Both the federal government and the State of Illinois issue ID numbers.

A business must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if it is a:

• Partnership,
• Corporation,
• LLC, or
• Sole proprietorship with employees from whom taxes are withheld.

Some sole proprietorships may want to get an EIN, even if they aren't required to, so they don't have to give out their Social Security number to third parties.

This is done by filing IRS Form SS-4 or by calling the IRS at (800) 829-4933. If you call, it is best to have a blank copy of Form SS-4 in front of you. The form can be downloaded from the IRS website.

The IRS has an online application so that you can fill out a questionnaire and get your EIN instantly once you submit it. Use caution elsewhere. Please be aware that there are a lot of internet businesses with websites that look like they are the IRS in an effort to get you to input your information and pay them. Read any other website carefully to make sure it is the actual IRS and not someone else.

Your business needs to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue if you conduct business in Illinois or with Illinois customers. Your business must obtain an Illinois Business Tax number from the Illinois Department of Revenue.

There are several ways to register:

• Online through their website,
• Mail in the appropriate form (and applicable schedule forms) available for printing off their website,
• Visit one their offices, or
• Call (800) 732-8866.

You are supposed to register your business before you:

• Make any purchases or sales, or
• Hire any employee.

When you register the business, ask if the company is eligible for a resale number that allows it to purchase goods and services for resale without paying “sales and use” taxes. To ask this and other questions, you may call them at the (800) 732-8866 or (217) 782-3336.