COMPTROLLER'S MEMORANDUM NO. 03 (2002-03)

SUBJECT: FEDERAL EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

This memorandum rescinds Comptroller's Memorandum No. 09, (1996-97).

There are many activities throughout State Government that require filing Federal returns, remitting Federal taxes, or submitting claims for refunds of Federal taxes. Some agencies filing these returns have used the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the Office of the Comptroller. This has caused some confusion and assessment of penalties and interest to our employer payroll tax account for non-employment items.

Agencies using the Office of the Comptroller's FEIN for filing Federal returns or claims should discontinue this practice immediately. Agencies that require a unique FEIN must apply for the number by filing a Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, with the Internal Revenue Service. Internal Revenue Service Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN, provides information about Federal identification numbers. Forms, instructions, and publications may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service by calling 1-800-829-3676, or by using the IRS Internet Web Site at www.irs.gov.

Questions regarding this memorandum should be directed to Ernest Thompson by phone at (850) 410-9432, Suncom 210-9432, or by email at ethompson@mail.dbf.state.fl.us with the Bureau of State Payrolls.