When a DBA Does Not Need a Separate EIN
A DBA is not a separate legal entity—it’s simply another name for the same business. Because of that, the business typically uses the same EIN for all DBAs.
Here’s when a single EIN covers all DBAs:
1. Sole Proprietorship With Multiple DBAs
A sole proprietor normally uses their existing EIN (or SSN, if no EIN) regardless of how many DBAs they operate.
2. LLC With One or Multiple DBAs
Single-member and multi-member LLCs can have multiple DBAs under the same legal entity and keep the same EIN.
3. Corporation With Several DBAs
A corporation can run many brand names under one legal entity and still use the same EIN for all of them.
When a DBA May Need a Separate EIN
There are a few cases where a new EIN is required—but not because of the DBA itself.
Instead, it depends on whether the business structure changes or new tax responsibilities begin.
1. You Form a New Legal Entity for the DBA
If the DBA becomes its own:
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LLC
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Corporation
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Partnership
…then that new entity needs its own EIN.
(DBAs themselves never get EINs; entities do.)
2. Your Business Starts Hiring Employees
If the original business did not need an EIN before but starts hiring employees under the DBA, the business now needs an EIN—even though the EIN is for the business, not the DBA.
3. You Change Tax Classification
Examples:
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A sole proprietor adds a partner → now becomes a partnership → needs an EIN
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An LLC elects to be taxed as an S Corporation → may need a new EIN
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A business reorganizes or ownership changes significantly
These events could trigger an EIN requirement, but again, the DBA name itself does not require one.
Examples to Make It Clear
Example 1: Sole Proprietor With Two DBAs
Maria operates “Maria’s Creative Studio” (legal name) and registers DBAs:
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“Bright Logo Design”
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“Social Spark Media”
She still uses one EIN for all.
Example 2: LLC Adds a New Brand as a DBA
A single-member LLC registers a new DBA for a second product line.
No new EIN is required.
Example 3: Business Forms a New LLC for a DBA
A DBA grows into a separate business and the owner forms a new LLC.
Now the LLC needs its own EIN.
Does the IRS Issue EINs for DBAs?
No.
The IRS issues EINs only to legal entities, not business names.
DBAs are not standalone entities, so they cannot receive their own EIN.
Key Takeaways
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A DBA does not need its own EIN.
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One EIN can cover multiple DBAs.
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A new EIN is only needed if the underlying legal structure changes, not because of the DBA.
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IRS assigns EINs to entities (LLC, corporation, partnership, sole proprietor), not business names.