EIN for Pennsylvania Foreign LLC – How to Obtain EIN For Foreign Entity


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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To obtain EIN for Pennsylvania foreign LLC one has to follow a few steps. Limited Liability Companies are easier to form than other structures of business. However, it is a bit tricky for the LLCs to form a foreign LLC in any of the states. There can be some restrictions for the Foreign LLCs to form an LLC in Pennsylvania. Take a look at this article to know about how to obtain EIN for your foreign LLC. It will answer all your questions related to EIN, including the procedure for a foreign entity to obtain EIN, the filing cost, etc.

What is a Foreign Limited Liability Company?

An LLC is always formed in accordance with the state rules. The state where the LLC is formed is often referred to as the main state for the LLC. It is where the LLC has its main operational center. When the LLC business members are trying to expand the LLC & wish to form it in some other states as well, the LLC is a foreign entity in the new state. The LLC is formed in the new state will be referred to as “Foreign Entity” or “Foreign Corporation” or “Foreign LLC.” Forming the Pennsylvania Foreign LLC is easier & involves obtaining an EIN.

What is an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?

An EIN or Employer Identification Number works as a Social Security Number for your business. An EIN is a unique 9 digit identification code issued to businesses, by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the U.S.S., for tax filing & reporting purposes.

Are EIN, FTIN & FEIN the same?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also called a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN). So, there is no difference between these three.

Why Does a Business Need EIN?

An LLC will require EIN for the following reasons:

  1. To file Tax returns – EIN makes it easy to file the tax returns with the IRS. The IRS uses EIN to supervise all the business finances of the LLC.
  2. To Hire Employees – To hire employees in the LLC, an Employer will need the EIN. EIN lets the employers set the payrolls of the employee fo every month. IRS tracks the employee’s payroll taxes with the help of the EIN.
  3. To maintain the corporate veil – In an event where someone has sued the LLC or has filed a lawsuit against it, the EIN protects members’ assets. EIN is an essential part of the company’s corporate veil, which differentiates the business entity from its members.
  4. To protect the individual Identity of the member – The Limited Liability Company uses EON for all its taxation & finances. Nowhere in the financial process does an LLC use an individual’s Social Security Number; hence the Identity of individual members is kept safe.
  5. To open a business bank account – Without the EIN, an LLC can’t open a business account. It is essential to get an EIN even for the business credits & business licenses.

When Does IRS Ask for EIN (Employer Identification Number)?

The taxation documents & reports are filed with the IRS, which requires an LLC about its EIN in the following circumstances.

  • An EIN is mandatory for an LLC with employees for tax filing & tax returns.
  • If the LLC is a multi-member business entity, EIN is required for drawing the partnership return files.
  • An EIN is also asked for excise tax filing.

EIN for a Foreign Entity or Foreign LLC

If someone is a foreign person or if the LLC is a foreign LLC, EIN allows them to start the LLC even without the Social Security Number. EIN allows the member of the foreign LLC to collect a payment, distribute the cash in the company & out of the company, hire employees & report or file taxes.

How to Obtain EIN for a Foreign LLC or a Foreign-Owned Corporation?

Following is a step-by-step guide for obtaining an EIN for a Foreign LLC:

  1. Eligibility – Any person applying for the EIN must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number, e.g., SSN or ITIN; only then can he apply for EIN.
  2. FORM SS-4 – If a foreign entity does not have a Tax Identification Number, it will have to fill-up the Form SS-4, an EIN application. This form is for foreign applicants who do not have a social security number or a physical address
  3. Filing the form with the required information – To be able to apply for the EIN, the following information has to be filled out correctly in the application form:
    – Legal Name & Address of the Business
    – The type of Business Entity
    – Reason for the application for an EIN- The name of the country where the business is incorporated
    – Number of employees
    – The industry in which the LLC does its business
    – Accounting Information
  4. Ways to apply for EIN Pennsylvania
    • Online – An EIN can be obtained by applying online on the IRS website.
    • By phone – A foreign entity or LLC can apply for EIN by calling on 267-941-1099, which is NOT a toll-free number.
    • By Fax – An EIN can also be obtained by fax. The LLC willing to obtain the EIN can fax Form SS-4 to 304-707-9471
    • By Mail – A completed form can be mailed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.

Restriction In Business For Foreign Entities In Pennsylvania

To run any business in Pennsylvania, one has to register their business. For a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania, this rule is applicable too. If you are about to transact business in Pennsylvania as a foreign entity then you must know about the following guidelines before you start your foreign LLC.

Doing Business In the State Of Pennsylvania

Doing business in Pennsylvania is similar to transacting business in the state. Pennsylvania law accepts both these terms when it comes to forming a foreign LLC. To form a foreign LLC and transact business in the state one has to register with the Pennsylvania Department of State. After registering the LLC for transacting business in Pennsylvania one has to consider the state sales tax. In order to collect the state sales tax foreign LLCs have to meet the following requirements,

  • LLCs need to have a physical address in Pennsylvania
  • LLCs need to have a store or/and a warehouse in Pennsylvania
  • LLCs need to have a sales representative in Pennsylvania
  • LLCs need to have a physical office in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are no certain limitations for foreign LLCs. However, these requirements are general requirements for the process of sales tax. Hence, any foreign LLC transacting its business in Pennsylvania should fulfill these requirements.

Registering The Business

In Pennsylvania, the registration of a foreign LLC is more or less the same as filing articles of organization in the home state. There are some basic details about the LLC that should be mentioned in the application form. The form can be downloaded from the Department of State’s official website. The following information must be provided in the form,

  • Type of association
  • The name of the LLC in the home state
  • The name of the LLC in Pennsylvania (if not the same). It is recommended to have an alternative name as the original name could be taken by another business in Pennsylvania.
  • Name of the home state in which LLC was formed
  • Address of the LLC’s principal place of service
  • Name and address of the registered agent in Pennsylvania
  • The official address of the office where DOS will send legal notices/documents
  • A statement that clarifies whether the LLC is a series LLC or not
  • A statement that clarifies whether the LLC is a professional LLC or not
  • A statement that clarifies what sort of professional service LLC provides (if professional LLC)
  • An authorized signature

These are the main details that must be provided while registering your foreign LLC in Pennsylvania.

Effect of Non-Registration

If a foreign LLC does not register in Pennsylvania then it won’t be able to bring any case or lawsuit in the state court. Though they can defend. By not registering the foreign LLC in the state of Pennsylvania, LLC members won’t get affected. They will not be liable for any debt in Pennsylvania. It is recommended that one should register the foreign LLC in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practice Act

Pennsylvania law does not consider deceptive trade practices as a crime. However, there are some activities that are restricted in the state. In general, bait-and-switch schemes are very common in business. But false advertisements, misinformation, misleading selling, or creating bait to influence customers to buy damaged products are some cases that are punishable offenses in Pennsylvania. In this case, the civil penalty can be up to $1000, and for a senior citizen (aged above 60 years) penalty can be up to $3000.

How Fast Can You Obtain EIN for Foreign LLC in Pennsylvania

An EIN for foreign LLC in Pennsylvania can be obtained by immediately if applying online and by mail or fax it may take up to 1 week.

Starting a business can be an exciting endeavor. It takes passion, dedication, and vision to bring your ideas to life and capitalize on the endless opportunities that come with entrepreneurship. However, when it comes to establishing a foreign limited liability company (LLC) in Pennsylvania, there are certain administrative tasks that need to be addressed before your business can fully operate within the state. One of these important tasks is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your foreign LLC.

An EIN is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business entity for tax purposes. This number is essential for ensuring compliance with federal tax laws and conducting financial transactions on behalf of your foreign LLC. Without an EIN, you may be unable to open a business bank account, file taxes, hire employees, or apply for necessary licenses and permits.

Understandably, the speed at which you can obtain an EIN for your foreign LLC is of utmost importance, as delays in this process could potentially hamper your business operations and introduce unnecessary complexities. Thankfully, in recent years, the process for obtaining an EIN in Pennsylvania has become more streamlined, facilitating a faster turnaround time for foreign businesses.

To obtain an EIN for your foreign LLC, there are several methods available to you. The most efficient and convenient method is online application through the IRS website. Utilizing the internet to submit your EIN application significantly expedites the process, ensuring that you receive your identification number promptly. This option has gained popularity due to its simplicity, as it eliminates the need for physical paperwork and reduces the potential for errors or missing information.

When applying for an EIN online, it is important to gather all the necessary details and documents required to complete the application. This includes your business’s legal name, mailing address, responsible party’s information, and the reason for applying, among other pertinent information. Having these details readily available will help you complete the online form accurately and expedite the approval process.

Upon submitting your online application, the IRS processes most EIN requests immediately. In many cases, you will receive your EIN instantly, allowing you to proceed with establishing your foreign LLC in Pennsylvania without unnecessary delays. However, some EIN applications may require additional review, resulting in a slight delay in the issuance of the identification number. Nonetheless, even in such cases, the majority of EIN applications are processed within a few days, ensuring a speedy resolution.

It is worth mentioning that for businesses where accuracy and speedy EIN issuance are crucial, professional service providers can streamline the process further. These providers specialize in assisting foreign business owners with all the necessary paperwork and make direct contact with the IRS on their behalf. By utilizing their expertise and dedicated support, business owners can focus on strategy and operations, confident that the EIN acquisition process is being efficiently handled by professionals.

In conclusion, obtaining an EIN for your foreign LLC in Pennsylvania should not be a burdensome task. With the ease and convenience of online applications, coupled with the relatively fast turnaround times, business owners can expect a streamlined process when obtaining an EIN promptly. As such, entrepreneurs can swiftly establish their foreign LLCs in the state, ready to seize the countless opportunities and navigate the exciting realm of business in Pennsylvania.

FAQ

How to obtain EIN for foreign LLC in Pennsylvania?

To obtain EIN for your foreign LLC, you have to apply for it from IRS. Fill up the Form-SS4 and send it via phone, fax mail or submit it online.

Do I need to obtain EIN for foreign LLC always?

If you’re a self-employed individual then you do not have to obtain EIN, you can use your social security number to form an LLC.

Are EIN and TIN the same or different?

EIN and TIN (Tax Identification Number) are the same things. IRS issues both the identification numbers to the businesses. It is an eight-digit identification number issued by the IRS.

Do I need a Third Party Designee to obtain EIN for Foreign LLC?

It is not mandatory to have a third-party designee obtain EIN. A third-party designee is an individual appointed by the LLC. That person will be responsible for fill-up the form SS-4 by answering all the questions and also can receive the issued EIN if applied by phone.

How Fast Can You Obtain Ein for Foreign LLC in Pennsylvania

One of the primary concerns for foreign LLCs looking to obtain an EIN in Pennsylvania is the speed at which they can complete the process. The good news is that the process of obtaining an EIN for a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania is relatively straightforward and can be completed quickly with the right information and preparation.

The first step in obtaining an EIN for a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania is to determine if the LLC is eligible to apply for an EIN. Generally, foreign LLCs are required to have a physical presence in the United States, such as an office or a designated agent, in order to apply for an EIN. If the foreign LLC meets this requirement, it can then proceed with the application process.

The most efficient way to apply for an EIN for a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania is to do so online through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. The online application process is user-friendly and allows applicants to receive their EIN immediately upon completion of the application. This means that foreign LLCs can obtain their EIN quickly and seamlessly without any unnecessary delays.

In addition to the online application option, foreign LLCs can also apply for an EIN by mail or fax. While these methods may take longer to process compared to the online application, they are still viable options for foreign LLCs seeking to obtain an EIN in Pennsylvania.

It is important for foreign LLCs to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation and information ready before applying for an EIN. This includes having a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) for a designated responsible party. Foreign LLCs should also have their business formation documents, such as their Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement, on hand to provide the required information for the EIN application.

Overall, the process of obtaining an EIN for a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania can be completed quickly and efficiently, especially if foreign LLCs take advantage of the online application option. By ensuring that all necessary information is readily available and following the proper steps outlined by the IRS, foreign LLCs can obtain their EIN with ease, allowing them to quickly establish and conduct business in the state.

In Conclusion

Obtaining EIN for any Pennsylvania foreign LLC is a must. This number is required to conduct business, open up a business bank account, report the Taxes to IRS, and so on. EIN is any business entity’s Social Security Number that is mandatory to transact business.

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