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Form W-13: ExSTARS Reporting Information Request for Employer Identification Number and Certification
IRS Form W-13 is an ExSTARS Reporting Information Request for Employer Identification Number and Certification, used to request a valid EIN for Excise Summary Terminal Activity Reporting System (ExSTARS) reporting. Failure to furnish the correct EIN subjects the filer to a penalty of $50 per failure.
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IRS Form W-13 - ExSTARS Reporting Information Request for Employer Identification Number and Certification
IRS Form W-13 is an ExSTARS Reporting Information Request for Employer Identification Number and Certification, used to request a valid EIN for Excise Summary Terminal Activity Reporting System (ExSTARS) reporting. Failure to furnish the correct EIN subjects the filer to a penalty of $50 per failure.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure the EIN provided in Part I belongs specifically to the ExSTARS transaction entity.
- 2Filing without providing the business name as shown on federal tax documents.
- 3Entering a Social Security Number instead of an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- 4Reporting the owner's EIN when the disregarded entity's EIN is applicable in Part I.
- 5Not certifying that the number shown on Form W-13 is correct under penalty of perjury.
Plain English
This form allows a person or business to officially ask another party for their correct Employer Identification Number (EIN). The requester uses this information to ensure they have the proper ID needed for Excise Summary Terminal Activity Reporting System (ExSTARS) filings. By signing, the filer certifies that the provided EIN is accurate.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2014-01-24 00:00:00
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a person or entity engaged in ExSTARS activities must request a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) from another party.
- Do not use this form when you are simply providing your EIN to a requester; use it specifically to *request* the EIN.
- Check Form SS-4 instead when applying for an EIN because that is the specific application form used to obtain one.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Sole proprietor
Enter individual name on the 'Name' line and DBA/business name on the 'Business name...' line.
✓ Ensure the business name matches your tax return filing.
C, S, or Partnership Entity
Enter entity name on the 'Name' line and any trade/DBA name on the 'Business name...' line.
✓ Verify that the entity name matches the charter document.
Other Entities
Enter business name as shown on required federal tax documents on the 'Name' line.
✓ This name must match the legal document creating the entity.
Deadline or filing window
The form must be used when a person is required to file an ExSTARS information return with the IRS. If the filer's name or EIN changes while engaged in ExSTARS reporting, updated information must be provided immediately.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Purpose of Form
Request a valid EIN for ExSTARS reporting · General Instructions
Part I: Name/Business Name
Must match name on tax returns (or legal document) · Part I
Part I: Tax Classification
Check box for Individual, C, S, Partnership, Trust/estate, LLC, or select 'Other' · Part I
Part II: Certification
Must certify that the number shown is correct under penalties of perjury · Part II
EIN Provision Rule
Report the disregarded entity's EIN, not the owner's EIN (when applicable) · Part I
Penalty for Failure to Furnish
$50 per failure unless due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect · Part I
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the Name line reflects your name as shown on tax returns.
- 2Verify the Business name/disregarded entity name matches any trade or DBA designation used.
- 3Check the appropriate federal tax classification box (or select 'Other').
- 4Ensure Part I contains the correct EIN associated with the ExSTARS transaction entity.
- 5Confirm that if applicable, you have reported the disregarded entity's EIN rather than the owner's EIN.
- 6Verify that Part II includes a signature from an owner or principal officer.
- 7Double-check that Part II includes the date and the signee’s typed name/title.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part I by entering your name, business name (if different), checking the tax classification box, and providing the required address details.
- 2Enter the correct Employer Identification Number (EIN) in Part I, ensuring it pertains to the ExSTARS transaction entity.
- 3Certify on Part II under penalties of perjury that the EIN shown is accurate, then sign, date, and type/write your name and title.
- 4Return the completed form to the requester who needs this information for their ExSTARS reporting purposes.
Known limitations
- 1Social security numbers are not permitted in ExSTARS reporting when using Form W-13.
- 2When reporting a disregarded entity, the form requires the disregarded entity's EIN, not the owner's EIN.
- 3The EIN provided on Form W-13 must be for the ExSTARS transaction entity.
- 4A person must provide their correct EIN even if they are not required to file a tax return.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Personal Info
2 items
Your legal name and current mailing address.
Your taxpayer identification number — must match IRS records.
Filing Status
1 items
Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household (for withholding purposes).
Dependents
1 items
Number of qualifying children and other dependents.
Adjustments
1 items
Additional income not from jobs or adjustments to withholding.
Withholding
1 items
Additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck.
Certification
1 items
Your tax entity type: Individual, Corporation, Partnership, etc.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date to certify under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of IRS Form W-13 is dated 01/2014; the form directs users to www.irs.gov/formw13 for the latest information regarding developments.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/2014.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site).
- Mailing address — The general mailing address for comments is 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526 Washington, DC 20224.
- Signature — Ensure the form is signed by an owner or principal officer.
- EIN requirement — confirm the EIN provided is specifically for the ExSTARS transaction entity.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the completed and signed Form W-13.
- 2Provide updated information to the requester if the name or EIN changes while still engaged in ExSTARS reporting activities.
- 3The receiving party returns the form to the requester after providing a correct EIN.
- 4If an error occurs, use this form again with the corrected information.
Sources
- SRCGeneral Instructions — The purpose of Form W-13 is to request a valid employer identification number (EIN) for ExSTARS reporting.
- SRCForm p.1 — The form must include the Name, Business name/disregarded entity name, federal tax classification box selection, Address, Requester’s name and address, and Part I EIN.
- SRCForm p.1 — When entering the EIN in Part I, report the disregarded entity's EIN if applicable, and Social Security Numbers are not permitted.
- SRCForm p.1 — Penalties include a $50 penalty for each failure to furnish a correct EIN unless reasonable cause or willful neglect is excused.
- SRCForm p.2 — The form must be signed by an owner or principal officer in Part II Certification.
- SRCForm p.2 — To apply for an EIN, one can use Form SS-4, applying online at www.irs.gov/businesses or via phone at 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site (The required filing deadline is not explicitly stated, but it implies immediacy for ExSTARS reporting).
Common confusion points
What business name do I put on the 'Business name/disregarded entity name' line?
This field allows for names different from the primary name listed.
→ Enter any business, trade, or DBA name here.
Should I use my personal EIN or a company EIN?
The form requires the EIN associated with the ExSTARS activities.
→ Ensure the entered EIN matches the entity conducting the ExSTARS transactions.
What if I don't have an EIN yet to put on Form W-13?
You must apply for one immediately before filing or using this form.
→ Use Form SS-4 to apply, online at www.irs.gov/businesses.
Who must sign Part II of the Form W-13?
The form must be signed by an owner or principal officer.
→ Ensure the signature block includes the signer's typed or written name and title.
Does this form only apply if I have a federal tax classification listed?
No, you must provide your EIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return.
→ Complete Part I even if you are unsure of your filing requirement status.
If my entity is an Individual/sole proprietor, what do I put for the 'Business name'?
Enter your personal name as shown on your tax returns in the primary Name field.
→ If there is a different business name, enter it in the secondary Business name/disregarded entity name line.
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Questions about IRS Form W-13
What is IRS Form W-13 used for?
This form allows a person or business to officially ask another party for their correct Employer Identification Number (EIN). The requester uses this information to ensure they have the proper ID needed for Excise Summary Terminal Activity Reporting System (ExSTARS) filings. By signing, the filer certifies that the provided EIN is accurate.
Who must file IRS Form W-13?
A person required to file an ExSTARS information return with the IRS must obtain their correct EIN by using Form W-13 as the requester.
What information does IRS Form W-13 require?
Part I collects identifying details such as the name and address of the filer, along with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) associated with the ExSTARS transaction entity. Part II requires certification under penalty of perjury regarding the accuracy of that EIN.
When is IRS Form W-13 due?
The form must be provided to a requester when an individual or business is engaged in ExSTARS reporting activities and needs the correct EIN. Updates must be furnished if the name or EIN changes while still performing these activities.
Where do I file IRS Form W-13?
The receiving party returns Form W-13 to the original requester after providing a correct EIN; the form itself does not have a specific filing address listed for submission in this excerpt, but comments can be sent to IRS Tax Forms and Publications at 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526 Washington, DC 20224.
How do I complete IRS Form W-13?
The filer must first complete Part I by providing their name, business name/disregarded entity name, tax classification (e.g., C or S), address, and the required EIN. Then, in Part II, the filer signs, dates, and types or writes their name and title to certify the number is correct.
What happens if IRS Form W-13 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to furnish the correct EIN subjects the filer to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; civil penalties apply for false information regarding withholding.
What business name do I put on the 'Business name/disregarded entity name' line?
This field allows for names different from the primary name listed. Enter any business, trade, or DBA name here.
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