You have your EIN.
You’re ready to go operational.
You need a go-live checklist.
You need activation steps.
Banking setup. Payroll setup. SaaS setup. Your activation.
This guide shows you how.
Go-live checklist. Setup steps. Activation process. Your operations.
Read this. Complete the checklist. Go operational.
Key Takeaways
- Open business bank account immediately—use your EIN to open a business bank account as soon as you receive confirmation
- Set up payroll systems—configure payroll software and state tax accounts with your EIN to enable employee payments
- Connect to SaaS platforms—integrate your EIN with business software, payment processors, and other platforms you use
- Update business records—add your EIN to all business documents, contracts, and registration records
- Begin operations—start using your EIN for all business transactions, tax filings, and compliance requirements
Table of Contents
Why Activation Matters
Activation enables operations.
What happens without activation:
- Business can’t operate
- Banking is blocked
- Payroll can’t run
- Revenue is lost
What happens with activation:
- Business operates smoothly
- Banking works
- Payroll processes
- Revenue flows
The reality: Activation enables business.
Banking Setup
Set up banking:
Open Business Account
What to do:
- Schedule bank appointment
- Bring EIN confirmation
- Provide required documents
- Complete account application
Why it matters: Banking enables operations.
Configure Account
What to configure:
- Online banking
- Direct deposit
- Account alerts
- Payment processing
Why it matters: Configuration enables functionality.
Begin Using Account
What to begin:
- Process transactions
- Manage cash flow
- Reconcile accounts
- Maintain records
Why it matters: Usage enables operations.
Pro tip: Set up banking quickly. Open account, configure, begin using. See our banking guide for setup.
Payroll Setup
Set up payroll:
Configure Payroll Software
What to configure:
- Enter EIN information
- Set up tax settings
- Configure employee data
- Test calculations
Why it matters: Payroll enables employee payments.
Register for State Taxes
What to register:
- State unemployment insurance
- State income tax withholding
- Workers’ compensation
- State tax accounts
Why it matters: State registration ensures compliance.
Process First Payroll
What to process:
- Calculate pay
- Withhold taxes
- Process payments
- File reports
Why it matters: Processing enables operations.
Pro tip: Set up payroll. Configure software, register for taxes, process payroll. See our payroll guide for setup.
SaaS Setup
Set up SaaS platforms:
Payment Processors
What to set up:
- Enter EIN information
- Configure tax settings
- Set up payment methods
- Test transactions
Why it matters: Processors enable payments.
Business Software
What to set up:
- Accounting software
- CRM systems
- Project management
- Other business tools
Why it matters: Software enables operations.
Integration Testing
What to test:
- EIN connections
- Data synchronization
- Payment processing
- Reporting functions
Why it matters: Testing ensures functionality.
Pro tip: Set up SaaS platforms. Processors, software, integration. See our integration guide for setup.
Record Updates
Update business records:
Business Documents
What to update:
- Contracts and agreements
- Business licenses
- Registration records
- Tax documents
Why it matters: Documents ensure accuracy.
Online Profiles
What to update:
- Business directories
- Social media profiles
- Website information
- Online listings
Why it matters: Profiles maintain consistency.
Internal Records
What to update:
- Employee records
- Vendor records
- Customer records
- Financial records
Why it matters: Records support operations.
Pro tip: Update all records. Documents, profiles, internal records. See our records guide for updates.
Go-Live Checklist
Complete this checklist:
Immediate Tasks
What to complete:
- Open business bank account
- Set up online banking
- Configure payment processing
- Update business records
Why it matters: Immediate tasks enable operations.
Short-Term Tasks
What to complete:
- Set up payroll systems
- Register for state taxes
- Integrate SaaS platforms
- Test all systems
Why it matters: Short-term tasks ensure functionality.
Ongoing Tasks
What to maintain:
- Process transactions
- File taxes
- Maintain compliance
- Update records
Why it matters: Ongoing tasks maintain operations.
Pro tip: Complete go-live checklist. Immediate, short-term, ongoing. See our EIN guide for checklist.
Your Next Steps
Complete the checklist. Activate your EIN. Go operational.
This Week:
- Review this checklist
- Open business bank account
- Set up payroll systems
- Integrate SaaS platforms
This Month:
- Complete all setup tasks
- Test all systems
- Begin operations
- Maintain compliance
Going Forward:
- Use EIN for all business needs
- Maintain accurate records
- Update systems as needed
- Scale operations efficiently
Need help? Check out our EIN application guide for getting your EIN quickly, our bank checklist for account opening, our payroll setup guide for payroll configuration, and our registered agent guide for business address setup.
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Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about going operational with your EIN. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For EIN application, see our EIN Application Guide.
For bank checklist, see our Bank Checklist Guide.
For payroll setup, see our Payroll Setup Guide.
For registered agent services, see our Registered Agent Guide.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
