What Is the US Bank EIN and How Can You Access It?

Businesses and financial institutions in the U.S. use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax reporting and identification. This nine-digit number, assigned by the IRS, functions like a Social Security number but for businesses, banks, and other entities.

Situations Requiring the US Bank EIN

A bank’s EIN is required for tax filings involving interest-bearing accounts. If you earn interest on a savings account, certificate of deposit (CD), or money market account, the bank reports this income to the IRS using its EIN. This number appears on Form 1099-INT, which you use to report taxable interest income. Without the correct EIN, tax filings may be delayed or flagged for errors.

Businesses may need a bank’s EIN when applying for loans or credit lines. Lenders often require financial statements that include tax details, and the EIN is sometimes necessary for verification. This is particularly relevant for corporate loans, where financial institutions must comply with federal lending regulations.

Nonprofits and trusts also require a bank’s EIN when managing donations or estate distributions. Charitable organizations receiving grants or large contributions may need it for financial reporting. Estate executors handling trust accounts must reference the bank’s EIN on IRS filings such as Form 1041 for estates and trusts.

Accessing the EIN

The most direct way to find a bank’s EIN is through official tax forms issued by the institution. Banks include their EIN on documents such as Form 1098, which reports mortgage interest paid by borrowers, and Form 1042-S, used for reporting income subject to withholding for non-U.S. persons. These forms are typically provided at the beginning of the year and can be accessed through online banking portals or by requesting a copy from customer service.

For publicly traded banks, the EIN can be found in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forms such as the 10-K annual report and 10-Q quarterly report include the EIN in the business entity details section. These documents are available through the SEC’s EDGAR database, which allows searches by company name or ticker symbol. This method is useful for investors or analysts verifying corporate tax identification.

Some banks list their EIN on their official website, particularly in FAQ sections for business banking customers. If the EIN is not publicly available, calling the bank’s corporate office or speaking with a branch representative may provide the information, though identity verification may be required.

Documents That Reference the EIN

Legal agreements and regulatory filings often include a bank’s EIN to establish tax and financial accountability. When financial institutions merge or undergo acquisitions, the EIN ensures tax liabilities and reporting obligations are transferred correctly. The Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) require EIN disclosure in regulatory submissions, particularly during bank restructurings.

Corporate account holders frequently encounter the EIN in business banking agreements. When opening a commercial checking or treasury management account, banks include their EIN in the terms and conditions to clarify tax reporting responsibilities. This is especially relevant for businesses processing large financial transactions or conducting international wire transfers, where compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations requires precise tax identification.

Loan servicing and securitization documents also reference a bank’s EIN, particularly in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and syndicated lending arrangements. When banks bundle loans for sale to investors, tax disclosures in offering memorandums and prospectuses include the EIN for IRS classification. The same applies to Small Business Administration (SBA) loan agreements, where financial institutions must report disbursements and payment activity using their registered tax identification number.