How do I get a tax ID number in Florida?
This question was answered by Taylor, CPAI, Deduction’s AI tax accountant, and Deduction’s licensed CPAs.
What people call a “Florida tax ID” can mean different things, depending on your situation. Florida does not issue a single, universal tax ID. Instead, you may need one or more of the following.
1. Federal Tax ID (EIN)
If you are starting a business, hiring employees, or opening a business bank account, you usually need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.
Who needs an EIN?
- LLCs (multi-member by default)
- Corporations (C-Corp or S-Corp)
- Partnerships
- Single-member LLCs with employees
- Sole proprietors with employees or excise tax obligations
- Trusts, estates, nonprofits
How to apply
- Online (fastest): IRS EIN Assistant
- No fee
- Issued immediately after completion
If you’re a sole proprietor with no employees, you may use your SSN instead of an EIN (though many still choose to get one).
2. Florida Reemployment Tax Account (Employer Tax ID)
If you pay wages to employees in Florida, you must register for Reemployment Tax (Florida’s unemployment tax).
Required when:
- You hire employees
- You pay $1,500+ in wages in a quarter or
- You have one or more employees for part of a day in 20 different weeks
How to register
- Register online with the Florida Department of Revenue
- You’ll receive a Florida Reemployment Tax Account Number
3. Florida Sales Tax Certificate (Sales Tax ID)
If your business sells taxable goods or services in Florida, you must collect and remit sales tax.
Common examples:
- Retail and ecommerce sales
- Restaurant or food sales
- Rental of tangible property
- Certain services
How to register
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue
- Receive a Sales and Use Tax Certificate Number
- Must be renewed annually
4. Individual Tax ID (ITIN) - If You Don’t Qualify for an SSN
If you are an individual who:
- Must file a U.S. tax return and
- Is not eligible for an SSN
You may need an ITIN (issued federally, not by Florida).
How to apply
- File Form W-7 with the IRS
- Submit with a tax return or through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent
Quick Summary
Related Questions
Sources:
IRS - Get an employer identification number
Florida Department of Revenue - Register a New Business
Florida Department of Revenue - Reemployment Tax
The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
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