Because I do not want to put my SSN on an W-9 form.
Scrolling down to page 4 of the W-9 form to Part I. TIN instructions states: "If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, if the owner has
one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN."
I am a SMLLC that is a disregarded entity. Therefore, I can not enter my LLC's EIN, I can only put my SSN or my (the owner's) EIN.
I know it sounds ridiculous, but having 2 EINs seems to be the solution that is floated around both on this and other message boards if a person wants to a) not use their SSN as a SMLLC and b) wants to open a business bank account. I would agree that it is totally silly and I would prefer to just have one.
I've seen comments on people using their SMLLC's EIN on W-9 forms in blatant disregard of the instructions "because nothing bad has ever happened". However, this seems like poor business practice and I would like a firm explanation as to how this is okay before I just blindly participate.
