Should I get a Trade Name/DBA for my LLC before applying for an EIN? What's the right order?

Having helped dozens of small business owners set up their entities, I can clarify this for you. The "trade name" field on the EIN application is optional for LLCs. Your EIN is connected to your LLC's legal name (the one on your formation documents), not your DBA. If you don't have a trade name/DBA yet, you can simply leave that field blank on the EIN application. If you decide on a trade name later, you'll need to register it with your state or local government (depending on your location), but you won't need to update your EIN information with the IRS for that change. The IRS primarily cares about your LLC's legal name and your tax ID number. The trade name is secondary information that helps them identify your business if you're operating under a different name than your legal entity name.

After struggling with the exact same issue last year with my photography business, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a game-changer. I was confused about the whole EIN process and whether I needed my trade name finalized first, but their system analyzed my LLC documents and clearly explained what was required and what was optional. Their document analyzer tool specifically flagged that the trade name field was optional and that I could add/change it later without affecting my EIN status. Saved me from delaying my application for weeks while I finalized my branding! They also helped me understand which parts of the application were most important to get right the first time.

I just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and it was incredibly helpful! I uploaded my LLC formation documents and it immediately clarified that I could leave the trade name field blank on my EIN application since I hadn't finalized my DBA yet. The system also showed me exactly which fields on the EIN application needed to match my LLC formation paperwork, which helped me avoid inconsistencies that could have caused delays. I got my EIN number within minutes of submitting the application! The best part was the state-specific guidance - it explained exactly how and where I needed to register my trade name once I decided on it (turns out in my state it's a separate process through the Secretary of State). Definitely made the whole process less stressful!

I went through this nightmare last year trying to get my EIN. After submitting my application, I realized I needed to change some info but couldn't get ANYONE at the IRS to help me. Spent hours on hold, got disconnected repeatedly, and nearly lost my mind. Finally found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and it was worth every penny. They got me connected to an actual IRS agent within 20 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I was waiting before. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent confirmed that the trade name field was optional and helped me update some other incorrect info on my application. Apparently, you CAN make changes to your EIN details by talking to the right person, but good luck getting through to them without help.

I need to eat my words from my previous comment. After dealing with EIN issues for WEEKS and getting nowhere with the IRS directly, I was desperate enough to try Claimyr. I was 100% certain it wouldn't work and was ready to demand a refund. Well, color me shocked. I got connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed that I could simply leave the trade name field blank on my EIN application and add it later if needed. She also helped me correct another error on my application that I was worried about. For anyone struggling with EIN issues - especially if you need to talk to an actual human at the IRS - this service actually delivers. Never thought I'd be recommending something like this, but after experiencing the difference between waiting 3+ hours versus 25 minutes, I'm a convert.

I just went through this process last month. My accountant told me that the legal name of the LLC is what matters for the EIN, not the DBA/trade name. I submitted my EIN application with no trade name since I hadn't decided yet. Got my EIN without any issues, and then registered my trade name with the county clerk a few weeks later. Never had to update anything with the IRS related to the trade name. One tip though - make sure whatever name you do end up choosing for your DBA is available as a domain name before you register it! I made that mistake and had to settle for a less ideal web address.

Question for anyone who knows - if I get my EIN now without a trade name, then decide to form an S-Corp later instead of an LLC, will I need a completely new EIN? Or can the existing one transfer?

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago with my consulting LLC. The key thing to remember is that your EIN is tied to your LLC's legal entity name (the one filed with your state), not whatever trade name or DBA you might use later. I actually made the mistake of overthinking this and delayed my EIN application for almost a month trying to decide on the perfect business name. Finally realized I could just leave the trade name field blank and move forward. Got my EIN within a few days of applying. Later when I settled on my DBA, I registered it with my state's Secretary of State office for about $50. The IRS never needed to know about the trade name change - they only care about your legal entity name and EIN for tax purposes. Your bank accounts, contracts, and marketing materials can all use the DBA while your tax filings use the LLC's legal name. Don't let the trade name decision hold up getting your EIN - you need that number for so many other business setup tasks like opening bank accounts and getting business licenses.

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact dilemma about 8 months ago. I was stuck in analysis paralysis trying to pick the perfect DBA before applying for my EIN, and it was holding up everything else I needed to do to get my business running. Finally talked to a business attorney who explained that the EIN application's trade name field is completely optional for LLCs. Your EIN gets assigned to your LLC's legal name (the one on your Articles of Organization), and that's what really matters to the IRS. I ended up submitting my EIN application with the trade name field blank, got my number within 24 hours, and was able to move forward with opening my business bank account and getting my other licenses. About two months later when I finally settled on a DBA name I liked, I registered it with my state for $40. The process has been seamless - I use my DBA for all marketing and client-facing materials, while my tax filings and official documents use the LLC's legal name. No issues whatsoever, and I wish I hadn't wasted so much time overthinking it initially. Get your EIN first, then worry about the perfect business name later!

I went through this exact same process about a year ago and can confirm what others have said - you absolutely do not need to have your trade name/DBA figured out before applying for your EIN. The EIN is tied to your LLC's legal name from your formation documents, not any trade name you might use. I was in the same boat as you, spending way too much time trying to come up with the perfect business name before submitting my EIN application. Finally realized I was just delaying the inevitable and submitted the application with the trade name field left blank. Got my EIN approved within 48 hours. Six months later when I finally settled on a DBA name I liked, I registered it with my county clerk's office (requirements vary by state/locality). The whole process took about 15 minutes and cost $75. Never had to contact the IRS about it - they only care about your LLC's legal name for tax purposes. My advice: submit your EIN application now without the trade name. You need that EIN for so many other business setup tasks like opening bank accounts, getting business licenses, setting up payment processing, etc. Don't let the perfect business name decision hold up your entire business launch timeline. You can always add the DBA later when inspiration strikes!