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Verify Your Business for Dialer Setup with an EIN or CBN

Step-by-Step Instructions to Obtain or Verify Your EIN/CBN for Dialer Activation.

To set up your Sierra Dialer, you must provide a verified business identification number. U.S.-based users need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, while Canadian users need a Business Number (BN/CBN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 

This guide explains what these numbers are, why they are required, and how to get one to complete your setup.


Table of Contents

  1. Why a Verified Business Number is Required
  2. How to Find Your Existing Business Number
  3. How to Apply for a New Business Number
  4. Best Practices
  5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  6. FAQs

Why a Verified Business ID Number is Required

Sierra Interactive partners with third-party carriers to ensure all calls and texts sent through the dialer comply with federal regulations. Providing a verified business number is a non-negotiable step that serves several key purposes:

  • Authenticates Your Business: It proves to carriers that you are a legitimate business entity.
  • Improves Deliverability: It prevents your calls and texts from being incorrectly blocked or flagged as spam.
  • Ensures Compliance: It keeps your communications aligned with U.S. (TCPA) and Canadian (CRTC) standards.

⚠️ Without an EIN (U.S.) or BN/CBN (Canada), your Sierra Dialer setup cannot be completed.

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How to Find Your Existing Business Number

If your business is already established, you likely already have one of these numbers. Here’s where to look before applying for a new one.

Finding Your U.S. EIN

  • Official Documents: Check your original IRS EIN confirmation letter (Form CP 575).
  • Tax Records: The number is listed on prior federal tax returns for your business.
  • Bank Records: Your bank may have it on file if you opened a business bank account.
  • Contact the IRS: Call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 and ask for verification.

Finding Your Canadian BN/CBN

  • Official Documents: Review your CRA registration confirmation letter or other tax documents.
  • Online Portal: Log in to your "My Business Account" on the CRA website.
  • Contact the CRA: Call the Business Inquiries line at 1-800-959-5525 for assistance.

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How to Apply for a New Business Number

If you confirm you don't have a business number, you can apply for one online for free.

How to Apply for a U.S. EIN

The online application process with the IRS is fast and straightforward.

  1. Navigate to the official IRS EIN Application page.
  2. Click "Apply Online Now" and follow the prompts to complete the form.
  3. Once you submit the application, you will receive your EIN immediately.

How to Apply for a Canadian BN/CBN

You can register for a business number directly through the CRA.

  1. Visit the CRA's Business Number registration page.
  2. Follow the instructions to submit your business details through the online portal.
  3. The CRA will process your registration and issue your BN/CBN.

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Best Practices

  • Always use your official business number (EIN for U.S., BN/CBN for Canada).
  • Keep your confirmation letter stored securely for future reference.
  • Avoid delays by applying as soon as possible if you don’t already have a number.

⚠️Double-check that the business name you submit in Sierra matches exactly with IRS/CRA records.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • My number is rejected → Ensure the legal name matches government records exactly (no abbreviations).
  • I misplaced my number → Contact the IRS or CRA for verification.
  • I thought I could use another ID → Only EINs (U.S.) and BN/CBNs (Canada) are accepted for Sierra Dialer setup.

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FAQs

  • Can I use a W-9 for approval?
    No, Sierra's third-party dialer platform requires an EIN letter for business verification due to newer, more stringent business-to-consumer telecommunicator marketing regulations.
  • I don't have a LLC, can/should I still get an EIN Letter?
    You can still request an EIN letter as an LLC, or alternatively, filing for an EIN letter as a 'Sole Proprietor' is another way to obtain an EIN letter without being an LLC.
  • My broker pays for Sierra, but their name isn’t on the account. Can I use their EIN?
    Our third-party dialer verifies that the EIN name matches the website being verified. We can attempt submission using your broker’s EIN if needed, but in most cases, the EIN will need to match the account owner’s information.
  • I don't want to get a EIN letter but I want to use the dialer, what are my options?
    Due to telecommunication business to consumer regulations, the only way to enable the Sierra dialer is by verifying your business through information on your EIN letter.

  • What if my number is rejected?
    This is almost always due to a mismatch between the legal business name you provided and what the IRS or CRA has on file. Double-check your registration documents and resubmit with the exact legal name.

  • Can I set up the Sierra Dialer without an EIN or BN/CBN?
     No. A verified number is required for compliance and carrier approval.
  • Does Sierra store my business number securely?
     Yes. Numbers are used only for carrier verification and stored in compliance with security best practices.
  • How long does it take to get a number?
    EINs are typically issued immediately online.
    BN/CBNs are issued upon CRA processing (timelines may vary).

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