers in their home state.
- Company registration numbers (CRN) are issued by the state or county where the business is registered.
So, what is a company registration number, and how does it differ from a business registration number? Simply put, a company registration number is a type of BRN issued when a company registers as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Introduction to Business Registration Numbers
There are numerous difficulties involved in starting a business that can pile up on your to-do list. Along with planning your budget, establishing goals, and putting a plan in place, you must also ensure that you comply with the law.
Before opening your doors or drafting any service agreements, you must complete many additional tasks, such as registering your business and obtaining any necessary licenses. Depending on your area and industry, you might have to submit an application for a business registration number.
Get your Service Agreement here
Why do I need a business registration number?
Any business registered in the US must take several actions to comply with the law. To handle payroll tax responsibilities and safeguard its identity, your business might require a state employer identification number or EIN (a state tax ID number). It's not the same as a federal EIN or a Social Security number, and it's only necessary for specific states like Michigan.
This number also depends on the type of business organization used by the company and the process being carried out. For example, a single-member LLC filing out their W9 that will not incur any excise taxes and does not have any employees may use the owner’s Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes. However, while not strictly necessary, the IRS still recommends an EIN for banking purposes.
Although a registered identification number is not always legally necessary, it is a good approach to safeguard the identity of your business and should be included in your overall business plan.
How Do I Get My Business Registration Number?
If the BRN you need is a federal EIN, you can get it from the IRS using the following methods.
- Form SS-4 can be filled out completely with the necessary data, and it can then be sent to the IRS.
- You can print the form, fill it out, and mail it to the IRS. Locate the correct address here.
- International applicants can file Form SS-4 by phone by calling 267-941-1099 from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm ET.
The IRS will provide you a number based on your entity type if they determine that your company does indeed require a federal tax ID number. The IRS will typically fax your EIN within a week if you include a fax number on your application.
An EIN can also be requested via mail. You should be informed that if you submit your application by mail, you will need to wait four weeks before receiving your ID number after your application is granted.
Verify that the information on Form SS-4 is accurate before mailing your application. The IRS will review the data you have given, just like with fax applications, to ensure that you genuinely require an EIN.
If you want to trademark your business, register your business name, or stay up to date with registration requirements, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration to learn more.
How Do I Find a Business Registration Number?
The United States Federal Trade Commission issues registration numbers to businesses involved "in the manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale of textile, wool, or fur products."
A registration number is not a requirement for all businesses. However, the FTC’s database makes it simple to locate businesses that require a registration number. You can also ensure the information for your business remains up-to-date utilizing the same database.
For example, this is helpful for confirming the production of a piece of clothing because the RN is occasionally used in place of company names.
How Long Will It Take to Get an EIN?
In order to have your number available when you need to file a return or make a deposit, you should apply for an EIN well in advance.
Applying for a federal EIN online should result in receiving the EIN immediately. You can file a completed Form SS-4 by faxing it to the service center in your state, and you should receive a return fax within a week.
If you choose to apply by mail, send your completed Form SS-4PDF at least four to five weeks before you require your EIN to submit a return or make a deposit.
If your return is due before receiving your EIN, write “Applied for” and the date of your application. If you’ve filed for an EIN, it is crucial that you do not use your social security number.
Importance of State Registration
After completing the IRS business registration, you must register your business with the state's tax authority. Even if your firm only conducts online transactions, you will need to pay taxes at the local and state levels. Permission may be required before you are able to collect state sales tax.
You must receive a federal EIN from the IRS before requesting a state tax identification number. Most businesses need this nine-digit number in order to hire staff, apply for loans, open bank accounts, and do other essential operations.
Getting Business Permits
It is imperative to make sure you have the appropriate permits and licenses for your business before you start providing products or services to clients, even if you are an independent contractor. In some jurisdictions, you need a license, even for an online store or a home-based business.
Depending on your company's location, getting all the permits and licenses can be a long and tedious process involving substantial paperwork and numerous government organizations.
You might wish to employ an attorney to assist you with this paperwork if you can afford the cost.
With expert assistance, you'll be able to complete your applications swiftly and get your permits as quickly as possible.
Helpful Resources:
Employer Identification Number (EIN) | IRS
Table of Contents:
- The Difference Between Business Registration Numbers and an Employer Identification Number
- Introduction to Business Registration Numbers
- How Do I Get My Business Registration Number?
- How Do I Find a Business Registration Number?
- How Long Will It Take to Get an EIN?
- Importance of State Registration
- Getting Business Permits
Table of Contents:
- The Difference Between Business Registration Numbers and an Employer Identification Number
- Introduction to Business Registration Numbers
- How Do I Get My Business Registration Number?
- How Do I Find a Business Registration Number?
- How Long Will It Take to Get an EIN?
- Importance of State Registration
- Getting Business Permits
A business registration number is a unique number allocated to a business entity by regulatory authorities or government agencies to serve as an official ID for the business.
Starting a new business involves multiple steps to ensure you’re ready to offer your goods or services while remaining compliant with rules and regulations. Getting a business registration number is not the same as a federal employer identification number (EIN). Let’s start by discussing the difference.
The Difference Between Business Registration Numbers and an Employer Identification Number
The IRS issues EINs to businesses, which act as unique identifiers for tax purposes, payroll, and opening a business checking account at a financial institution.
Virtually all businesses need an EIN, but it’s important to note that an EIN is a type of business registration number. So, what is a business registration number (BRN)?
There are different types of BRNs depending on the type of business and the location where it is registered. These may include:
- The IRS issues an employer identification number (EIN) for tax reporting purposes. The EIN contains nine numbers formatted as XX-XXXXXX.
- State registration numbers are issued by the Secretary of State when a business registers in their home state.
- Company registration numbers (CRN) are issued by the state or county where the business is registered.
So, what is a company registration number, and how does it differ from a business registration number? Simply put, a company registration number is a type of BRN issued when a company registers as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Introduction to Business Registration Numbers
There are numerous difficulties involved in starting a business that can pile up on your to-do list. Along with planning your budget, establishing goals, and putting a plan in place, you must also ensure that you comply with the law.
Before opening your doors or drafting any service agreements, you must complete many additional tasks, such as registering your business and obtaining any necessary licenses. Depending on your area and industry, you might have to submit an application for a business registration number.
Get your Service Agreement here
Why do I need a business registration number?
Any business registered in the US must take several actions to comply with the law. To handle payroll tax responsibilities and safeguard its identity, your business might require a state employer identification number or EIN (a state tax ID number). It's not the same as a federal EIN or a Social Security number, and it's only necessary for specific states like Michigan.
This number also depends on the type of business organization used by the company and the process being carried out. For example, a single-member LLC filing out their W9 that will not incur any excise taxes and does not have any employees may use the owner’s Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes. However, while not strictly necessary, the IRS still recommends an EIN for banking purposes.
Although a registered identification number is not always legally necessary, it is a good approach to safeguard the identity of your business and should be included in your overall business plan.
How Do I Get My Business Registration Number?
If the BRN you need is a federal EIN, you can get it from the IRS using the following methods.
- Form SS-4 can be filled out completely with the necessary data, and it can then be sent to the IRS.
- You can print the form, fill it out, and mail it to the IRS. Locate the correct address here.
- International applicants can file Form SS-4 by phone by calling 267-941-1099 from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm ET.
The IRS will provide you a number based on your entity type if they determine that your company does indeed require a federal tax ID number. The IRS will typically fax your EIN within a week if you include a fax number on your application.
An EIN can also be requested via mail. You should be informed that if you submit your application by mail, you will need to wait four weeks before receiving your ID number after your application is granted.
Verify that the information on Form SS-4 is accurate before mailing your application. The IRS will review the data you have given, just like with fax applications, to ensure that you genuinely require an EIN.
If you want to trademark your business, register your business name, or stay up to date with registration requirements, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration to learn more.
How Do I Find a Business Registration Number?
The United States Federal Trade Commission issues registration numbers to businesses involved "in the manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale of textile, wool, or fur products."
A registration number is not a requirement for all businesses. However, the FTC’s database makes it simple to locate businesses that require a registration number. You can also ensure the information for your business remains up-to-date utilizing the same database.
For example, this is helpful for confirming the production of a piece of clothing because the RN is occasionally used in place of company names.
How Long Will It Take to Get an EIN?
In order to have your number available when you need to file a return or make a deposit, you should apply for an EIN well in advance.
Applying for a federal EIN online should result in receiving the EIN immediately. You can file a completed Form SS-4 by faxing it to the service center in your state, and you should receive a return fax within a week.
If you choose to apply by mail, send your completed Form SS-4PDF at least four to five weeks before you require your EIN to submit a return or make a deposit.
If your return is due before receiving your EIN, write “Applied for” and the date of your application. If you’ve filed for an EIN, it is crucial that you do not use your social security number.
Importance of State Registration
After completing the IRS business registration, you must register your business with the state's tax authority. Even if your firm only conducts online transactions, you will need to pay taxes at the local and state levels. Permission may be required before you are able to collect state sales tax.
You must receive a federal EIN from the IRS before requesting a state tax identification number. Most businesses need this nine-digit number in order to hire staff, apply for loans, open bank accounts, and do other essential operations.
Getting Business Permits
It is imperative to make sure you have the appropriate permits and licenses for your business before you start providing products or services to clients, even if you are an independent contractor. In some jurisdictions, you need a license, even for an online store or a home-based business.
Depending on your company's location, getting all the permits and licenses can be a long and tedious process involving substantial paperwork and numerous government organizations.
You might wish to employ an attorney to assist you with this paperwork if you can afford the cost.
With expert assistance, you'll be able to complete your applications swiftly and get your permits as quickly as possible.
Helpful Resources:
Employer Identification Number (EIN) | IRS
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