How Do I Find My 6-Digit NAICS Code for My Business?

Businesses in the U.S. are classified using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), a six-digit code that helps government agencies, lenders, and researchers categorize companies based on their primary activities. This classification is essential for tax reporting, securing contracts, and accessing industry-specific data.

Finding the correct NAICS code ensures compliance with regulations and improves access to financial opportunities. Misclassification can lead to reporting errors or missed benefits.

Determining Your Industry Category

Before selecting a NAICS code, businesses must identify their primary industry. Government databases, official documents, and industry directories provide structured ways to determine the most accurate classification.

Government Databases

The U.S. Census Bureau maintains an online NAICS lookup tool, where businesses can search by keyword or browse industry categories. This database is updated regularly to reflect economic changes.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers guidance, particularly for businesses seeking government contracts or loans. Federal programs, such as small business set-asides, require a valid NAICS classification. Agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also use these codes for reporting and compliance.

Official Documents

Businesses can often find their NAICS code on registration or licensing paperwork. When applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS, companies select an industry description that corresponds with a NAICS classification. State business registration forms may also require an industry category.

Tax filings are another source. IRS Form 1120 for corporations and Schedule C for sole proprietors request an industry code. Reviewing past submissions can help maintain consistency, though businesses that have changed operations should verify whether a different code is now more appropriate.

Industry Directories

Trade associations and industry groups categorize businesses by sector, offering insight into how similar companies classify themselves. Organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) or the American Marketing Association (AMA) maintain industry directories that serve as reference points.

Business credit reporting agencies, such as Dun & Bradstreet, also assign industry classifications based on company activities. Checking how competitors are classified can help confirm the accuracy of a chosen NAICS code. Some industries have specialized databases, such as the Construction Industry Institute (CII) for contractors or the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) for medical service providers.

Common Places to Locate the Code

Company records, including business plans, loan applications, and vendor agreements, often list an industry description that includes the NAICS code. Reviewing these documents ensures consistency in classification when dealing with financial institutions or regulatory agencies.

Online business databases also help verify NAICS codes. The SEC’s EDGAR database allows users to search publicly traded companies’ filings, where industry classifications are often disclosed. Commercial directories like Hoovers or ReferenceUSA categorize companies by industry, making them useful for comparison.

For businesses involved in government contracting, procurement databases like SAM.gov list NAICS codes associated with federal contracts. Searching awarded contracts can help companies determine which classifications are commonly used in their sector.

Importance of Precise Classification

Selecting the correct NAICS code affects business operations, financial reporting, and competitive positioning. Lenders assess industry classifications to determine risk levels, influencing loan terms and approval decisions. A misclassified business may face unnecessary scrutiny or be placed in a riskier category, leading to less favorable borrowing conditions.

Industry classification also impacts tax incentives and deductions. The Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit under IRC Section 41 applies to businesses engaged in qualified research activities. An inaccurate classification could cause a company to miss out on tax savings. Some states offer sales tax exemptions for manufacturers, but eligibility often depends on the NAICS code listed on business registrations.

Regulatory compliance is another factor. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) enforce industry-specific regulations, including workplace safety standards and environmental reporting. A business incorrectly categorized under a less regulated industry could violate compliance rules, leading to fines. Overclassification into a heavily regulated sector may result in unnecessary compliance costs.

When Business Activities Cross Several Sectors

Businesses operating in multiple industries may struggle to determine their primary NAICS code. The system categorizes companies based on their main revenue-generating activity, but complications arise when revenue is evenly distributed or when operations span highly regulated industries.

For example, a technology firm that develops software but also provides consulting services may need to decide between software publishing (511210) and management consulting (541611). Each classification carries different implications for tax incentives, regulatory oversight, and business development opportunities.

Vertically integrated businesses must also consider how different segments interact. A manufacturer that produces raw materials and sells directly to consumers must determine whether its classification should reflect production (31-33 series) or retail trade (44-45 series). The IRS and state tax authorities scrutinize such classifications when determining sales tax obligations, as manufacturing activities may qualify for exemptions that retail sales do not. Misclassification in these cases can lead to audits, back taxes, and penalties, particularly under statutes like the Multistate Tax Commission’s Uniform Division of Income for Tax Purposes Act (UDITPA), which governs how businesses allocate income across jurisdictions.