How to Find an Old EIN Number for a Business

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses. It allows the IRS to identify businesses for tax and reporting purposes. An EIN is necessary for activities like filing federal taxes, opening business bank accounts, and hiring employees. This guide outlines methods to locate a misplaced EIN.

Checking Existing Business Records

The most straightforward approach to finding a forgotten EIN involves reviewing documents and records typically kept by a business. The IRS issues a confirmation letter, Letter 147C, when an EIN is first assigned. This letter serves as the primary official source for verifying a business’s EIN.

Prior tax returns are another reliable place to find an EIN, as this number is required for various federal tax filings. For corporations, the EIN would be on Form 1120, while partnerships would find it on Form 1065. Businesses with employees would see it on payroll tax forms like Form 940 or Form 941. Sole proprietors who obtained an EIN would have it listed on their tax documents, including Schedule C if applicable.

Beyond tax documents, the EIN is frequently required for other official business activities. Business bank statements, loan applications, and credit applications typically list the EIN. Some state or local business licenses and permits may also require and display the EIN. Documents from payroll providers or other third-party administrators, as well as forms like 1099s issued by the business, are also likely to contain the EIN.

Contacting the Internal Revenue Service

If existing business records do not yield the EIN, direct contact with the Internal Revenue Service is the next step. Only authorized individuals can request an EIN directly from the IRS. This includes a sole proprietor, a partner in a partnership, a corporate officer, or an authorized third party who holds a valid Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative).

Before calling, prepare specific identifying information to verify your identity and association with the business. The IRS will ask for the full legal business name, the business address, the type of entity (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation), and the reason for needing the EIN. You will also need to provide the name and Social Security Number of the authorized person making the call.

To speak with the IRS, call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. This line operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. Once your identity and authorization are confirmed, the EIN will typically be provided verbally. You can also request an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) to be mailed or faxed for official documentation.

Alternative Retrieval Methods

When primary methods for EIN retrieval are unsuccessful or not directly applicable, several alternative avenues exist. Professional advisors, such as accountants or tax preparers, frequently retain copies of a business’s EIN. If these professionals assisted with the initial EIN application or handled the business’s tax filings, they would have the number on file.

Businesses that utilize payroll services or other third-party administrators for their financial operations would likely find their EIN stored with these service providers. Payroll companies, for instance, require the EIN to manage employee wages and tax withholdings, making them a reliable source for retrieval.

While state business registration databases generally do not publicly display federal EINs, they can sometimes offer other identifying information that might assist in IRS inquiries. For businesses that have undergone an acquisition or are successor entities, reviewing acquisition documents or previous owners’ records may reveal the original EIN.