Do I need a separate EIN for my sole proprietor business if I have an EIN as a household employer?

[Donuts4Everyone]

Hello. I am a household employer with an EIN to report taxes on my Schedule H. If I start a new business as a sole proprietor, do I need a new EIN?

IRS publications confirms the reverse, where a sole proprietor can use an exiting EIN for household employees. I can't seem to find info for my situation.

Thanks!

[MaryK4 · Accepted solution]

If your  household employee is not an employee of your sole proprietorship, you should get a new additional EIN so that the records can be properly maintained.

See Publication 1635, Employer Identification Number - Understanding Your EIN.

[HaveAgoodDay]

• Hi, I have the same queation. When I applied for an EIN for my sole proprietorship on the IRS website, it says its unable to provide me with an EIN, with reference 101. I have an EIN already as household employer. So I'm wondering what did you end up doing to solve this problem? 

[Donuts4Everyone]

Hi. When I go to apply for a new EIN per advice here, I got an error as you did. I end up calling IRS Business Service to try to apply for an EIN over the phone. The agent told me I don't need another EIN and use my household employer EIN for all my sole proprietor businesses.

Hope that helps.

[HaveAgoodDay]

Got it, thank you!