EIN / Federal Tax ID Application
Your LLC exists on paper, but the bank won't open an account and payroll won't run without a federal tax ID. We prepare the application and get it right the first time.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a non-attorney document preparation service and cannot provide legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created. Read full disclaimer
Quick Answer
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the federal tax ID the IRS assigns to a business. Michigan businesses generally need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, file business tax returns, and apply for licenses or credit. The IRS does not charge a fee to issue an EIN — the application is IRS Form SS-4, and the IRS is the only party that can issue the number. Where people run into trouble is choosing the wrong entity classification, listing the wrong responsible party, or applying before the entity is actually formed with the state. Clear Path prepares and submits the application for you as a document preparation service. We review your situation first, then send a written quote — nothing is purchased online, and we never charge you for the IRS's free number itself, only for the preparation work.
Who qualifies for this service?
This document preparation service is a fit for Michigan residents who match the criteria below. If your situation is different, contact us and we'll tell you whether we can help or whether you should speak with an attorney.
- New Michigan LLCs and corporations that just filed with the state
- Sole proprietors who need an EIN instead of using their Social Security number
- Businesses hiring their first employee
- Nonprofits preparing for a 501(c)(3) application
- Estates and trusts that need their own tax ID
- Existing businesses that lost their EIN letter and need a replacement confirmation
- Businesses that changed structure and need a new number
How the process works
Clear, predictable steps from intake to court-ready paperwork.
Send us your business details
Entity name exactly as filed, formation date, address, members or officers, and what the business does.
We review
We confirm the entity is properly formed and that the classification you want matches your situation.
Written quote
Flat preparation fee. The IRS charges nothing for the number itself. Nothing is purchased online.
We prepare the application
Form SS-4 completed with the correct responsible party and classification.
Submission
We submit the application and follow it through to issuance.
You get the confirmation
We deliver the EIN confirmation letter and tell you exactly what the bank will want to see.
Paperwork we organize for you
Document preparation only. We do not represent you in court.
Documents and information you'll need
- Legal entity name exactly as filed with the state
- Formation date and state filing confirmation
- Business mailing address
- Name, address, and Social Security number or ITIN of the responsible party
- Number of expected employees, if any
- A short description of the business activity
- Desired tax classification, if you already know it
Common mistakes to avoid
Small errors can cost you weeks. Here's what we see most often.
- Applying through a lookalike website that charges a fee and implies it is the IRS.
- Applying before the LLC or corporation is actually approved by the state, so the names don't match.
- Naming the wrong responsible party — it must be a real individual with a taxpayer ID, not the entity itself.
- Choosing the wrong tax classification, which affects how the business is taxed from day one.
- Applying for a second EIN when the business only changed its name or address.
- Losing the confirmation letter, which the bank will ask for.
Local Michigan considerations
A Michigan LLC is formed when the Articles of Organization are filed with LARA's Corporations Division, and the EIN application should match that filed name exactly. After the EIN is issued, most Michigan businesses also register with Treasury for sales, use, and withholding tax, and every Michigan LLC files an annual statement with LARA by February 15 each year. If you are also using a trade name, that is an assumed name filing — an LLC or corporation files Certificate of Assumed Name CSCL/CD-541 with LARA, while a sole proprietor or general partnership files with the county clerk instead.
Key Terms
- EIN
- Employer Identification Number — the nine-digit federal tax ID the IRS assigns to a business entity.
- Form SS-4
- The IRS application used to request an EIN.
- Responsible party
- The individual who ultimately controls or owns the entity, listed on the EIN application.
- Entity classification
- How the IRS treats the business for tax purposes — sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation.
People Also Ask
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Ready to get your paperwork started?
Start the guided intake, or call or text us — we review every matter before quoting a price, and nothing is purchased online.