EIN - Single Member LLC - no employees (disregarded entity)

[jwhi096]

Question: I just obtained an EIN thinking I’d need one to open a business bank account but I found out that I don’t. I’m a single member LLC, “disregarded entity,” can I file a 1040 using my social or am I required to use my EIN now that I have one? Based on my reading I don’t think I have to use it now, but I will in the future if my business structure changes?

[M-MTax]

Without employees and as a single member LLC you don't have to use it. You will most likely need to get a new EIN if your business structure changes anyway.

[Opus 17]

You may want to use the EIN for your business even though it is not required, because that way you don't have to give your personal SSN to customers who need you to fill out a W-9.  You will also need the EIN if you hire any employees.

However, make sure you got the right kind of EIN.  If you told the IRS interactive tool that you were a partnership or S-corp, and not a single-member LLC/disregarded entity, then you need to cancel that EIN and request a new one as a single member LLC/sole proprietorship/disregarded entity. 

[M-MTax]

Yeah, I'd give the EIN and not the SSN to any customer or client that hands you a W-9.