How to Get and Use Business Numbers in 2025: A Complete Guide
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Business numbers are key for any company. No matter if you're starting a small business or running a large corporation, business numbers help with taxes, licenses, and official paperwork. In this guide, we'll dig in to everything about business numbers what they are, how to get them, and how to use them. We'll cover UBI numbers, EINs, state registrations, and even how SecondLine can help with business phone numbers. Let's get started with the basics of business numbers. Understanding UBI Numbers in Washington
A Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number is a key business number in Washington. As explained on the Washington Department of Revenue site, it's a nine-digit number that registers your business with multiple state agencies.
What you should know:
UBI numbers are sometimes called tax registration numbers
You can use it as soon as it's issued
Some businesses need to display the license before opening
The number works for multiple state requirements
SecondLine Business Phone Setup for Professional Communication
Along with official business numbers, having a dedicated business phone line is important. SecondLine offers an easy way to get a professional business number without a second device.
Key features:
Separate business and personal calls
Includes voicemail and call forwarding
Works with your existing smartphone
Available in multiple area codes
Federal Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)
The IRS requires most businesses to have an EIN. As noted on the IRS Business Tax Account page, this number is key for tax purposes.
Important details:
Sole proprietors can use SSN but EIN is better
Required if you have employees
Needed for business bank accounts
Free to obtain from the IRS website
Oregon Business Registry Numbers
Oregon has its own business numbering system. The Oregon Secretary of State site explains how to search for and register businesses.
Oregon specifics:
Search existing businesses by name or number
Different requirements for LLCs vs corporations
Annual renewal needed
Fees vary by business type
SBA Registration and Loan Numbers
The Small Business Administration offers programs that may require additional numbers. The SBA official site provides resources for business owners.
SBA programs:
Disaster loan numbers for approved applications
Lender identification numbers
Grant tracking numbers
Certification numbers for special programs
Renewing Your Business Numbers
Many business numbers require regular renewal. Washington's Business Licensing Service explains the renewal process.
Renewal facts:
Most licenses renew annually
Late renewals may have penalties
Some renewals don't cover full 12 months
Online renewal is fastest
Tax Reporting with Business Numbers
Your business numbers are key for tax reporting. The IRS Business Tax Account system helps manage tax obligations.
Tax reporting basics:
Quarterly payroll tax filings
Annual income tax returns
Sales tax reporting in many states
Different forms for different business types
Changing Business Information
If your business changes, you'll need to update your numbers. Both Oregon and Washington have processes for this.
Common changes:
Business name changes
Address updates
Ownership changes
Adding or removing licenses