Forum Discussion

AFease's avatar
AFease
Active Contributor
31 days ago

SMS registration question

Hi, I have a sole proprietorship as my business, and have registered with my town as such.  I started the biz at the beginning of this year, so I have not filed income tax yet (that would be in 2025). As a sole proprietorship, my EIN would be my SS, but since I haven't filed with the IRS yet I don't have an IRS record.  Do I need to wait until I file taxes in 2025 to be able to register my local number for SMS?

Or should I just drop the local number and get a toll-free number, where no EIN is required?

Thanks for any help you can give!

Andrea

  • KateG's avatar
    KateG
    30 days ago

    Hi AFease 

    Welcome to the Community.

    According to the user guide, it appears: It is not currently possible for sole proprietor businesses without an EIN / business tax I.D. to register, but Grasshopper is actively working with its carrier to support that use case in the future.

    So at this time you would need to wait unit you get an EIN/Business tax I.D. to register your local number. 

  • KateG's avatar
    KateG
    GoTo Moderator
    30 days ago

    Hi AFease 

    Welcome to the Community.

    According to the user guide, it appears: It is not currently possible for sole proprietor businesses without an EIN / business tax I.D. to register, but Grasshopper is actively working with its carrier to support that use case in the future.

    So at this time you would need to wait unit you get an EIN/Business tax I.D. to register your local number. 

    • AFease's avatar
      AFease
      Active Contributor
      30 days ago

      Thank you KateG !

      So since my EIN is my SS#, as I am DBA, will I be able to register next year after I file my taxes and the IRS knows about my sole proprietorship?  Or can I not register at all until Grasshopper can find a solution for my use case?  I really don't want to create an LLC, that would entail changing everything with my town, bank accounts, etc. and would be a major pain :) .

      • KateG's avatar
        KateG
        GoTo Moderator
        30 days ago

        AFease

        I can't really speak to how EIN and filing taxes work, but if you are able to use your SS# as an EIN is seems like you should be able to register.

        Reviewing the user guide, a legal business name, business information, and Tax ID Number/EIN, is what is needed and this must exactly match or the application will be rejected (and a $15 fee applies). Have you tried registering the company as a brand?