If you recently started or plan to start a business in Pennsylvania or have another taxable entity one of the first things you will want to do is obtain your Tax ID in Pennsylvania.
Obtaining a Tax ID Number (EIN)
When starting a business in Pennsylvania, 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.
Pennsylvania State Tax ID
Outside of obtaining your Federal Tax ID (EIN) in Pennsylvania you will also likely need a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania State Website at https://www.doreservices.state.pa.us/BusinessTax/default.htm
Cities in Pennsylvania
- Greensburg, PA
- Bensalem, PA
- Lansdale, PA
- Coatesville, PA
- Morrisville, PA
- Hanover, PA
- West Chester, PA
- Washington, PA
- Downingtown, PA
- Pottstown, PA
- Irwin, PA
- Williamsport, PA
- State College, PA
- Lititz, PA
- Norristown, PA
- Upper Darby, PA
- Warminster, PA
- Butler, PA
- Coraopolis, PA
- Collegeville, PA
- New Kensington, PA
- Lebanon, PA
- Canonsburg, PA
- Havertown, PA
- Media, PA
- Chester, PA
- Langhorne, PA
- Indiana, PA
- Quakertown, PA
- Carlisle, PA
- New Castle, PA
- Altoona, PA
- Reading, PA
- Bethlehem, PA
- Mechanicsburg, PA
- Ephrata, PA
- Ambler, PA
- Uniontown, PA
- Aliquippa, PA
- Glenside, PA
- Kingston, PA
- Bloomsburg, PA
- Drexel Hill, PA
- Elizabethtown, PA
- Bethel Park, PA
- Newtown, PA
- East Stroudsburg, PA
- Meadville, PA