How To Get A EIN (Tax ID) Number In Louisiana

EIN Number Louisiana - What Is It & How To Apply

Forbes magazine has called Louisiana a new frontier for American businesses. This is very exciting for people who want to start a business in this state, but before you can reap the bounty of this new frontier, you have to get a tax ID number. The majority of Louisiana business owners need both state and federal tax ID numbers. The federal number is called an EIN, and there are a few different state numbers.

Wondering how to get one? Then, keep reading for an overview of how to get a Louisiana EIN number. The following guide explains the process, and then, it answers FAQs about LA federal and state tax ID numbers.

How To Apply For A Tax ID Number In Louisiana

You can apply for an EIN number online or through the mail. If you’re based in another country, you may be able to apply over the phone, but that only applies in rare situations. To apply, you need to gather some information about your business. You may also have to make some estimates about how many employees you plan to hire and what you expect to owe in payroll tax. Other than that, the process is pretty straightforward. Here is an overview.

Prepare The Required Information

To get an EIN number Louisiana businesses need to gather answers to the following questions. In most cases, the information should be fairly straightforward, but if you’re unsure, you may want to consult with an accountant, business attorney, or business specialist. Here’s the information you need for the EIN application:

  • What is the name of your business?
  • Do you have a separate doing business as name?
  • What are the contact details for your business?
  • What type of business entity do you have?
  • Is your business an LLC or a corporation? If so, where were you established?
  • Who is your responsible party? What are their contact details?
  • How many employees are you going to hire this year? Are any of them going to be classified as household or agricultural employees?
  • Do you anticipate owing less than $1,000 in payroll taxes? If so, do you want to file payroll tax forms annually instead of quarterly?

Beyond those details, you also need to note why you want an EIN. The application has a list of options, and you should just pick the one that is closest to your situation. Often, more than one reason will apply.

Apply Online

Want your Louisiana EIN number as quickly as possible? Then, the best option is to apply for it online. Gather the above details, and give yourself at least 20 minutes to complete the process. Once you’re done, you should get the number right away.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) Sole Proprietor/Individual Estate of Deceased Individual Trust Corporation Partnership Non-Profit Organization Church Organization Personal Service Corporation S-Corporation

Submit Your Application Via Mail

To use the mail to apply for an EIN number Louisiana businesses need to print out Form SS-4. Then, they need to fill out the form — it asks for the details noted above. Finally, they need to mail the form and wait six to eight weeks to get their EIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering if you need an EIN? Curious about the differences between EINs and state tax IDs? Then, keep reading. Here are answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is A Tax ID Number (EIN) & Do I Need One In Louisiana?

An EIN is a type of tax ID number that identifies your business on federal tax forms. To figure out if they need an EIN number Louisiana business owners should consider the following: 1) if they plan to hire employees, 2) if they need to pay any federal excise tax, or 3) if they want to handle banking in the business’s name. These are three of the most common scenarios where you need this number.

Are EINs issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State?

No, the Louisiana Secretary of State does not issue EINs. The Secretary of State also doesn’t issue your Louisiana tax ID number. However, you may need to contact the Secretary of State for many other business formation activities such as registering trade names, setting up LLCs, or incorporating your business.

Is An EIN The Same As a Louisiana Tax ID Number?

No, an EIN and a Louisiana tax ID number are not the same. An EIN or employer identification number is issued by the federal government, and you use it when filing federal tax returns. A LA tax ID number, in contrast, comes from the state government, and you use it on state tax forms such as withholding, sales, and state corporate income tax.