State Guide
EIN in California (CA)
How to get an EIN for your California business. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. California has 13.3% max state income tax + $800 franchise tax.
California
EIN in California (CA)
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | State | California (CA) | | State Income Tax | 13.3% max state income tax + $800 franchise tax | | LLC Filing Fee | $70 filing fee | | State Tax Authority | Franchise Tax Board | | Federal EIN | Same as all states (IRS) | | EIN Cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 (ein.so) |
Federal EIN vs California State Tax ID
Your federal EIN and California state tax registration are separate:
- Federal EIN — From IRS, for federal taxes (Form SS-4)
- California State Tax ID — From Franchise Tax Board, for state taxes
You may need both. Your EIN does not replace state tax registration.
See state tax ID for more details.
How to Apply
How to Get an EIN in California
| Method | Speed | Cost | |--------|-------|------| | Online | Instant | Free | | Fax | 4-7 days | Free/$49 | | Phone | Same day | Free | | Mail | 4-6 weeks | Free |
The process is identical regardless of state. See how to get an EIN for complete instructions.
California Business Requirements After EIN
- Register with Franchise Tax Board for state taxes
- Obtain local business licenses
- File BOI report with FinCEN (federal)
- Open a business bank account
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a California EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS. It is the same 9-digit number regardless of which state you operate in. California does not issue its own version of an EIN.
How do I get an EIN in California?
Apply through the IRS: online at irs.gov (instant, SSN required), by fax to 855-215-1627 (4-7 days), by phone at 800-829-4933 (same day), or through ein.so ($49 for non-residents).
Does California have a state tax ID?
Yes. California issues its own state tax registration through the Franchise Tax Board. This is separate from your federal EIN. You may need both depending on your business activities in California.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in California?
The EIN is free from the IRS ($0). California LLC formation costs $70 filing fee. ein.so charges $49 for EIN filing assistance for non-residents.
What is the California state income tax rate?
California has 13.3% max state income tax + $800 franchise tax. This is separate from federal taxes. Your EIN is used for federal tax reporting, while your state tax ID is used for California state taxes.
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