can i use my EIN or apply for another??

[mort2610]

a couple months ago i was eager to work as a independent contractor for a courier firm as a side job while my 9-5 was slow. i felt comfortable with the work and had an internal agenda to maybe open a courier business myself so why not use the opportunity to learn the business....i contact the IRS back in may, filled out a SS-4, and got myself an EIN number...xx-xxxxxxx. the paper is one sheet labeled at the top WE ASSIGNED YOU AN EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

that was may. i have not worked with one courier. the plan flopped for a number of reasons. the EIN number was never given to an employer for tax purposes. the EIN was never used to open a bank account. didnt serve one purpose. however the number is still attached to my name and address.

fast forward to now....i have been involved with a venture that seems to have legs. its been somewhat successful so far and i want to take it a step further. i want to form an LLC and expand revenue streams. im not sure if i can use this EIN number or i have to apply for another EIN number?? should i contact the IRS and ask what my options are? when i applied for my first EIN number i think i listed my general business purpose as transportation/courier service. this new venture is not related to that industry at all....however, i still need to form the LLC...should i have my cpa form another LLC and obtain me a new EIN number and just disregard the old one??

what can i do?

[dfveteran]

Well it really depends on what state/city you live in. Things vary, but here is the just of it.

If you never apply for a business license, and you aquire an EIN, that EIN is not valid until you have a business license or certificate(I believe you said you wanted an LLC).

Another thing, if you do have a business license(your LLC), it is usually only good for one year(or whatever your city allows), you need to renew it. In this case the EIN is not valid if you don't have a business license up to date. So if you never renew the license, the EIN is not valid.

You should be able to apply for a new EIN no problem. The IRS will probably tell you to do that anyway.

[dfveteran]

If you do not have a business formation such as a LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp etc you must use your SSN. You can only use it once for no matter how many businesses as it is under your name. Ideally you do not want to become a sole propriter and you want to become an llc or incorporate to protect your assets. Most states in the USA pretty much require a new EIN for every business formation, if you have 5 LLCs and 1 S-Corp then you would need to have a total of 6 EINs.

Hopefully this information has helped.

Good one, I didn't mention that and I should have. Good luck with your venture!

[mort2610]

i forgot to mention. the state is new jersey. i am under the impression that the EIN number is pretty much useless and not really an issue. i can just leave it under my bed so to speak unless i can officially dissolve the unused EIN???

my new venture calls for an entirely new EIN. first step, hire CPA/attorney/legalzoom to form my LLC and in doing so they will obtain a new EIN number from the IRS thats associated with said LLC. the LLC then gets registered with the state and im in business??