Showerthought: the EIN application form is way too easy to mess up

I was reading a post the other day where someone bragged about getting their EIN in 10 minutes flat. Everyone in the comments was high-fiving about how simple the IRS online application is. But I had the opposite experience. I rushed through it and accidentally checked the wrong box for business type, which led to a two-week delay getting it fixed on the phone. The form has all these little dropdowns and radio buttons that look harmless but one click off can set you back. It's not user-friendly at all if you don't already know the structure of your LLC or corporation inside and out. I think people underestimate how easy it is to make a mistake when you're flying through it without double-checking every line. Has anyone else had to reapply or call in because of a dumb error on the SS-4?

3 comments

3 Comments

fionanguyen15d ago

Ugh, that sounds incredibly frustrating, I hope it all got sorted eventually.

kimr9115d ago

My cousin actually went through something similar with their insurance company back in March of last year. I used to roll my eyes at people who made a big deal about these kinds of problems, thinking they just weren't being patient enough. But after watching them spend 6 weeks on the phone fighting a billing error that was obviously their mistake, I totally get it now. It's wild how one small screw-up on their end can turn into this huge headache that eats up your whole day (and then some). Honestly, I think everyone should get a free week of therapy after dealing with that kind of nonsense.

angela72814d ago

Didn't someone share a story on here a while back about how their insurance tried to charge them for a doctor's appointment they never had? I remember they had to send in certified letters and everything just to prove they were at work that day. It's like these companies make it so hard on purpose hoping you'll just give up and pay it. My cousin lost an entire Saturday morning to hold music over a 47 dollar overcharge. It's ridiculous how much time you have to waste just to fix a mistake you didn't even make.