Should I file for an EIN number?

[Andreas]

Hello everyone.

I'm validating my Google Adsense account and I'm wondering if I should file for an EIN instead of using my SSN. Has anyone here filed for an Employer Identification number before? What are you thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[Dharma]

If you're going into business as a sole proprietor, there's no need to get an EIN.

I am a sole proprietor but I got an EIN because my bank couldn't keep my business and personal accounts separate since they key off of SSN/EIN number.

It was very easy to set up:
Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Online

[Andreas]

What about a TIN? I was reading around, and Google seems to think TIN is important:

What if I don't have a tax I.D.?

If you do not have a tax I.D. such as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN), and are either a U.S. business or individual, or a non-U.S. business with U.S. Activities, as described on our AdSense Tax Information Page, you'll need to acquire one. We suggest that you obtain your TIN as soon as possible. Please note that the process of obtaining a TIN may take several weeks. You can visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for more information on obtaining a U.S. TIN: IRS information page.

You may not be required to submit a U.S. tax ID if you do not have U.S. activities and you certify this by submitting the 'Certification of No U.S. Activities' form. Please visit our Tax Information page for more details.

Can I use a TIN instead of SSN?
Thanks in advance.

[hotwired]

HI
A TIN is simply a "tax identification number of some sort", so "tin" can be either an SSN OR EIN (also called FEIN or federal employment identification number) - and here's my take.

1. EIN or FEIN is only for payroll purposes, so if you have NO employees, you don't need one. However ...

2. I just applied for one for my LLC web design company because I realized that I'm putting my SSN on a lot of documents and I don't like that. So by getting an EIN, whenever I need a tax id number for my web business I can use this instead of my SSN. So in other words it lets me keep my SSN to myself much more often!

I'm summarizing here and my opinion is no substitute for a quick read of the irs website on the matter.

[elisabeth]

My sentiments exactly.

I wanted to start with affiliate marketing and did NOT like the idea of giving my SSN to everybody who asked! What with identity fraud and all, spreading that number all over the internet didn't seem very smart. Here's an article I wrote about it:

How To Cash In On Affiliate Marketing Deals Without Putting Your Social Security Number At Risk -- iSnare.com Articles

So I got an EIN, which took me all of 10 minutes on the IRS website. And yes, it will also keep the business income separate, which is a good thing and will help with book keeping and come tax time.

I'd say go get one...

[beel]

I have an EIN, but I also formed an LLC... I guess it depends on how serious you are and how much money you are making. I mainly did it for tax purposes, as in, I have to pay less. I would suggest talking to an accountant regarding your options.

[Andreas]

Originally Posted by elisabeth

My sentiments exactly.

I wanted to start with affiliate marketing and did NOT like the idea of giving my SSN to everybody who asked! What with identity fraud and all, spreading that number all over the internet didn't seem very smart. Here's an article I wrote about it:

How To Cash In On Affiliate Marketing Deals Without Putting Your Social Security Number At Risk -- iSnare.com Articles

So I got an EIN, which took me all of 10 minutes on the IRS website. And yes, it will also keep the business income separate, which is a good thing and will help with book keeping and come tax time.

I'd say go get one...

Nice article, Elisabeth! I'll get one.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Online here i come...

[Andreas]

What can I say? I'm finally getting around to signing up for an EIN off of the IRS website and it says the page cannot be found.

Anyone else having problem with the "Apply Now" link:
Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Online

Thanks.

[Andreas]

Looks like the EIN Assistant is working now.

I'm presented with a lot of choices for the type of legal structure I am:

• Sole Proprietor
Includes individuals who are in business for themselves and household employers.
• Partnerships
Includes partnerships and joint ventures.
• Corporations
Includes S corporations, personal service corporations, real estate investment trusts (REIT), regulated investment conduits (RIC), and settlement funds.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A limited liability company (LLC) is a structure allowed by state statute and is formed by filing articles of organization with the state.
• Estate
An estate is a legal entity created as a result of a person's death.
• Trusts
All types of trusts including conservatorships, custodianships, guardianships, irrevocable trusts, revocable trusts, and receiverships.

I'm leaning towards Sole-Proprietor to start. Am I able to change the EIN over to an LLC if I go that route in the future? I'm guessing Yes since Steve Pavlina talked about switching his site over to an LLC some time ago.

Any clarity is appreciated. Thanks!