How Can I Find My Business’s EIN Number?
Locate your business's misplaced EIN with a few simple steps. Learn where to find this essential federal tax ID in your files or who to contact for it.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to business entities for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. It is used to report employment taxes, file federal tax returns, and open business bank accounts.
Check Your Business Documents
The most direct way to find your EIN is by reviewing your existing business records. When the IRS first assigned your number, they sent a confirmation notice, Form CP 575. This original document is the best place to look. If that notice is unavailable, your previously filed federal tax returns are the next best source.
The EIN is listed on various tax forms, including Form 941, the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, and annual returns like Form 1120 for corporations or Form 1065 for partnerships. The number is typically located at the top of these documents. Other places to check include applications for business licenses and permits, as these often require the EIN for processing. Even old correspondence from the IRS will have the number printed on it.
Contact the IRS Directly
If you cannot locate your EIN on any of your documents, you can contact the IRS directly. You will need to call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to request the number. Their hours of operation are generally 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Before calling, you must be prepared to verify your identity as an authorized person associated with the business. This means you must be a corporate officer, a partner, or the sole proprietor. The IRS representative will ask for your name, title, address, and your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Once your identity is verified, they can provide the EIN over the phone.
Inquire with Third-Party Services
Other professionals and institutions that your business works with often retain your EIN for their records. Your business bank or credit union is an excellent place to start, as they require an EIN to open a business checking account. The number can often be found on your bank statements or the original account application.
If you use a third-party payroll provider, they will have your EIN on file to process payroll and manage employment tax filings. Your accountant or the tax preparation firm that files your business returns will also have a record of the number. These professionals rely on the EIN for nearly all the work they perform for your business.