How to Change Your Business Name with the IRS
If you have recently changed the name of your LLC or corporation, you’ll need to know how to execute an IRS business name change, as well as an EIN name change. It’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone knows your company’s new name, including the IRS.
Under most circumstances, changing your business name with the IRS will not require a new EIN—though it will require an EIN name change. To make this determination, see IRS Publication 1635.
Although it’s rare, sometimes changes to business names are made right after EINs are issued. If you recently received your EIN and have not made any tax filings with the IRS, then send your business name change request to: IRS, Stop 6055, Kansas City, MO 64999
If you've already filed a tax return for the entity, there are two ways to notify the IRS of your LLC’s business name change
- When filing a current year tax return, you can change your business name with the IRS by checking the name change box on the entity’s respective form:
- Corporations – Form 1120, Page 1, Line E, Box 3
- S-Corporation – Form 1120S, Page, 1, Line H, Box 2
- LLC (sole member) – cannot update name by filing return; must use Option 2.
- LLC (multi member) - Form 1065, Page 1, Line G, Box 3
- If you have already filed the return for the current year, you do not have to wait until next year to start an IRS name change for your LLC or corporation. Changing the name of an LLC or corporation typically requires a Certificate of Amendment to be filed with the state or country where the business entity was originally formed.
- Deliver a filed copy of this Certificate of Amendment, along with a letter informing the IRS of the business name change, to the address where you filed your return. Corporations must have the letter signed by a corporate officer while LLCs must have the letter signed by a member.
When you’ve informed the IRS, business name changes need to be announced to other companies you do business with, too.
It’s a good idea to make a list of all the other agencies and companies that you do business with on a regular basis; be sure to include all state and local tax authorities, vendors, suppliers, service companies and banks.
This will help keep you organized during the transition and make sure your mail service is not interrupted. Remember, It’s your responsibility to make sure everyone is on the same page in this new chapter of your company, including the IRS.
We can help you file a Certificate of Amendment if you would like to change the name of your LLC or corporation. Call us at 1-800-345-CORP if you are thinking about changing your LLC or corporation name.
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 15 comments left for Change Your Business Name with the IRS
Rashad Alakhras said: Thursday, September 30, 2021Very good service ?? Fast and easy Recommended
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, September 30, 2021Thank you, Rashad! Please review us on our TrustPilot page as well: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/delawareinc.com
Susan Szewczyk said: Thursday, July 15, 2021I just read your article about name change with the IRS. So if I made an error on my ss-4 and want to correct it, can I do this by simply writing to the IRS and requesting a name change of the EIN? Is there a form for this? We are not the usual entities as you described above we are obtaining EINs in connection with trust administration and probate matters.
HBS Staff replied: Friday, July 16, 2021Hi Susan, Thank you for reading our blog. With regards to this situation it is best to contact the IRS directly. Their number is 1-800-829-4933.
Abbey said: Wednesday, April 7, 2021I have sent the IRS name change info letter 5x since Oct. Still no 147c. I am in healthcare so insurance companies revalidate annually. My State name does not match IRS and insurance is saying they will have to stop payment. I have called IRS several times. No help. Maybe faster to get new EIN and recredential with insurance than wait and risk losing business. Thoughts?
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, April 8, 2021Hi Abbey,
Thank you for reading our blog. We are sorry to hear the troubles you are having. It would be best to speak with your Accountant regarding this issue.
Jeff DeSpain said: Thursday, March 25, 2021I misspelled my new business name how can I fix it. Who do I need to contact. Thanks
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, April 8, 2021Hello Jeff,
Thank you for reading our blog. If this is on the form that was submitted to the IRS then you will need to reach out directly to the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 for further assistance.
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HBS Staff replied: Friday, February 26, 2021Thank you for reading our article and we appreciate your kind words about our blog. If you have any questions we are here to assist.