How to Get a Tax ID (EIN) in Illinois

Obtaining a Tax ID Number (EIN)

When starting a business in Illinois, serving as the administrator or executor of an estate, creator of a Trust or operating a Non Profit Organization obtaining a Tax ID (EIN) is a key responsibility. A Tax ID also known as an Employer ID Number (EIN) is a unique nine digit number that identifies your business or entity with the IRS for tax purposes, essentially like a Social Security Number for the entity. A Tax ID (EIN) is used for opening a business bank account, filing business tax returns and in many cases is required when applying for business licenses. In most cases it is helpful to apply for a Tax ID (EIN) as soon as your start planning a business to ensure that there are no delays in obtaining the correct licenses, financing and opening a business bank account that would be needed to operate.

Information to Consider Prior to Applying
Before applying for your Tax ID (EIN) you may want to consider a few things before starting the application including:

• Determine which structure your business or organization will operate as
• Determine the individual or organization that will serve as the responsible party
• Determine the physical address the business/entity will use – A physical address is required for all Tax ID (EIN)’s and a separate mailing address can be specified

Definition of Entities

• Sole Proprietor – An individual who owns a company that is not incorporated or registered with the state as a limited liability company (LLC).
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – A LLC is a structure formed by filing articles of organization which allows members limited liability protection and pass through taxation.
• Corporation – A person or group of people who establish a legal entity by filing articles of incorporation with the state’s secretary of state.
• Estate of Deceased – An estate (or decedent estate) or succession 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.
• Partnership – An unincorporated organization in which two or more individuals share the profits and liabilities of a business venture.
• Church – For tax purposes, a “church” refers to any organization claiming to be a church including temples, mosques, and other houses of worship.
• Non-Profit Organization – Includes public charities, educational organizations, PTA/PTO Organizations, Community Sports Teams, Homeowners/Condo Associates, etc.

Illinois State Tax ID

Outside of obtaining your Federal Tax ID (EIN) in Illinois you will also likely need a Illinois State Tax ID. This ID is needed to pay business taxes, state income tax and/or sales tax on items you sell. Generally the State Tax ID is used for the follow:

• Sales and Use Tax
• Employee Income Tax Witholding
• Sales Tax Exemption Permits
• Excise Taxes for items like Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Oil & Gas, heavy machinery, etc.

For specific detail refer to the Illinois State Website at http://www.revenue.state.il.us/Businesses/register.htm

Cities in Illinois

• Cicero, IL
• Berwyn, IL
• Round Lake, IL
• Des Plaines, IL
• Chicago Heights, IL
• Oak Lawn, IL
• Mount Prospect, IL
• Bolingbrook, IL
• Normal, IL
• Lombard, IL
• Elgin, IL
• Arlington Heights, IL
• Elmhurst, IL
• Dekalb, IL
• Moline, IL
• Barrington, IL
• Pekin, IL
• Granite City, IL
• Evanston, IL
• Elmwood Park, IL
• Naperville, IL
• Bartlett, IL
• Lake Zurich, IL
• Buffalo Grove, IL
• Northbrook, IL
• Streamwood, IL
• Romeoville, IL
• Addison, IL
• Rock Island, IL
• Glenview, IL
• Orland Park, IL
• Carpentersville, IL
• Tinley Park, IL
• Hanover Park, IL
• Gurnee, IL
• Glen Ellyn, IL
• Wheeling, IL
• Park Ridge, IL
• Danville, IL
• Mundelein, IL
• Calumet City, IL
• Kankakee, IL
• Champaign, IL
• Lockport, IL
• West Chicago, IL
• Oswego, IL
• Bloomington, IL
• Grayslake, IL