How to Get an EIN in Wyoming
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses operating in the United States. In Wyoming, your EIN is essential for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing federal tax returns. This article walks you through the process of obtaining an EIN in Wyoming, from preparing your application to receiving your number.
Who Needs an EIN in Wyoming?
An EIN is required if your Wyoming business meets any of these conditions:
- You have employees (or plan to hire them)
- You operate as a partnership, S corporation, C corporation, or LLC with more than one member
- You are a single-member LLC that has chosen to be taxed as a corporation
- You have a Keogh plan or are involved in certain types of trusts
- You are a nonprofit organization
- You withhold income taxes from employees or other workers
Solo self-employed individuals and sole proprietors can file taxes using their Social Security Number instead of an EIN, but many choose to obtain one for privacy and banking purposes.
What You'll Need Before Applying
Gather these materials before you start the application. Having everything ready reduces errors and speeds up processing:
- Your Social Security Number (if you are the principal owner or responsible party)
- Legal business name exactly as it appears on your Wyoming Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation
- Doing Business As (DBA) name, if applicable
- Business address in Wyoming (a physical street address, plus a mailing address if it differs; the IRS does not accept a PO box as the physical address)
- Mailing address if different from business address
- Business type and structure (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
- Reason for applying (starting a new business, hiring employees, etc.)
- Expected date you will pay wages to employees
- Effective business start date
- Principal officer's name and title (if applicable)
If you have recently formed an LLC in Wyoming, your Articles of Organization filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State will contain most of this information. You can search for your business filing using the WyoBiz filing search.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an EIN Online (Fastest Method)
The IRS online application system is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern Time, Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight. You can receive your EIN immediately upon approval. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the IRS Application Portal
Visit the official IRS EIN application page at www.irs.gov/ein. Click "Apply for an EIN Online" to access the Business and ITIN EIN Subscription Service (BITE).
Step 2: Select Your Entity Type
From the dropdown menu, choose your Wyoming business structure. For example:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Corporation (for-profit or nonprofit)
- Partnership
- Sole proprietorship
- Trust
Select the option that matches your business formation exactly. This determines the tax classification and how your business will be taxed at the federal level.
Step 3: Enter Your Business Information
Provide accurate details about your Wyoming business:
- Legal business name (as it appears on your Articles of Organization or incorporation papers)
- Trade name or DBA (if you operate under a different name)
- Physical business address (a street address; a PO box can be used only as a separate mailing address)
- Mailing address (if different)
- County where your principal place of business is located
- Date your business began operations (or will begin)
Accuracy is critical here. Mismatches between your Articles of Organization filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State and your EIN application can delay processing or cause your application to be rejected.
Step 4: Identify the Responsible Party
The responsible party is the individual with control and authority over the business. This is typically the owner, manager, or principal officer. Provide:
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Title or role (e.g., Member, Manager, President)
The responsible party does not have to be a U.S. citizen, but they must have a valid identification number (Social Security Number or ITIN).
Step 5: Explain Your Reason for Applying
Select the primary reason you need an EIN from the IRS list. Common reasons include:
- Starting a new business
- Hiring employees
- Opening a business bank account
- Forming an LLC, corporation, or partnership
- Changing the structure of your business
- Purchasing an existing business
If you are forming a Wyoming LLC with multiple members, select "Forming a partnership or LLC." If you will have employees, also select "Hiring employees."
Step 6: Review and Confirm
The IRS application portal will display a summary of your information. Review every detail carefully for accuracy. Do not proceed until you are certain everything is correct.
Step 7: Submit and Receive Your EIN
Click submit. If your application is approved, the IRS will display your nine-digit EIN immediately on your screen. You can print this confirmation for your records. Write down your EIN and save it in a secure location.
The IRS lets you print your EIN confirmation letter from the screen. Save it with your business records, because the IRS does not issue a physical EIN card.
Alternative Application Methods
If you prefer not to apply online, the IRS accepts Form SS-4 by fax or mail. Phone applications are available only to applicants whose principal place of business is outside the United States:
By Phone
The IRS no longer issues EINs by telephone to domestic applicants. Only applicants with no legal residence, principal place of business or principal office in the United States or its territories can apply by phone. A Wyoming business should use the online application, fax or mail.
By Mail
Complete Form SS-4 (Application for an Employer Identification Number). Download it from www.irs.gov/forms and search for "SS-4." Mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your region. Expect your EIN in approximately 4 weeks. This method is slow but works if you cannot access the online system.
By Fax
Fax your completed Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935. If you include a return fax number, the IRS faxes the EIN back in about 4 business days.
Wyoming Tax Requirements After Your EIN
Obtaining an EIN is a federal process, but Wyoming has separate tax obligations. After you receive your EIN, complete these state-level registrations:
Sales and Use Tax License
If your Wyoming business makes taxable sales, you must register for a sales and use tax license from the Wyoming Department of Revenue, Excise Tax Division. Wyoming's state sales tax rate is 4%. Visit excise-tax-div.wyo.gov to apply. There is a $60 non-refundable application fee. This registration is separate from your EIN.
No Corporate Income Tax
Wyoming does not impose a corporate income tax, personal income tax, or franchise tax. This means your federal EIN is your primary tax identifier at the state level, and you will not owe state income tax on business profits.
Annual Report
If you registered your business as a Wyoming LLC or corporation with the Secretary of State, you must file an annual report every year. The annual report fee is $60 (or two-tenths of one mill on the dollar of Wyoming assets, whichever is greater, for LLCs). This is not an EIN-related requirement but is mandatory for all registered entities.
Timeline and Processing
Processing time depends on your application method:
- Online application: EIN issued immediately (same day), usually within minutes
- Phone application: international applicants only
- Fax application: about 4 business days
- Mail application: about 4 weeks
The application is free regardless of which method you choose. Do not pay any processing fees to the IRS; legitimate EIN applications have no cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Mismatched Business Names
Your EIN application must use the exact legal business name from your Wyoming Articles of Organization or Incorporation. If you write your name differently on the EIN form than it appears in your state filing, the IRS may reject the application or assign an EIN to a name that does not match your official registration. Result: complications when opening business bank accounts or filing taxes. Always copy the legal name directly from your Secretary of State filing.
Mistake 2: Using a PO Box as Your Physical Address
The IRS instructions say not to enter a PO box on the physical address line; a PO box may be used only as the mailing address. If you run your business from home, use your residential address as the physical address. The IRS may reject the application if the address or other details appear invalid or incomplete.
Mistake 3: Delaying the Application Until After You Hire Employees
You must have an EIN before you hire your first employee or issue a W-2. If you are planning to add staff, obtain your EIN before you bring anyone on. Applying after payroll begins creates record-keeping problems and tax filing issues. Apply as soon as you form your LLC or corporation.
Mistake 4: Assuming Your EIN is Your Wyoming Tax ID
Your EIN is a federal tax identification number. Wyoming does not issue a general state "tax ID" tied to your EIN. However, you must register separately for a sales and use tax license with the Department of Revenue if you make taxable sales, and employers register for unemployment insurance with the Department of Workforce Services. Many new business owners confuse these and think an EIN covers all tax obligations. It does not. The $60 sales tax registration is a separate, required step.
Mistake 5: Falling for EIN Application Scams
Some websites charge a fee to "help" you get an EIN. The EIN application is always free directly from the IRS. Never pay a third party for an EIN. Use only official IRS channels: www.irs.gov/ein, the IRS fax number, or IRS mail addresses.
What to Do With Your EIN
Once you have your EIN, keep it safe and use it for:
- Opening a business bank account
- Filing federal income tax returns (Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065, or 990, depending on your structure)
- Hiring employees and filing payroll taxes
- Applying for business licenses and permits
- Registering for state sales tax (if applicable)
- Obtaining business credit and loans
- Filing annual reports with the Wyoming Secretary of State
You may need your EIN when corresponding with the IRS, your accountant, or your bank, so store it with your other important business documents.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides informational guidance about obtaining an EIN in Wyoming and is not legal or tax advice. EIN requirements and federal tax rules are complex and vary based on your specific business structure, ownership, and circumstances. Before applying for an EIN or filing taxes, consult with a qualified tax professional, CPA, or attorney licensed to practice in Wyoming. Tax obligations change, and a professional can ensure your business is in full compliance with IRS and Wyoming state requirements.
Next Steps
If you are starting a business in Wyoming, obtaining an EIN is one of several essential steps. After you receive your EIN, you will also need to form your LLC or corporation with the Wyoming Secretary of State (if you have not already), register for sales tax if applicable, and set up a business bank account. Each of these steps builds a legitimate, compliant business foundation in Wyoming.
Start your EIN application today at www.irs.gov/ein. The online process takes about 10 minutes and will provide you with your number immediately.