Changing Your EIN When Your Business Name Changes

A client recently changed the name of their businIRSess and asked whether they must obtain a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

First, check whether your type of entity needs a new EIN if it changes its name.

If a new EIN is not necessary, then the business must change its business name with the IRS to register the new name with the pre-existing EIN.  The methods for doing so are as follows:  

Business

 Action Required

 Sole Proprietorship

Write to the IRS at the address where you filed your return, informing the IRS of the name change. Note: The notification must be signed by the business owner or authorized representative.
   

 Corporation

If you are filing a current year return, mark the appropriate name change box of the Form 1120 type you are using: 

  • Form 1120:  Page 1, Line E, Box 3
  • Form 1120S:  Page 1, Line H, Box 2

If you have already filed your return for the current year, write to the IRS at the address where you filed your return to inform them of the name change.  In addition: 

  • The notification must be signed by a corporate officer.

 Partnership

If you are filing a current year Form 1065, mark the appropriate name change box on the form:  Page 1, Line G, Box 3.If you have already filed your return for the current year, write to the IRS at the address where you filed your return to inform them of the name change.  In addition: 

  • The notification must be signed by a partner of the business.

 

Carlos L. McDade, Esq.

One Response

  1. I’ve been included in taxations for longer then I care to admit, both on the personal side (all my employed life!!) and from a legal viewpoint since passing the bar and following tax law. I’ve put up a lot of advice and redressed a lot of wrongs, and I must say that what you’ve posted makes perfect sense. Please continue the good work – the more people know the better they’ll be equipped to deal with the tax man, and that’s what it’s all about.

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