Alabama lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and register with the Department of Revenue
Your EIN identifies the LLC to the IRS and to your bank. Registering separately through My Alabama Taxes is what sets up your state tax accounts for sales, withholding, and the Business Privilege Tax.
Applying for the EIN
Apply for free directly on the IRS website once your Certificate of Formation is recorded. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the EIN is issued immediately online; otherwise the application is filed on Form SS-4 by fax or mail, which takes longer.
Registering with the Alabama Department of Revenue
Register through My Alabama Taxes, the Department of Revenue's online portal, to set up the accounts your LLC needs. This is where you register for a sales tax account if you sell taxable goods, for withholding tax if you have employees, and where your Business Privilege Tax filing obligation is tracked.
Opening the account
Take your recorded Certificate of Formation, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement if you have one, and identification for signers and significant owners. Keep business income and expenses in this account only, since mixing personal and business funds undermines the liability separation an LLC provides.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and issued by the IRS.
- My Alabama Taxes registration is separate from the EIN and covers sales tax, withholding, and Business Privilege Tax tracking.
- Keep business and personal funds in separate accounts.
Official sources
Or let us file your Alabama LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team