EIN and Charter Number: Understanding the Differences

Is EIN and charter number the same?
When a legal entity is registered and organized with the secretary of state, it receives a unique number, known as a charter number or corporate number. EIN numbers, by comparison, have nine digits and no letters.
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There are many numbers and acronyms to remember when beginning a business or creating an LLC. The EIN and charter number are two of the most crucial. Despite their apparent interchangeability, they have distinct functions.

An employer identification number, or EIN, is a nine-digit number given to a corporate organization by the IRS. It is utilized for tax-related activities like submitting tax returns, starting a business bank account, and recruiting staff. Even if a company’s name or organizational structure changes, an EIN is exclusive to that company and remains constant.

A charter number, on the other hand, is a special code that the state where the company is registered issues. It is used to monitor a company entity’s history and legal standing. It is normally given out when a company registers with the state, and it might alter if the company is disbanded and then reorganized.

Consequently, although though both figures are crucial for managing a firm, they have different meanings and are not the same.

Let’s now discuss the linked issue of how to determine an LLC’s status. One approach to do this is to ask the state where the LLC is registered for a Certificate of Good Standing. This document attests to the LLC’s legal right to operate in the state and that it has fulfilled with all legal obligations, including paying taxes and filing annual reports.

A Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan is good for 90 days after the day it was issued. If a new certificate is required after that, it must be requested. In Michigan, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing normally takes 5-7 business days. Finally, you can use the state’s online business entity search tool to look for a company to see if it is active in Michigan. This will display the company’s present situation, including whether or not it is in good standing. To avoid fines and protect the right to operate in the state, it’s critical to keep a business in good standing.

Conclusion: Despite their apparent similarity, EIN and charter numbers have different functions when it comes to identifying a company entity. By requesting a Certificate of Good Standing and using the state’s online entity search tool to look for the business, you can determine the status of an LLC. A company must maintain good standing to avoid fines and keep its legal standing.

FAQ
How much is a certificate of good standing in PA?

I’m sorry, but the section under “EIN and Charter Number: Understanding the Differences” is silent on the price of a Pennsylvania certificate of good standing. To find out the current price of a certificate of good standing, it is best to get in touch with the Pennsylvania Department of State or a registered agent service provider in Pennsylvania.