I wanted to write a quick blog post about recently almost getting scammed. It could have been costly, frustrating and a lesson learned & regretted!

When applying for a seller’s permit, I found out the only way to complete the process is to enter an EIN (employer tax identification number). When attempting to find out how to get one, the lowest anyone was charging online to deliver it by email/mail was $49 but went up to $200; depending on the website. Then, somehow, I came across a small blurb that read: If you are an LLC then, unless you have employees, you don’t need this; you will file taxes as an individual business owner. “Awesome!” This was relieving to know since I don’t have extra $ right now to spend on it. Unfortunately, the application still required an EIC.

I looked at some of my previous taxes & they didn’t list any number other than an SSN. At this point I was confused so decide to research more about an EIN. Somehow, this time, I managed to find the IRS site, which states:

Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. Beware of websites on the Internet that charge for this free service.

“What???” What a scam😠!

People take critically personal information, gather it online, & then use it to get something that is completely free. Yet it’s so difficult to find out because there are all these scams out there. I literally clicked on 6-8 websites before ever finding the IRS one. It’s so difficult to sift through all the BS and actually find the accurate information sometimes, and when someone is limited on time; finances; and is not well versed on the ins and outs of it all, then people can take advantage of it. It disgusts me that this is true, but unfortunately, it is.

Below is the correct website to use, and if this is something you’re in need of, my hope is to help at least one person who would otherwise be scammed. It almost happened to me and I don’t want it to happen to you!!

Website to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Thanks to everyone who follows my blog & took the time to read this!!
Love,
Anne🌻

If you would take a peek👀 at my herbal shop🌿; the link is below! I hope you can find some wellness products for this cold and flu season that will help your body fight off 💪those nasty bugs or a skincare oil to help with those dry hands, lips, and frizzy hair!

Anne’s Backyard Herbal Shop Online

Thanks again!!