@AmeliesUncle wrote:
LOL. Apparently you don't have much experience with calling the IRS. It is common to call three times and get three different answers.
The IRS directs you to do that. From an income tax viewpoint, the LLC does not exist. As I've pointed out twice before, yes, an EIN in your name is completely different than an EIN in the LLC's name.
I've seen the IRS send out mismatch notices for not following the directions on the W-9, such as using the LLC's EIN and your name on line 1.
You're right, I don't call the IRS that often. I'm going to call back for clarification to see if I get the different answers that you're talking about. If I get the same answer and it matches the accountant, I plan to go with the professionals' advice.
You're also right that there would be a mismatch with using your own name on line 1 and an LLC EIN on the W9. That's why they've all recommended using your business information. Using my LLC name on line 1 and LLC EIN under Part I will match my tax return. I think that getting information that matches is all that the IRS is concerned with, and your client wants to know if they're doing business with you personally or an LLC. And yes, a sole proprietor EIN and an LLC EIN are different. I don't have (and it looks like I can't get) a sole proprietor EIN, I don't want to do business as just a sole proprietor, and I won't use my SSN, so I don't have much choice besides using my LLC info. I'm interested though, what happened after a mismatch notice was sent out? Were there any penalties, or did the person/LLC just correct the information?
