How do I get a texas tax identification number?

Question

I have rental properties and people pay me rent. I would like to pay in my taxes as I get my rent on a monthly basis, but I don't know the first thing I need to do and what steps to do them? Please help, or any suggestions.

Answer 1

What?  Please rephrase.  Are you referring to a tax id # for businesses?  If so, through your city.  

Answer 2

You don't need a tax ID number, unless you have employees, or rental income is subject to sales tax in TX.

If you are considered self-employed (unlikely with rental property, but not impossible) your SS and Medicare taxes are paid along with your regular taxes using schedule C to form 1040.  You then pay estimated taxes on form 1040-ES with vouchers on form 1040-V.

If you have employees, then you need to get a Federal EIN (Employer ID Number) using form SS-56.  I don't how you get a state employer number for unemployment tax purposes; I assume you contact the state department of labor.  You then would pay your federal employment taxes on forms 940 and 941, give your employees W-2s, file the W-2s with the Social Security administration with form W-3, and file G-d-knows how many forms with the state of Texas.

Does that help?  I'd know the state form numbers for California and Arizona, but I can't help you with Texas.