What we'll cover
- What is an FEIN?
- How to register for an FEIN
- I'm a sole proprietor. Can't I just use my Social Security Number?
- Why would a company need a new FEIN?
- What to do when your company's issued a new FEIN
- How to change your company FEIN in OnPay
- How to enter your FEIN in Payroll Taxes
What is an FEIN?
A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), which may also be referred to as an IRS EIN, or Tax ID, is a nine-digit number assigned to a company by the IRS.
This number represents the company with the IRS as an organization or entity, and is not associated with any individual or group of people, owners or otherwise. Every company will need to provide its FEIN when first enrolling with OnPay. It must also be entered in the state payroll taxes section of OnPay. This number is used when remitting all taxes and filing the necessary tax returns on your behalf.
How to register for an FEIN
If you don’t have an FEIN, you can set one up with the IRS. There, you can determine your eligibility and submit your application.
I'm a sole proprietor. Can't I just use my Social Security Number?
OnPay requires sole proprietors to enter an FEIN upon enrolling in our payroll services. This is for the security of personal information, as this number is listed on forms like employee W-2s and contractor 1099s.
Why would a company need a new FEIN?
Starting a new company or business
Generally, new companies who plan to pay employees must obtain an FEIN from the IRS in order to do business in the US. The IRS uses this number to identify employers for the purposes of tracking and collecting employer taxes in accordance with federal tax laws.
Changing or restructuring a company or business
There are certain situations where a company may need to apply for a new FEIN, such as a change in corporate structure, ownership, or entity type. Keep in mind that the criteria for when a new FEIN is warranted varies depending on the type of organization in question, so it's important to check IRS guidance on when a new FEIN is needed before making any changes.
In both cases, obtaining a new FEIN is very much a new beginning for an organization and its relationships with federal and state authorities. This generally affects state registration IDs and associated state tax rates. For existing employers who are issued a new FEIN, this will also mean the creation and setup of a new OnPay account, to ensure accurate tax filings.
What to do when your company's issued a new FEIN
Whether you've started a new company, or your existing company’s been issued a new FEIN, the IRS will send you a CP-575 letter with your official business name, official filing address, and a list of the tax forms your required to file. You'll need to provide a copy of this letter to OnPay when changing your company's FEIN.
How to change your company FEIN in OnPay
If you need to change the FEIN you used to create you OnPay account, contact support through the help menu in your Company Dashboard.
Click the "?" in the top menu, then click Contact Us. This is ensures that the support agent has access to your existing company information to get started right away with your request.
You can also start a support ticket→
How to enter your FEIN in Payroll Taxes
In Company, click Payroll Taxes.
Enter your FEIN in the field in the upper right. You will need to enter your FEIN for every state where you pay employees. Once entered, the FEIN is automatically saved.
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