Form SS4 refers to the Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) that needs to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In this article, we’re going to share everything you need to know about Form SS4, including how to complete and submit IRS Form SS4, and answers to common questions we receive on the topic.
This article is part of our free US business banking series on how to open a US business bank account for non-residents, which you can access right now by clicking here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- What Is Form SS4?
- How to Complete and Submit IRS Form SS4?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
What Is Form SS4?
Form SS4 refers to the application that needs to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to obtain an Employer Identification Number. It is also referred to as an EIN application, SS4 Form, or a US company tax ID application.
In short, Form SS4 is one of the many tax forms received by the IRS. However, this particular form is the only way to obtain a Federal tax identification number for your business, otherwise known as your business tax ID or EIN.
Importantly, the EIN is unique to the business and it is not a personal taxpayer identification number. Instead, individuals will need to obtain either a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The process to obtain an EIN is relatively straightforward. In most cases, it is completed as part of the business registration process. However, if your registered agent does not obtain an EIN for you, you will need to get one for yourself in order to comply with Federal tax requirements and complete an annual tax filing.
If you already have an EIN and you need to locate it, you can review any tax document that you have received from the IRS for your business, and it will be listed.
Additionally, when opening business bank accounts, whether it’s with the best bank for a business account, the largest US bank, or even a small bank, US banks will want to see both your business tax ID and your personal tax ID.
Individuals who are searching for US business banking options, specifically the best bank for a small business, can access our free guide that’s linked here to get started. Alternatively, continue reading to learn how to complete and submit Form SS4 with the IRS.
How to Complete and Submit IRS Form SS4?
In order to complete and submit IRS Form SS4 you will need to confirm specific details about your business, fill in both business and personal information, and then submit the form using the specific methods available to you based on your residency status in the United States (see below).
How to Complete IRS Form SS4
To complete IRS Form SS4, you will need to enter the following information:
- Legal name of your business
- Mailing address of the business
- Physical address (if different from mailing address)
- Primary location of the business
- Full name and taxpayer identification number of the responsible party
- Confirm the type of entity that is applying (e.g. LLC)
- Select the reason you are applying (e.g. banking purposes)
- Confirm the date the business started
- Confirm the closing month of your business’s fiscal year
- Insert the primary activity of your business (e.g. real estate)
- Describe the business activities in greater detail
- Confirm whether you have previously applied for an EIN
- Review the information and sign the form
Important: If your LLC plans to engage in the hiring of employees, local operations, or you are applying for a trust or estate, you will need to complete additional details. The list above is primarily intended for Foreign Owned Single Member US LLCs with no US operations, employees, or Effectively Connected Income (ECI).
How to Submit IRS Form SS4
The methods available to you for submitting IRS Form SS4 depend entirely on your residency status in the United States. With this in mind, here are the two options for both US residents and foreign non-residents.
US Resident Applicants:
If you have legal residence in the United States, you can apply for an EIN directly via the IRS website, by fax, or by email. Using the online application will result in the EIN being issued immediately.
Foreign Non-Resident Applicants:
Individuals with no legal residence in the United States must apply over the telephone by calling the IRS directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions we receive from people looking into what a form SS4 is. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What Is a SS4 Form?
Form SS4 is the official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form that needs to be submitted when applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). To complete and submit the form, you will need to insert detailed information about the business applying and the responsible party completing the application. Importantly, the method that you can use for submitting Form SS4 will depend on your residency status in the United States.
Can I Get a Copy of SS4 Online?
Yes, you can get a copy of Form SS4 online. Additionally, if you are a legal resident of the United States, you can also submit Form SS4 through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website directly. However, it’s important to collect all of the relevant information beforehand in order to complete the form within the allotted time.
What Is the Difference Between IRS SS4 and W9?
The main difference between IRS Form SS4 and IRS Form W9 is their purpose. Form SS4 is an application to the Internal Revenue Service for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) while Form W9 is used to confirm a person’s taxpayer identification, legal address, and legal name.
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