How to handle DBA name when applying for EIN on IRS website?

I'm currently going through the EIN application process on the IRS website and I'm stuck on the section about "doing business as" name. I'm confused about the right order to do things. The form asks for my "doing business as" name if it's different from my legal name, but I haven't actually filed for a DBA yet. I've read conflicting info where some people say they got their EIN first, then filed their DBA later, while others say I need to get the DBA first. What's the correct sequence here? Do I need to file my DBA paperwork first, and then apply for my EIN using that DBA name? Or should I get the EIN first and worry about the DBA later? I don't have a DBA yet and honestly don't even know the process for filing one. I'm not sure if I need my social security number or something else to file it. I'm trying to do this right the first time and don't want to mess anything up on my EIN application.

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20 comments

Emma Wilson

•8M

The good news is you can actually do either one first, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. If you're operating under your legal name, you can get an EIN without having a DBA. You would simply leave the "doing business as" field blank on the EIN application. Later, if you decide to operate under a different business name, you can file a DBA with your local county clerk's office or state agency (depends on your state). On the other hand, if you already know you want to operate under a business name that's different from your legal name, it can be helpful to file the DBA first. This way, when you apply for your EIN, you can include your DBA name on the application, making your business documents consistent from the start. For filing a DBA, you typically need your personal information and sometimes your SSN (though requirements vary by state). You don't need an EIN to file a DBA.

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Emma Wilson

•8M

Yes, you can absolutely leave the DBA field blank if you haven't established one yet. There aren't significant drawbacks to this approach - many businesses get their EIN first and then their DBA later. As for updating your information with the IRS, you generally don't need to update your EIN registration when you later get a DBA. The EIN is tied to your tax ID (either your SSN for sole proprietorships or the legal business entity), not the business name you operate under. However, you should use your DBA consistently on all business documents, bank accounts, and when dealing with customers once you have it established.

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QuantumLeap

•8M

I went through this exact same confusion last year! I found this amazing service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure out the whole EIN application process. They have this document analyzer that reviews your application before you submit it to the IRS and flags potential issues. With my situation, I was overthinking the DBA part too. Their system told me I could apply for my EIN first since I wasn't 100% sure about my business name yet. Saved me from having to refile paperwork later! They have this tool that walks you through every field on the EIN application so you know exactly what to put.

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QuantumLeap

•8M

Yes, it works with the actual IRS application! It doesn't replace the IRS system but analyzes what you're planning to submit to make sure it looks correct before you send it to the official site. I was nervous too, but it just helps catch mistakes before you submit to the real government site. The service does help with business structure questions too. They have guides that explain the tax implications of different structures and which EIN form sections apply to each. The analysis is pretty quick - took about 10 minutes for my application review.

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Isabella Santos

•8M

Just wanted to follow up and say I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and it was super helpful! I was stressing about the EIN application but their document analyzer pointed out that I was overthinking the DBA part. Turns out I didn't need to file a DBA first since my business name is similar to my personal name. The system also flagged that I was about to select the wrong entity type on my application which would have been a huge headache to fix later. Definitely worth checking out if you're confused about any part of the EIN process!

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Ravi Sharma

•8M

For anyone struggling to get through to the IRS with questions about EIN applications - I found a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I had a complicated situation with my DBA and EIN application and really needed to talk to someone at the IRS directly. After trying for days to get through on my own, I used Claimyr and finally got my questions answered. The agent was able to tell me exactly what I needed to do for my specific situation with the DBA.

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Ravi Sharma

•8M

It works by using their system to navigate the IRS phone tree and secure your place in line. Then when they're about to connect, they call you and merge the calls so you don't have to wait on hold. It saved me hours of frustration. It's definitely not a scam - I was skeptical too! They don't ask for any sensitive information or talk to the IRS for you. They just handle the waiting part and then you talk directly to the IRS agent yourself. I wouldn't have been able to get my EIN situation sorted out without finally speaking to someone.

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Omar Hassan

•8M

I have to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to give it a try since I was desperate to talk to someone about my EIN application. I had applied with my legal name but then realized I needed to include my DBA information. Used the service yesterday and got connected to an IRS representative in about 20 minutes. The agent explained that I didn't need to start a new application - I could just send a letter explaining the situation and requesting to add my DBA to my EIN record. Saved me from having to go through the whole application process again! The service actually does what it claims. Guess I shouldn't have been so quick to judge.

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Chloe Taylor

•8M

No, a DBA provides absolutely no liability protection - it's just a registered name you're doing business under. Your business will still legally be tied directly to you as an individual. An LLC is a separate legal entity that provides liability protection by separating your personal assets from your business liabilities in most cases. If liability protection is important to you, an LLC would be the better choice, though it typically costs more to set up and may have ongoing fees depending on your state.

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Keith Davidson

•6M

I just went through this exact process last month and wanted to share what I learned. You absolutely can get your EIN first without having a DBA filed - just leave that field blank on the application. The key thing to understand is that your EIN is tied to your tax identification (your SSN if you're a sole proprietor), not your business name. So whether you operate under your legal name or a DBA later doesn't affect your EIN itself. I'd recommend getting your EIN first since you need it for so many things - opening business bank accounts, getting business licenses, etc. You can always file your DBA later when you're ready. Just make sure to use your DBA name consistently on all business documents once you have it registered. One tip: when you do file for your DBA, keep a copy of the certificate handy. Some banks and vendors will want to see it when you're doing business under that name, even though your EIN application didn't require it.

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