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Level 1
posted Jan 22, 2020 6:25:32 AM

Is an EIN ok if i never used one before for sole proprietor

I have been filing a schedule C as a sole proprietor for years now and have been filling out my W9s with my SSN. I'd like to switch now to an EIN. I know how to do that.

 

My question is whether or not there is any issue with getting one now if I didn't initially.

 

THanks.

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jan 22, 2020 7:49:25 AM

Yes, there is no issue in starting to use your EIN in place of your SSN.  Also, it is safer for your Identify protection to use your EIN than your SSN.

Level 15
Jan 25, 2020 6:39:37 PM

You can apply for an EIN "right now" if you want, at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online and it doesn't cost you a penny. You'll have your EIN within an hour too. Just make sure you tie that EIN to the same exact SSN you have been using on your SCH C in the past, and you won't have any issues at all.