For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.
Updated on August 17, 2023
How to Get an EIN for an LLC in Kentucky
Do I Need an EIN?
Benefits of Having an EIN
What Do I Need to Get an EIN in Kentucky?
How to Apply for an EIN in Kentucky
Register for Kentucky Taxes
FAQs
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses your business’s employer identification number (EIN) to identify your company, much the way a Social Security number is used to identify individuals.
If your LLC has more than one member or if you are going to hire employees, you’ll need an EIN. But these aren’t the only factors. The IRS offers a test to determine if you need an EIN:
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 answer yes to these questions, your business needs an EIN.
Benefits of Having an EIN
There are several reasons to get an EIN, even if you’re not required to have one.
It’s often required to open a business bank account. However, it creates separation between your business and personal finances because bankers, creditors, and the IRS will identify your business by its EIN rather than your personal Social Security number.
Also, it helps establish business credit, which will boost your access to financing. And, if you do end up hiring employees in the future, you’ll already have your EIN and be ready to go.
What Do I Need to Get an EIN in Kentucky?
According to the IRS:
All EIN applications (mail, fax, electronic) must disclose the name and Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN) of the true principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner or trustor. This individual or entity, which the IRS will call the ‘responsible party,’ controls, manages, or directs the applicant entity and the disposition of its funds and assets. Unless the applicant is a government entity, the responsible party must be an individual (i.e., a natural person), not an entity.
When you fill out the application, you’ll need the following:
Name, title, and Social Security number of managing member or owner
Business address
State in which your business is registered
Reason for applying
Main business activity
Products/services offered
Closing month of your accounting year
Contact phone number and email
How to Apply for an EIN in Kentucky
The application is Form SS-4, and you can submit it via the IRS website. Alternatively, you can print the form and fax or mail it. If you apply online, your EIN will be issued immediately.
There is no cost to obtain an EIN, which never expires.
Register for Kentucky Taxes
You also may need to register for business taxes in Kentucky.
Is there a fee to obtain an EIN for my LLC in Kentucky?
No, there’s no charge when you apply for an EIN directly with the IRS.
Once I apply, how long does it take to receive my EIN in Kentucky?
If you apply online, you can typically get your EIN immediately. Fax submissions take about four business days, while mailed applications may require 4-5 weeks.
As a single-member LLC in Kentucky, can I just use my SSN instead of an EIN?
While some sole proprietors might use their SSN for business, it’s often advisable for LLCs, even single-member ones, to obtain an EIN for better identity protection and business transactions.
Can foreign entities get an EIN for an LLC based in Kentucky?
Yes, foreign nationals or businesses can secure an EIN for their Kentucky LLC. They can obtain one even if they don’t have an SSN or ITIN, usually via mail or fax.
What should I be aware of regarding EINs specifically for Kentucky?
Although obtaining an EIN is a federal process overseen by the IRS, once you have your EIN, you should be aware of any state-specific tax and business regulations in Kentucky.
If my Kentucky LLC undergoes significant changes, do I need a new EIN?
Some changes, like an address update, won’t require a new EIN. However, significant structural changes may necessitate a new one. It’s wise to consult a tax expert in such cases.
