Delaware State File Number: What It Is & How It's Used
What is the Delaware state file number?
The Delaware state file number is the number that the state of Delaware issues to each new company at the time of formation. Your company file number will be formatted with seven numbers; for example, 1234567.
Each new Delaware company will have a state file number one digit higher than the company before it. It is the number that you can use to identify your company when dealing with the Delaware Secretary of State.
What is my Delaware state file number used for?
Your Delaware state file number is used to identify your company in the Delaware Division of Corporations' database.
Delaware companies can change their names, they can change their Directors, they can change the number of shares and par value issued, they can change their Registered Agent and address, but they cannot change their Delaware state file number. You will only receive a new company file number if you decide to create a brand new LLC or corporation.
Is the Delaware state file number the same as my Tax ID number?
No, the Delaware state file number is not your Federal Tax ID number, often called an EIN. The Federal Tax ID number is the federal government's—not a state government's—identifying number.
The EIN is a nine-digit number formatted with a dash after the first two numbers. These first two numbers indicate the location where the company will do business and pay their federal tax.
Think of the federal tax ID number as the social security number (SSN) for the business. It is used to open U.S. bank accounts, hire U.S. employees and operate lawful business activities in the U.S.
How do I locate my Delaware file number?
The Delaware file number can be located in several different places. You can find it on the cover letter we send with your approved company documents and on your receipt. The state will stamp it in the margin of your filed Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Incorporation. Furthermore, Harvard Business Services, Inc can help you with a quick Delaware state file number lookup for your company.
You can form a Delaware LLC or corporation with our team and we'll make sure to point out your company's state file number when you receive the approved formation document.
(See an example of a Certificate of Formation below):
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
There are 7 comments left for Delaware State File Number: What It Is & How It's Used
Sanjana said: Saturday, June 13, 2020Hello Sir/Madam I would like to know will you provide EIN number if i will go with Basic International Package.
HBS Staff replied: Monday, June 15, 2020We do offer a service to obtain an EIN number for you when creating a company. There is an additional cost for this service -- more information here: https://www.delawareinc.com/ourservices/obtain-tax-id-or-ein-for-delaware-company/
UZMA SARFRAZ said: Saturday, February 15, 2020I would like to request a copy of my companies registration in Delaware. How quickly can this be processed? What are the necessary steps? I have my Delaware file number 5003118. Uzma
HBS Staff replied: Monday, February 17, 2020If you need it ASAP, we offer an express service to obtain a stamped Certificate of Incorporation from Delaware (1 page) for $93. Our regular turnaround time 2 business days at a cost of $43. We can take your order over the phone at 1-800-345-2677 Ext. 6911.
Mostafa said: Tuesday, March 5, 2019Hello Sir/Madam I would like to know if a registered company dealing with stock market needs to be registered in an SRO or not?
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, March 5, 2019Mostafa, unfortunately this is outside our area of expertise. We recommend checking with an attorney or local professional for advice.
Shane Carew said: Thursday, July 12, 2018To search for information online through your search tool to find out about a corporation, why must you know more than the corporation's name? If you know the name, how can you obtain the corporate number at no charge in order to do an online search of your records?
HBS Staff replied: Friday, July 13, 2018We do not have information about corporations; we can help you determine if a name is already taken or would be allowed by the state of Delaware, but if you are searching for specific information about a corporation you do not own, you'll need to do that search via the Delaware Division of Corporations Search Entity site.
Petra Heijmans said: Tuesday, March 27, 2018What's the reason that some company's have two Delaware state file numbers?
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, March 27, 2018Usually the reason this happens is that one of the entities would have had to cease existence, allowing a new entity to be formed. That would mean there are two different companies, as the file numbers are formation specific.
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