What is a good business name for an IT support company?

Business Law: Can anyone start a company under your name without you knowing and get EIN # from IRS under your Social Security Number?

• When someone starts a company the only required info is their name, company address, etc.  So technically i could start a company on anyone's name.  But i do know that to get a EIN# you need a SSN.  I wanted to know because i found out that the guy i know is sort of a crook.  He has no history of any tax problems that i know of but i found out that he likes to not pay company bills.  He started a company with me and said I will be given equity in the company and position.  I have worked for him under 1099 so he also has my SSN.  I checked the state registry and the company is incorporated in Delaware.  If i call the IRS and give them my SSN they will tell me what's under my name? How about Delaware state? I am not sure if I am panicking or just be cautious, but would like to anyway because I know that someone can easily do wrong things and I might get dragged just by having my name on the company.

• Answer:

  You have raised quite a few issues. I will try to address them one-by-one. Title Q: Yes, a (dishonest) person can take such actions. Calling the IRS: I am reasonably confident that the IRS will not (and may not even be able to) tell you which EINs have been issued based on your SSN. Calling DE: No point doing this. Forming a corporaiton does not require SSN. Recommendation: Obtain an EIN for yourself as a sole proprietor. That way, you will disclose the EIN to clients and will have no need to disclose your SSN.This answer is not a substitute for professional legal advice....