Iowa lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and register with the Department of Revenue
Your EIN identifies the LLC to the IRS and to banks. Iowa's own tax accounts are registered separately, through the Department of Revenue.
Applying for the EIN
Apply for free directly on the IRS website once your Certificate of Organization is filed. 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 Iowa Department of Revenue
If you will sell taxable goods or services, or have employees, register with the Iowa Department of Revenue's business registration process. This is where you set up a sales and use tax permit and, if you hire staff, an employer withholding account.
Opening the bank account
Bring your filed Certificate of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement if you have one, and identification for signers and significant owners. Keep all business income and expenses running through this account rather than a personal one, since mixing funds is one of the most common reasons courts disregard an LLC's liability shield.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and comes from the IRS.
- Department of Revenue registration is separate from the EIN and needed for sales tax or employer withholding.
- Keep business and personal funds in separate accounts.
Official sources
Or let us file your Iowa 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 Organization, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team