MA Preparers??

[MAMalody]

I have just completed a MA return on ATX and when running the check it says "MA DOR requires the nine digit Paid Preparer EIN when PTIN used." It was not this way last year. I am a dba with no employees and not required to have an EIN. Does this mean that client will have to paper file the MA rtn?

[Catherine]

I have not seen this one before -- but then, even as a sole prop with no employees, I have had an EIN for years. Sorry! If your client does have to mail in, make sure you check the little box on Page 1 to paper file; it changes the bar coding (to I have no idea what, but the MassDOR computers read those bar codes, not the forms). And have your client sign -- and you keep -- the EFO (efile opt-out for MA).

[joanmcq]

I got an EIN so I wouldn't have to give out my SSN for 1099 forms. You can get one online in minutes.

[Jack from Ohio]

The process for obtaining an EIN is painless and does not mean that any other forms or actions will need to be taken once you have the EIN. I have had an EIN for over 10 years and I am also a sole prop with no employees.

[Lion EA]

Get an EIN online in real time. Then you don't ever have to give out your SSN for biz purposes ever again, not to banks nor on 1099s or anything.

[MAMalody]

I don't deal in this area at all. So I can be lazy, what is the url for this - i assume it is online.

[Lion EA]

IRS.gov -- Apply for an employer ID number

[jklcpa]

Wouldn't he have to associate the EIN with his ERO # for e-filing though since the EIN will replace his SSN on the returns that are being filed? It's been too long ago that I can't remember a place on the ERO application if a person goes from having only a SSN to then obtaining an EIN. I've always been a corporation, so I started out with an EIN from the beginning.

[MAMalody]

IRS.gov -- Apply for an employer ID number

Duh. I did not know it was that hard to find. Thanks for the hint:>)

[MAMalody]

Wouldn't he have to associate the EIN with his ERO # for e-filing though since the EIN will replace his SSN on the returns that are being filed? It's been too long ago that I can't remember a place on the ERO application if a person goes from having only a SSN to then obtaining an EIN. I've always been a corporation, so I started out with an EIN from the beginning.

I am sure i will have to update my file,however, if my memories serves me correctly. the PTIN replaced the SSN a couple of years ago on the tax returns.

[Jack from Ohio]

https://www.tax-id-number-online.com/?gclid=CNLjz8Wew70CFexcMgod3GAAJw

Took 5 seconds on Google

[jklcpa]

https://www.tax-id-number-online.com/?gclid=CNLjz8Wew70CFexcMgod3GAAJw

Took 5 seconds on Google

Why not do it directly on the IRS site though? Click the link "Apply Online Now" on the bottom of this page at the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online

[Jack from Ohio]

https://www.tax-id-number-online.com/?gclid=CNLjz8Wew70CFexcMgod3GAAJw

Took 5 seconds on Google

Why not do it directly on the IRS site though? Click the link "Apply Online Now" on the bottom of this page at the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online

So that reading the IRS page would not be necessary.

[MAMalody]

I took the IRS.gov route. Have the number. I still object to having to use a number I am not required to have.....but, you know what they say about city hall. Now, let's see if this puppy will file.

[kcjenkins]

Good luck. 50-50 odds. May say the EIN is not yet in the Master File. May work fine.

[MAMalody]

PTL...they were accepted.