Where to Find Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to U.S. businesses. It is primarily used for tax reporting and identification. Businesses need an EIN for activities like filing tax returns, opening bank accounts, and applying for licenses.

Checking Your IRS Records

The most reliable place to locate your EIN is on official IRS documents. Upon receiving your EIN, the IRS sends a confirmation letter, IRS Form CP 575, stating your assigned number. Keep this document securely with other important business papers.

Your EIN also appears on various tax forms submitted to the IRS. Businesses often find it on filed income tax returns, such as Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, or Form 990 for tax-exempt organizations. Employment tax returns like Form 941, used for quarterly reporting of withheld income and Social Security and Medicare taxes, also display the EIN. Any official IRS notice or correspondence regarding your business’s tax obligations will include your EIN.

Reviewing Business and Financial Documents

Beyond IRS records, your EIN is often present on various business and financial documents. Financial institutions require an EIN to establish business bank accounts; it typically appears on monthly bank statements or initial account opening agreements. When applying for business loans or lines of credit, the EIN is mandatory and documented within the application and subsequent agreements.

Many business licenses and permits, depending on industry and locality, require an EIN during application. Issued documents often display the EIN for identification. If your business has employees, payroll records and tax documents like Forms W-2 or W-3 will feature the EIN, as it is essential for reporting employee wages and taxes.

Contacting the IRS Directly

If you cannot locate your EIN through other means, contact the IRS directly. The IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line can assist in retrieving a lost EIN. Call 800-829-4933; representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.

When you call, the IRS agent will require information to verify your identity and authorization to receive the EIN. Be prepared to provide the business’s complete legal name, full address, and the name and Social Security Number (SSN) of a principal officer, partner, or sole proprietor. This verification ensures the EIN is only disclosed to authorized individuals.