Change Social Security Number to Business EIN number

[CaddieUniforms]

I have been trying to get change my social security number to a business EIN number. I got my EIN number from the IRS in early November. When I try to change it in etsy, I keep getting an error message that says, "The name and Tax ID provided does not match the IRS records. Please ensure you enter the correct name associated with your Tax ID provided." Etsy told me to wait 4 weeks for the IRS database to be updated. I did that and I spoke to the IRS already and they said everything is correct on their end. Can someone from etsy or someone else that has encountered this issue help me get this figured out? I have cleared my cache and cookies. I have also tried several combinations of names, types of business, etc. It boils down to my ein being incorrect which is 100% false. Any help would be so greatly appreciated!

[ChristmasIsLove]

You need to contact Etsy directly for assistance with that issue. You cannot get help from Etsy support by posting in Forums. Go to your Dashboard, Community & Help, Contact Us.

[CaddieUniforms]

Thank you. I have been calling them and they are zero help. They just say that they will have a specialist get back to me and then nothing happens...

[limegreenmodern]

This exact thing happened to me last year. Even though the new EIN was suppose to be in the IRS matching system after 2 weeks, it honestly took 2 months for me to finally get it to match. Just give it some time and try again.

I spent so much time calling the IRS, confirming the EIN with the IRS via phone, emailing Etsy, clearing cookies, cache, etc; and everything was correct. All it needed was more time for the matching system to catch up.

Hope that helps!

[1ofaKindbyLeslie]

Was your shop deactivated while you were waiting?

[BlackCatTheory]

Type in EXACTLY what is on the IRS form. Try typing it in all caps as that sometimes works. This is a known glitch with Etsy. I forget the other tips, but all caps was one. Try searching the forum to read old posts from about a year ago, and you'll find some other suggestions.

[limegreenmodern]

Yes, this! The IRS assigns a name control (first 4 letters in your business name) and I entered mine in all caps on Etsy and it finally worked after the two months. (FYI- I was entering my name control on Etsy all along and it wasn't working until those 2 months passed.) Etsy just told me to give it time.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-your-name-control-is-assigned

[LetterYourLifeDesign]

Hi! I am running to this issue at the moment. If I am understanding Lime Green Modern, I only need to put the first four letters of my business name as the "legal name"?  I tried first name last name business name and vice versa.  Customer service just gave me a ton of ways to put it in.  It is defeating that it's not a smoother process.

[limegreenmodern]

Yes, the first four letters in your business name are what the IRS calls the Name Control.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-your-name-control-is-assigned

For me, it just took time (which seemed like forever) and then finally one day it matched without issue.

[BagmakerSupply]

@LetterYourLifeDesign: There appears to be a substantial delay until the database(s) used for verification are updated after an EIN is issued.

[LetterYourLifeDesign]

Do you remember exactly how long? And did you go back to your SSN and keep trying the EIN?

[LetterYourLifeDesign]

I just realized the length was noted above. My accountant said I could go back to my SSN for now as that's what Etsy keeps suggesting and try my EIN later.

[limegreenmodern]

That’s what I did, so I could continue doing business in my shop. It took a long time- like at least 2 months after I first got the EIN. I just kept trying to update it every few days, until one day it just matched. Like a tax miracle!

[LetterYourLifeDesign]

Thank your the words of encouragement and positivity to keep going! I appreciate you!

[PinkCoyoteJewelry]

What does your accountant say about this problem? 

[LetterYourLifeDesign]

My accountant told me I could use my social security number since I'm a sole proprietor then only last week or the week before I was able to put my EIN number in -exactly like everyone said, a few months. However, I put in my name the way I was not expecting.  I'm hoping this can be more consistent for future business owners. 

[PaperAndElmParty]

@LetterYourLifeDesign how did you end up putting your name in? I'm struggling with this at the moment. Do I put my name and my dba? Thank you!

[LetterYourLifeDesign]

Hi! I definitely had to wait a few months for my EIN with the government to sync with Etsy.  Then I still had to play around but for me it was putting my business name first followed by my last name only (all caps) and it worked!  Sending some love and light your way hoping it's cleared up soon for you

[CaddieUniforms]

I had to do my name and then my LLC name. Its all a word game for it to start working. I was on the phone with etsy and the rep was knowledgable in this issue. I typed the following... all on one line...

my first name, my last name, my business name and then added LLC at the end

[PaperAndElmParty]

Thank you so much for replying! I tried adding my business name to my personal name and it worked! 

[ModJose · Accepted solution]

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