How to Verify an Employer Identification Number

Verifying an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a common task for businesses and individuals in financial transactions or employment. An EIN, a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), serves as a federal tax identification for business entities. This identifier is important for various business activities, including tax filings, opening bank accounts, and establishing formal agreements. Ensuring an EIN’s legitimacy helps confirm a business’s identity for transactions, employment, or contractual relationships.

Official Verification Through the IRS

Verifying an EIN directly through the IRS is possible for the EIN holder or with proper authorization. If a business owner needs to retrieve their own lost EIN, they can find it on previous tax returns, IRS correspondence such as the CP 575 notice, or by contacting the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. The authorized individual will need to provide identifying information, including the business name, address, and the taxpayer identification number of the responsible party.

The IRS maintains strict privacy regarding third-party EINs. An exception exists if the requesting party has written consent from the EIN holder. This consent is provided through specific IRS forms, such as Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, or Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.

Form 8821 authorizes a designated individual or entity to inspect and receive confidential tax information. Form 2848 grants broader authority, allowing a representative to act on behalf of the taxpayer before the IRS. These forms enable the IRS to release tax information to a third party.

Alternative Verification Approaches

When direct IRS disclosure is not feasible due to privacy rules, several indirect methods can help verify an EIN. Official documents provided by the business can help. Requesting a completed Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is a direct way to obtain a business’s EIN. This form is designed for businesses to collect taxpayer identification numbers from vendors or contractors for tax reporting.

Many businesses include their EIN on invoices, contracts, or other official business correspondence. Tax forms like Form 1099 will also list the payer’s EIN. These documents are reliable sources for verifying an EIN in standard business interactions.

State business registries can offer some information about a business entity. While these registries primarily confirm a business’s legal name and existence, some state databases may include the EIN or provide links to federal tax information. Information available varies by state and does not constitute a direct EIN lookup service. For non-profit organizations, EINs are frequently publicly accessible through their annual Form 990 filings, available on platforms like GuideStar.

Navigating Verification Difficulties

If standard verification methods prove difficult or unsuccessful, several steps can be taken. The most straightforward action is to directly request the EIN from the business or individual involved. Asking for a completed Form W-9 is often the most efficient way to obtain this information directly from the source.

Exercising due diligence is important if a provided EIN appears incorrect or if the business is unwilling to furnish verifiable information. Such situations may warrant caution. If there is a suspicion of tax fraud or identity theft related to an EIN, reporting channels are available through the IRS. Concerns can be reported via IRS.gov or by using specific IRS forms: Form 3949-A, Information Referral, for general tax law violations, or Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, for identity theft. For complex issues or substantial transactions, consulting with a legal or tax professional is advisable to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.