ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
SHELF COMPANIES WITHOUT AN EIN.
SHELF COMPANIES WITH AN EXISTING EIN
There are providers who are selling shelf companies with an existing EIN; and they are charging more as a result. Is there a benefit to acquiring an aged shelf company with an EIN? No.
Companies with EIN’s are mandated to file annual and timely income tax returns. If the shelf company has an EIN, it must file a return. A late return, or no return at all, will result in late fees, penalties and interest. If they filed the return, we hope that they were truthful. If they weren’t truthful, the new owner may be dealing with a mountain of IRS stress on the horizon.
Many shelf companies with existing EIN’s did not properly file income tax returns, or didn’t file them at all! Why take the risk? Don’t do it.
The solution
Acquire a shelf company with no EIN. Then apply for the EIN yourself with your own SSN. Your name, DOB, SSN and driver's license is on file with the bank when applying for a company bank account. You might as well apply for the EIN.
When applying for business credit, the bank wants to see that your name is on the public record with the Secretary of State and you make the decisions for the business. In all likelihood, you’re the signer on the bank account. It makes sense you applied for the EIN.
SOLUTION: Obtain a shelf company without an EIN. EIN’s are free! You may apply online for an EIN with the IRS here: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html
Don’t buy a shelf company with an existing EIN. You’re better off with a clean shelf company with no EIN, no bank account and no developed corporate credit. Then build the business credit yourself within the next six months.
