Can I use my Social Security number as my EIN for LLC?
Asked by: Dr. Johnpaul Becker | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (42 votes)
Yes, for a single-member LLC taxed as a "disregarded entity," you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) for federal income tax purposes if you have no employees and no excise tax liability; however, getting a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is highly recommended for privacy, business credit, and banking, as many banks and vendors require it, and it protects your SSN from potential identity theft. A multi-member LLC must get an EIN.
Can I use social security instead of EIN?
Yes, for many small businesses (sole proprietors, single-member LLCs without employees), you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) as your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for federal income tax purposes, but getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is highly recommended for privacy and professionalism, even if not always required. An EIN (a separate business ID) protects your SSN from exposure on forms like W-9s, reduces identity theft risk, and helps separate personal and business finances, which is crucial as you grow.
Can I use my SSN to start a business?
But because they're used to identify people, rather than companies, their uses from a business perspective are somewhat limited. Generally, only companies that are structured as sole proprietorships or single-member limited liability companies (LLCs) are allowed to use the business owner's SSN in a business capacity.
Do I need an LLC to get an EIN?
You Can Get an EIN Without an LLC: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is not exclusively for LLCs. Sole proprietors, trusts, estates, and other entities can also apply. When an EIN is Required: Businesses need an EIN if they hire employees, open business bank accounts, or file specific types of taxes.
Can an EIN and SSN be the same number?
It's true that EINs and SSNs are formatted differently, but either way, all TINs are required to be unique numbers, regardless of the location of the dash(es) in the number. It's possible that the IRS pulled up my name after typing in the EIN, and assumed that the company was a single member LLC owned by me.
How to Apply for an EIN Number (Free & Fast)
Should I use EIN or SSN for LLC?
An LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below. Most new single-member LLCs classified as disregarded entities will need to obtain an EIN. An LLC applies for an EIN by filing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
Can I get an EIN without using my social security number?
You don't need an SSN (Social Security Number) to get an EIN. You only need an SSN (or ITIN) if you want to apply for an EIN online. Solution: You can get an EIN without an SSN by sending Form SS-4 to the IRS by mail or fax (instructions).
What should I get first, EIN or LLC?
You should form your LLC first with the state, then apply for your EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS; this order ensures your EIN application uses correct, finalized business details like the official formation date and name, preventing delays or rejections, as the IRS requires a legally formed entity before issuing the number.
What happens if you start an LLC and do nothing?
If you start an LLC and do nothing, it can remain inactive, but you'll likely face state requirements like annual fees and reports, potentially leading to suspension or penalties, and still need to handle federal taxes (like reporting expenses on Schedule C for single-member LLCs) or file corporate returns (if elected as C or S corp), even with no income, while risking loss of liability protection and business credit if you ignore compliance, says LegalZoom, BetterLegal, Law 4 Small Business, Imani Law, and Northwest Registered Agent.
Can I use my personal bank account for my LLC?
As the owner of an LLC, you're under no legal obligation to open a separate business bank account. Technically, you can use a personal bank account in your LLC, but it's ill-advised to do so. If you use a personal account, it's a lot more difficult to file taxes and could lead to serious complications down the line.
Can an LLC be set up under a SSN?
While a limited liability company (LLC) will typically need an EIN, there are some exceptions. Multi member LLCs are required as a business entity to use an EIN to file taxes, but sole proprietors and single-member LLCs are not and can use their owner's personal Social Security number instead.
How do LLC owners avoid taxes?
To minimize LLC taxes, maximize deductions (home office, business expenses, depreciation), leverage retirement plans (SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k)), use tax credits, potentially elect S-Corp status to save on self-employment tax, and deduct health insurance, while meticulously tracking all income and expenses for legitimate write-offs.
Can I open LLC without SSN?
An LLC doesn't require an SSN for its formation. There are exceptions and alternatives to using an SSN for LLCs. Without an SSN, you can use Form SS-4 to apply for and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS [2].
What if my LLC has no income but expenses?
What if I have no income but have business expenses? If you're a member (owner) of an LLC that has business expenses but no income, you'll often still need to file a federal tax return. This is because expenses, including deductions, are considered a business activity subject to federal reporting requirements.
Is EIN more secure than SSN?
An EIN is less sensitive than a Social Security Number (but should still be protected). Can you really use an EIN instead of an SSN on paperwork associated with your business? Absolutely. Legally, you are required to identify the entity of your business with either your SSN or EIN for government forms and documents.
Do I need an EIN if I have no employees?
Every organization must have an employer identification number (EIN), even if it will not have employees. The EIN is a unique number that identifies the organization to the Internal Revenue Service. To apply for an employer identification number, you should obtain Form SS-4 PDF and its instructions PDF.
How much money should you have before starting an LLC?
The short answer is that financial self-sufficiency isn't a legal requirement to become an LLC. But the LLC does need enough money to survive. To do that, you'll do two things: make sure the LLC starts off with 3-6 months of expenses in your accounts.
What is the $600 rule in the IRS?
The IRS $600 rule refers to the reporting threshold for third-party payment apps (like PayPal, Venmo, Cash App) for income from goods/services, where they send Form 1099-K to you and the IRS for payments over $600 in a year. While the American Rescue Plan initially set this lower threshold for 2022 and beyond, the IRS delayed implementation, keeping the old rule ($20,000 and 200+ transactions) for 2022 and 2023, then phasing in a $5,000 threshold for 2024, before recent legislation reverted the federal threshold back to the old $20,000 and 200+ transactions for 2023 and future years (as of late 2025/early 2026), aiming to reduce confusion.
What if my LLC makes no money its first year?
All corporations are required to file a corporate tax return, even if they do not have any income. If an LLC has elected to be treated as a corporation for tax purposes, it must file a federal income tax return even if the LLC did not engage in any business during the year.
How long after filing for your LLC do you get an EIN number?
The time it takes to get an EIN depends on how you apply: Online: Immediately after submitting the application through the IRS website. Fax: About four business days. Mail: About four weeks.
Should you get an LLC before you start a business or after?
This means personal assets (car, house, and bank account) are protected. If your business already earns a profit or if it carries any risk of liability, you should start an LLC immediately. Many folks say you should form an LLC once you earn over $100,000. However, many lawyers insist you start an LLC from the get-go.
Should I get an EIN for my single-member LLC?
If you operate as a single-member LLC (where you are the sole owner with no partners or co-owners), you are not required to have an EIN unless you have employees or file excise tax returns. Still, you may need to obtain an EIN to open a business bank account in the name of your LLC.
Can an undocumented person have an LLC?
Immigrants, regardless of legal status, and even entities based outside of the U.S. may form and own an LLC in the U.S. However, additional information or licenses may be required by your state or local jurisdiction. Businesses who hire a worker cooperative are hiring the cooperative, not a single member.
Can I use both EIN and SSN?
You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one) but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN. List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate or pension trust.
What can I use instead of SSN?
ITIN. An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).