Envisioning the Business - How to Start a Home-based Computer Repair Business - page 26

website to operate your business even on a small scale. Businesses without a website that
provides hours, services, prices, and the ability to make a sale online quite frankly limit
their exposure and limit their ability to be successful.
This game of coming up with a name that is available, both in your state and on the Internet,
can prove to be challenging. For example, you may want to call your business “Ryan's
Computer Repair.” You do a search to see if this name is available for use and then you can
proceed. Don't be surprised if simple names like “Computer Repair,” or even variations
on names like “MicroCom” are unavailable. Remember you're competing with the entire
country for a unique name . . . and with regard to your domain name, you're competing
with the entire world.
Make It Legal
Applying for an EIN is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS
says to beware of websites on the Internet that charge for this free service. While there are
services that provide a complete solution and will complete this for you to ensure that you
are making the correct decisions when creating your new EIN, it is a task that can be com-
pleted by you. There are several options according to the IRS website to register your EIN:
n Apply Online. The Internet EIN application is the preferred method for customers to ap-
ply for and obtain an EIN. Once the application is completed, the information is validated
during the online session, and an EIN is issued immediately. The online application process
is available for all entities whose principal business, office, agency, or legal residence (in
the case of an individual), is located in the United States or US Territories. The principal of-
ficer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor etc. must have a valid taxpayer identification
number (Social Security number, employer identification number, or individual taxpayer
identification number) in order to use the online application.
n Apply by EIN Toll-Free Telephone Service. Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately
by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at [phone]. The hours of operation
are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. A representative takes the
information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the
telephone. Note: International applicants must call [phone] (not a toll-free number).
n Apply by Fax. Taxpayers can fax a completed Form SS-4 application to their state fax
number (see the website for your state's fax number) after ensuring that the Form SS-4
contains all of the required information. If it is determined that the entity needs a new EIN,
one will be assigned using the appropriate procedures for the entity type. If the taxpayer's
fax number is provided, a fax will be sent back with the EIN within four business days.