Quick Answer

What’s the Difference Between Forming a Business, Getting an EIN, Registering for State Taxes, and Getting Business Licenses?

These are separate steps that serve different purposes. Forming a business creates or registers the business under state law. An EIN identifies the business for federal tax purposes. State tax registration establishes applicable state tax accounts. Licenses and permits authorize certain business activities or operations. A business may need some or all of these depending on its structure, location, employees, and activities.