Federal IRS Tax (EIN) Registration

​An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), is a tax number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity. Generally speaking, most businesses need an EIN. Visit the IRS website to learn more about EINs. You will need to apply for an EIN when registering your business online through the One Stop Business Portal as part of the online registration process. Apply only for an EIN through the IRS website. Not sure if you need an EIN? Read the section below to learn more.

Do You Need An EIN?

You will need an EIN if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions:

  • Will you register your business online through the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal?
  • Do you have employees?
  • Do you operate your business as a corporation or a partnership?
  • Do you file any of these tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms?
  • Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien?
  • Do you have a Keogh plan?
  • Are you involved with any of the following types of organizations?
    • Trusts (except certain grantor-owned revocable trusts), IRAs, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Returns
    • Estates
    • Real estate mortgage investment conduits
    • Non-profit organizations
    • Farmers' cooperatives
    • Plan administrators


If you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, you must apply for an EIN. You may apply for an EIN online through the IRS website. The service is free and you can get your EIN immediately. 

What To Do After Obtaining Your EIN?

Applying for the EIN does not register your business with the West Virginia Secretary of State or the West Virginia State Tax Department. After you've applied for and been issued the EIN by the IRS, you must then register with the appropriate state agency, or agencies, for your specific business type. Register online through the One Stop Business Portal to get your business up and running. 


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