Converting DBA to LLC - Best Way to Handle EIN Transfer Process?

Hey there, I've helped several clients through this exact process! When converting from a DBA to an LLC, you generally DO need a new EIN. This is because a DBA is not a separate legal entity from yourself - it's just a "doing business as" name, while an LLC is a completely separate legal entity. Form 8832 isn't actually for transferring EINs - it's an Entity Classification Election form, which is used when you want to change how your LLC is taxed (like choosing to be taxed as a corporation instead of the default pass-through status). The easiest way is to simply apply for a new EIN online through the IRS website. It's free and you'll get your number immediately. Keep your old EIN for your final tax filing as a sole proprietor, then start using the new one when your LLC is officially formed.

After struggling with this same issue last year, I finally found something that made this whole process WAY easier. I used this tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that analyzed my business documents and gave me step-by-step guidance on the EIN situation. Basically, they confirmed what the first commenter said - when going from DBA to LLC, you need a new EIN since you're creating a new legal entity. But they also helped me understand exactly how to handle the final tax filings for my sole proprietorship and the initial filings for my new LLC. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get straight answers from the IRS.

Just wanted to follow up about the taxr.ai recommendation. I decided to try it out after my CPA gave me conflicting information about my DBA-to-LLC conversion. The tool was actually way more helpful than I expected! It analyzed my registration documents and gave me a complete checklist of everything I needed to do, including the EIN application process. What really surprised me was how it caught that my state (Nevada) has some special requirements for the conversion that my CPA had completely missed. Saved me from what could have been a major headache down the road. Definitely worth checking out if you're dealing with this type of business transition!

After trying for WEEKS to get someone at the IRS on the phone about my EIN transfer question, I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that basically got me to the front of the IRS phone queue. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical at first, but I was desperate after wasting hours on hold. Long story short - it actually worked! Got through to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed I needed a new EIN for my LLC conversion and walked me through the whole process. The agent explained that since an LLC is a completely different tax entity than a sole proprietorship with a DBA, a new EIN is required.

Well I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I decided to try it as a last resort for my audit issue. I've been trying to reach the IRS for MONTHS with no luck. I'm honestly shocked. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 35 minutes after trying on my own for god knows how many hours over the past few months. The agent was actually super helpful and resolved my audit question right away. For the original poster - the IRS agent I spoke with confirmed you definitely need a new EIN when converting from a DBA to an LLC. She said it's one of their most common questions. You'll file your final return with your old EIN (as a sole proprietor), then start fresh with the new one for your LLC filings.

Went through this last year with my photography business. You DEFINITELY need a new EIN when converting from a DBA to an LLC. A DBA uses your SSN or an EIN assigned to you as a sole proprietor, but an LLC is a completely separate legal entity that requires its own EIN. The online application for a new EIN takes literally 5 minutes, and you get your number instantly. Much easier than trying to "transfer" anything. Just make sure you've filed all the proper paperwork with your state to establish the LLC first before applying for the new EIN.

can someone explain why we even need to worry about this ein stuff when converting? i mean i get that an llc gives you liability protection but why does the irs care if its the same business just with a different legal structure?? seems like unnecessary bureaucracy to me.

Just went through this exact conversion process a few months ago and can confirm what others have said - you definitely need a new EIN for your LLC. The confusion often comes from people thinking they can "transfer" an EIN, but that's not how it works. Here's what I learned: Your DBA is tied to your personal SSN or sole proprietor EIN, while your LLC is a completely separate legal entity that needs its own tax identification number. Think of it like this - if you were to close your LLC tomorrow, your personal tax obligations would still exist separately. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it: 1. File your LLC formation docs with your state first 2. Apply for a new EIN online at irs.gov (takes 5 minutes, get it instantly) 3. Use your old EIN for final sole proprietor tax filings 4. Start using your new EIN for all LLC business going forward Don't overthink it - the IRS chat service is notoriously unhelpful for specific questions like this. The online EIN application is really the easiest route. Just make sure your LLC paperwork is filed with your state before applying for the EIN.