To get a Farm Tax ID number in North Carolina, you have to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for a Federal Tax Identification Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This acts like a Social Security number for your farm, representing it in any transactions with federal, state or local agencies and private corporations.

Online

Log on to the Internal Revenue Service's EIN Assistant at IRS.gov, linked below in the References section. Click "Begin Application."

Select "View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations," then click "Continue." When the new screen emerges, choose "Farmers Cooperative."

Fill in the correct bubble that explains why you're applying for your EIN. Click "Continue." Fill in personal information and select "Continue." Follow the prompts on the screen and answer every question asked. When you're done, you'll be given an EIN.

Use your EIN on all forms relating to your farm business. When you register the farm with North Carolina, use the correct EIN on the forms. The EIN will now serve as your Farm Tax ID number.

By Phone

Call 800-829-4933 between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., your local time.

Answer any questions that the agent asks about your farm.

Write down the number that the agent gives you. This is your Farm Tax ID Number.

By Mail or Fax

Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov, linked in the Resources section below.

Fill out the form with information about your business. In box 9a, check "Farmers' cooperative."

Mail the completed form to:

Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999

The IRS website states that you will receive your farm EIN in the mail in about four weeks.

Fax the Form SS-4 to 859-669-5760, if you do not mail it, and you will receive you EIN by fax within four business days, according to the IRS.