How to Find an EIN Number for Your Employer or Business
Discover practical methods to locate your employer's or business's EIN number using tax forms, HR contacts, and IRS resources.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) serves as a unique identifier for businesses, much like a Social Security number does for individuals. This nine-digit code is used for tax purposes, banking, and various business operations. Knowing how to locate an EIN is essential for employees needing it for tax forms or for business owners managing financial records.
Checking Tax Forms and Payroll Records
Locating an EIN is often as simple as examining tax documents or payroll records. For employees, the EIN is typically found on the W-2 form, issued annually by employers. This form, which reports wages and taxes withheld, displays the employer’s EIN in Box b. Ensure your W-2 form is from the current tax year, as EINs can change if a business undergoes restructuring.
Business owners can find the EIN on tax filings such as the 941 form, which reports quarterly payroll taxes, or on 1099 forms issued to independent contractors. Payroll records, maintained by the employer or payroll service provider, also contain the EIN, as it is required for processing payroll taxes. Employers are required to keep these records for at least four years.
Employer HR Contacts
Another way to obtain an EIN is by contacting your employer’s Human Resources (HR) department. HR personnel manage employment-related inquiries and can provide the EIN upon request. This is particularly helpful for employees without immediate access to tax documents or payroll records. When reaching out, explain why you need the EIN, such as for tax filing or financial management.
In larger organizations, HR departments may have dedicated payroll or compliance teams to handle such requests. These specialists ensure the correct EIN is provided, especially if the company has undergone structural changes. Be prepared to verify your identity and employment status, as HR departments often have protocols for sharing sensitive information.
In smaller businesses, where HR functions are handled by a single individual or small team, the process may be less formal but still requires professionalism. Providing clear details about your request can help ensure a quick response.
Using IRS Assistance
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers resources to help locate an EIN. Business owners who have misplaced their EIN confirmation letter can use the IRS’s online EIN Assistant tool on their official website. Those who registered for an EIN online in the past can log into their account to retrieve it.
The IRS also operates a Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, where representatives assist with locating an EIN. Be ready to provide personal identification and relevant business details to verify your identity. In some cases, the IRS may require a formal written request, such as submitting Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, which includes the EIN.
Business Entity Lookups
Conducting a business entity lookup through a state’s Secretary of State website can also help locate information about a business. While many states do not publicly list EINs due to privacy concerns, their databases provide details such as the business’s legal name and registration status.
Business entity searches are useful for stakeholders conducting due diligence. They can reveal insights into a business’s operational history, compliance with local regulations, and any past legal issues. This information is especially valuable when assessing risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, or other business decisions.