What does reference number 101 mean when applying for an EIN online?

Reference number 101 (sometimes referred to as an error code) means that the IRS system already has a business entity with a name that is either too similar to or the same as your entity’s name. You’ll probably need to fax in your application instead, but first follow the instructions below.

What To Do

  1. Call the IRS at 800 - 829 - 4933 in case there’s anything special about your circumstances
  2. Listen to the instructions from the IRS representative. They will probably ask you to fax in (1) your EIN application and (2) a filed copy of your certificate of incorporation.
Need to apply via fax?

You can use Clerky to do it completely online. Just answer a few simple questions, sign the application electronically, and we'll fax it for you. We'll notify you as soon as we get the EIN from the IRS.

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