Boy - it's been a long time since I filed one. You can also do this over the phone and the IRS rep will talk you through it. That may help.
But definitely on the SSN - I do remember. I believe you have to put down a name for a principal officer. But you do NOT have to list an SSN.
9a - "other" sounds like a good choice, but that's just my opinion.
10 - I'd probably put something like "started a new organization"
Whether or not you need "inc" as part of your official name is a state law. In Texas, it's not required. So check with your agency that handles incorporation.
We are also applying for a new EIN (clean slate). I have a couple of questions about completing the Application for Employer Identification Number Form (SS-4)
Line 7a/7b -Name of Principal Officer and SSN - do we list the current PTO President and her SSN # or leave it blank
9a Type of Entity : We are planning on filing for 5013c status. do we check off Other non profit organization (even though we haven't rec'd 5013 c status as of yet)
10 Reason for applying -- If we are trying to start with a clean slate -- do you enter "Started new Business"
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sorry - I don't know the answer, but people must do this all the time. Why don't you call the IRS office and the NJ agency that manages non-profits? Perhaps you could share the answer with us.
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I'm sure it's an easy solution.
I looked on the NJ site and didn't find an answer to that question, but I did find this publication you should look at. It's got some good info for you.
I also found that only foreign (non NJ compaines incorporated in NJ can use a DBA. But you can list an "alternate name".
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Alternate Name
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A business entity may also legally conduct business in the state under a name other than the formation name by registering an alternate name. This is done after the business entity has been established or receives authorization to do business in New Jersey. [/FONT]
JHB, the thought I had was that in NJ we need to have "INC." (or similar version) after our name and I don't believe we can get an EIN with that "INC." designation without yet going through the incorporation process. I would rather that the EIN (SS-4), the incorporation paperwork, and the bank account all have the same name. Has anyone dealt with this "chicken and egg" situation? Thanks!
Is their a reason you can't pick a new name that satisfies all the requirements?
Businesses often incorporate under one name but then have a DBA name (doing business as) or assumed name. You should check with the agency that handles non-profit incorporations and ask them about this.
Although our group has been operating informally for years, we are going to take the "clean slate" approach as we have no good paper trail for the past years. In JHB's 7-28-07 helpful post (in another forum) , it was suggested getting a new EIN and then incorporating. What if the name you get your EIN under does not satisfy the rules of your state in naming the new entity? Do the 2 names need to be identical? Do you need the EIN when you apply for incorporation? We are in NJ.
Thanks.
