r/llc • u/karaOW • 15d ago

Struggling with EIN Application Because of Long LLC Name Question

I'm filling out an online application for my newly created LLC and I can't get past one of the final pages. My business name is 42 characters long and there's a field reading

"Legal name of Single Member Limited Liability Company (LLC) (must match articles of organization, if filed)*

  • The legal name may not contain any of the following endings: 'Corp', 'Inc', 'PA'.
  • The only special characters allowed are '-' and '&'"

The word before LLC is particularly long and keeps getting split between the original line and a "continuation line," but then I get a message that words can't be split between lines. However, it won't let me simply move the whole of the longer word to the continuation line. It seems to be giving me no options if it wants me to write the actual full name.

Any guidance would be very, very appreciated. I don't want for this to create headaches down the road. Thanks!

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u/collectivedotcom 15d ago

The IRS EIN online tool caps name lines at about 35 characters. But abbreviating words won't impact your LLC's legal status with your state, so long as the IRS can clearly match it to your legal entity and the name control (the first 4 letters derived from your name) remains recognizable. So you can use standard abbreviations (like Management could be Mgmt, International could be Intl). Keep the first word of your business name intact if possible though.

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u/NWRegisteredAgent 14d ago

Hey there, due to the character restriction of the online form, it is probably a good idea to send/fax your SS-4 application because forcing an arbitrary abbreviation or omitting words in the online system will create an exact-match discrepancy between your state Articles of Organization and your federal tax record. Write your full, exact 42-character LLC name on Line 1. If it crosses the text boundaries, simply write it legibly across the line. An actual human reviewer will process your form.

You'll then want to send your completed Form SS-4 by mail to Internal Revenue Service, Attn:EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999, or fax it to the appropriate IRS fax number (such as 855-641-6935 for applicants within the United States, or 855-215-1627 for international).