How to choose the responsible party
On the Tax ID step, pick the person who controls the company, usually the main owner. They are named on the EIN application and sign it.
Your order includes the application for your company's EIN, its federal tax ID. One person is named on the application as the responsible party.
What a responsible party is
The person who controls the company, usually the main owner. They sign the application, Form SS-4.
Steps
- On the Tax ID step, read "Who is the responsible party?"
- Pick one person from the people on your order. They must have an email on their owner card.
- If that person said they are a US person, answer whether they have an SSN or ITIN. If they do, enter the Last 4 digits only.
- Select Continue.
If the person isn't a US person, no SSN or ITIN is needed, and you'll see "The application is made without one, and you'll be asked to sign it." Not sure about the US-person answer? Our team can help.
Rules
- The responsible party must be a person. A company can't sign Form SS-4.
- You confirm on the Review step that the responsible party signs for the tax ID.
What happens next
You'll sign Form SS-4 separately, once our formation partner prepares it. It appears on Home as Sign the tax ID form. See How to sign Form SS-4.