How to Get an EIN (Tax ID) Number in South Dakota

EIN Number South Dakota  - What Is It & How To Apply

Every business owner needs to fulfill their tax obligations, and it starts with getting a South Dakota EIN number, or employee identification number.

Thankfully, it’s simple to get a South Dakota EIN number once you know how the process works. Applying for an EIN is so easy, it’s only two steps: just prepare your required information and apply online or by mail.

How to Apply for a Tax ID Number in South Dakota

To apply for a tax ID number or EIN number South Dakota residents need to fill out the Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS.

You may only apply for one EIN per business day as a responsible party. If you’ve already applied for an EIN today, you must wait until the next business day to apply for another one.

Prepare the Required Information

Start by prepping all the information you’ll need to complete the Form SS-4. To start, you’ll need to collect:

● Legal name of the business entity

● Trade name of your business

● Legal name of executor, trustee, or administrator

Name of a responsible individual

● Mailing address, street address, and county location

● Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) information

●     Type of entity

Besides that, you’ll also need to collect some data, including:

● The date of your business acquisition or formation

● Closing month of your accounting year

● Highest number of employees you expect to have this year

●     First date you paid wages as an employer

While applying for an EIN number South Dakota residents can consider whether they should select a third-party designee. You may need a third-party designee if you foresee not being able to answer questions about the Form SS-4 (for instance, if you’re traveling or otherwise unavailable). If you do want to designate a third-party designee, have this person’s name ready before you apply for an EIN.

Apply Online

You can fill out the Form SS-4 remotely online. However, you can only apply for an EIN number online in South Dakota if you qualify. To qualify, you must:

● Have a principal business located in the U.S. or a U.S. territory

●     Have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (e.g. social security number)

From there, follow the online application’s prompts. The online application requires the same information and data as a paper application, so the preparation process is the same.

When you apply online, it’s important to set aside enough time to complete the whole application in one sitting. The EIN application times out after 15 minutes, so stepping away from the application can mean starting over from scratch.

After the online application process is finished, you’ll receive your South Dakota tax ID number immediately. That’s the biggest benefit of applying online – no need to wait to receive your EIN.

Submit Your Application By Mail

To apply for an EIN number South Dakota residents can choose to mail their Form SS-4. Simply print a copy of the Form SS-4 and complete it using the information you gathered earlier.

Once the form is complete, simply sign it, date it, and mail it to the address listed in Where to File or Fax, the instructions that accompany the Form SS-4. There are separate addresses to use depending on whether you reside in the United States or outside of it, so make sure your form goes to the correct place.

Be sure to complete and mail the application at least four to five weeks before you need to use your new South Dakota EIN number. That’s because it takes about five weeks of processing time to receive a new EIN by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Tax ID Number (EIN) & Do I Need One In South Dakota?

An EIN is a nine-digit number that identifies you as an employer, sole proprietor, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, or other individual who pays business or employment taxes. If you operate a business in South Dakota, then you should have an EIN.

Are EINs Issued By the South Dakota Secretary of State?

EINs are not issued by the South Dakota Secretary of State. Tax ID numbers are issued by the IRS for South Dakota businesses (and businesses in all other states).

Is An EIN The Same As A South Dakota Tax ID Number?

An EIN is the same as a South Dakota tax ID number for businesses and employers. But it’s not the same as a TIN, a taxpayer’s identification number which is a number for an individual.