How to Get an EIN in Missouri

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit identifier that the IRS issues to businesses for tax purposes. If you're starting a business in Missouri, you may need to apply for an EIN before you can hire employees, open a business bank account, or file certain tax returns. The good news: it's free and usually takes 15 minutes online.

What Is an EIN and Why You Need One

An EIN functions as a Social Security number for your business. The IRS uses it to track your business tax obligations, and it appears on employment tax forms, business tax returns, and many other official documents. Think of it as your business's tax identifier in the federal system.

Even if your business has no employees, you may still need an EIN depending on your business structure. Missouri does not issue separate state tax IDs; state tax matters use the federal EIN or your Social Security number for sole proprietorships.

Who Needs an EIN in Missouri

You are required to get an EIN if your Missouri business falls into one of these categories:

• You are operating as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), regardless of whether you have employees.
• You have employees and must withhold payroll taxes.
• You operate as a partnership, including a limited liability partnership (LLP).
• You are a sole proprietor with employees.
• You file excise taxes, employment taxes, or certain other tax returns.
• You operate a Keogh plan for self employed income.
• You are a non profit organization.
• You are opening a business bank account (most banks require an EIN for business accounts).

Sole proprietors without employees may use their Social Security number for tax purposes, but many choose to get an EIN anyway to keep personal and business finances separate and to protect their Social Security number.

What You Will Need Before Applying

Gather these items before you start your application. The IRS asks for specific information, and having it ready speeds up the process:

• Business legal name: The exact name registered with the Missouri Secretary of State for corporations and LLCs, or your trade name for sole proprietorships.
• Business address: Your physical Missouri business location (PO Box is not acceptable as a primary address).
• Mailing address: Where the IRS should send correspondence (can be different from business address).
• Business type: Whether you operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, or other structure.
• Responsible party information: The name, SSN or ITIN, date of birth, and address of the person responsible for the business (usually the owner, manager, or officer).
• Start date: The date your business began or will begin operations.
• Business activity description: A brief description of what your business does (for example, "consulting services" or "retail clothing sales").
• Number of employees: How many people you currently employ or plan to employ.
• Reason for applying: Typically "starting a new business" or "new business entity," though other reasons are available on the form.

If you have already filed your Missouri business formation documents with the Secretary of State, have that confirmation handy, though it is not required to apply for an EIN.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Missouri EIN

Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended and Fastest)

The IRS's online application system is the fastest way to get an EIN. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, and you typically receive your EIN immediately after approval.

1. Visit the IRS EIN application page. Go to https://www.irs.gov/ein and click the "Apply for an EIN Online" button. This takes you to the EFILE system.
2. Verify you can apply online. The IRS will ask basic questions to confirm you are eligible to apply online. Most Missouri businesses qualify. If you answer no to any question, you will be directed to apply by another method.
3. Enter responsible party information. Provide the name, title, date of birth, and SSN or ITIN of the person legally responsible for your business. This is typically the owner, general partner, or principal officer.
4. Complete the business information section. Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your Missouri formation documents (or as you registered it with the state). Include your business address (must be a physical street address, not a mailbox). Select your principal business activity from the dropdown list (the IRS provides dozens of categories).
5. Specify business structure. Select your entity type: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, S corporation, non profit, trust, or other. If you are unsure which structure you chose, check your Missouri Secretary of State filing.
6. Provide employment information. Enter how many employees you have or expect to have in the next 12 months. If you have no employees, enter zero. Also provide projected annual payroll if applicable.
7. Review and submit. Double check all information for accuracy, especially your business name and address. Any errors here can cause delays in receiving mail from the IRS or banks rejecting your EIN. Click submit.
8. Receive your EIN. If approved, the IRS displays your EIN immediately on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email with your EIN and a reference number.

Option 2: Apply by Phone

If you prefer to speak with an IRS representative, you can apply by telephone. Call the IRS at 1 833 324 3373. Have all the information listed above ready before you call. Processing takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your EIN during the call. This option is best if you have questions or your situation is unusual.

Option 3: Apply by Mail or Fax

If online and phone options are not available to you, you can apply using Form SS 4, the Application for an Employer Identification Number. Complete the form and mail it or fax it to the IRS. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks; fax applications are usually processed within four business days.

Mail the form to the IRS address for your region (Missouri addresses typically go to Kansas City), or check the current fax number on the IRS website at irs.gov/ein.

After You Receive Your EIN: Next Steps in Missouri

Your EIN is active as soon as you receive it, but there are several important follow up tasks in Missouri:

Register for Missouri State Taxes

An EIN does not automatically register your business with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Visit dor.mo.gov/register-business/ to register for state taxes. You will need your EIN for this application.

• Sales tax permit: Required if you sell tangible goods or certain services. Missouri's state sales tax rate is 4.225 percent.
• Employment tax account: Required if you have employees. You must withhold Missouri income tax, which ranges from 0 percent to 4.70 percent depending on employee income.
• Corporation income tax account: Required if your business is taxed as a corporation. Missouri's corporate income tax rate is 4 percent flat.

Registration is free and typically takes one business day to one week.

Obtain a Business License (If Required Locally)

Missouri has no statewide general business license. Licensing is handled at the city and county level. Contact your city or county clerk's office to determine whether your specific business needs a local license.

Register with the Division of Employment Security

If you have employees, register for unemployment insurance taxes with the Missouri Department of Labor. This is separate from your EIN and state income tax registration.

Open a Business Bank Account

Once you have your EIN, open a business bank account. You will need your EIN, business formation documents (articles of organization or incorporation), and a government issued ID. Separating business and personal funds is essential for liability protection and accurate accounting.

Apply for Business Insurance

Depending on your industry, you may need general liability insurance, workers compensation (required if you have employees in Missouri), or other coverage. Have your EIN ready when you apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mismatching your business name. The name you enter must match exactly what appears on your Missouri Secretary of State filing. Slight variations can cause confusion and delays. If your LLC name is "Smith Consulting LLC," enter it that way, not "Smith Consulting" or "Smith Consulting, LLC."
• Using a PO Box as your primary business address. The IRS requires a physical street address. A PO Box can be your mailing address but not your primary business location.
• Waiting too long to apply. Apply for your EIN before opening a business bank account or hiring employees. Banks often require the EIN before they open an account, and you cannot legally pay employees without one.
• Forgetting to register with Missouri. The federal EIN does not register you with Missouri for state tax purposes. Complete the separate registration at dor.mo.gov as well.
• Providing incomplete responsible party information. If you miss your date of birth, SSN, or another detail about the responsible party, your application will be rejected or delayed.
• Assuming you do not need an EIN as a sole proprietor. If you plan to hire anyone, you must have an EIN. Even as a sole proprietor, getting an EIN keeps your personal SSN off business documents and bank accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EIN in Missouri?

Online and phone applications are approved in minutes. You receive your EIN immediately. Mail and fax applications take two to three weeks and four business days, respectively.

How much does it cost to get an EIN?

There is no fee. The IRS issues EINs free of charge to all eligible applicants.

Can I get an EIN if I have not yet filed my Missouri LLC or corporation?

Yes. You can apply for an EIN before you file your business formation documents with the Missouri Secretary of State. However, you must know your intended business name and structure. Use your EIN immediately after you file your articles with the state.

Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor with no employees?

Not technically, but it is recommended. You can use your Social Security number for tax purposes, but an EIN offers privacy protection and is often required by banks and vendors. Getting an EIN is free and takes 15 minutes, making it a practical choice for most solo business owners.

What if I entered the wrong information on my EIN application?

Contact the IRS immediately at 1 833 324 3373. You can sometimes correct errors the same day you apply, especially for online applications. If the error is discovered after approval, you may need to apply for a new EIN, which is also free.

Can I apply for an EIN for a business I plan to start but have not yet launched?

Yes. Provide your expected start date. The EIN is valid immediately and can be used as soon as you begin business operations.

Does Missouri issue a separate state tax ID number?

No. Missouri uses the federal EIN for business tax purposes. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number, but all LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other entities use their federal EIN.

Disclaimer

This article is informational only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. EIN requirements and tax obligations vary based on your specific business structure, industry, and circumstances. Consult with a qualified tax professional or attorney about your particular situation before applying for an EIN or making business structure decisions. The Missouri Department of Revenue (dor.mo.gov/taxation/business/) and the IRS (irs.gov) provide additional guidance and resources.

Key Takeaways

• An EIN is a free, nine digit tax identifier issued by the IRS.
• Most business structures in Missouri require an EIN, including all LLCs and corporations.
• Apply online at irs.gov/ein for the fastest approval, usually within 15 minutes.
• After receiving your EIN, register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for state taxes.
• Keep your EIN handy when opening business bank accounts and applying for licenses or insurance.
• Do not confuse your federal EIN with local business licensing or state tax registration, which are separate processes.