So you need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and have absolutely no clue where you put that letter from the IRS? Join the club. Honestly, it happens way more often than you'd think. That little nine-digit number – your business's social security number – is crucial for taxes, banking, hiring, you name it. And when you can't find it, panic starts to set in. Been there, felt that cold sweat myself helping a friend launch their bakery last year.
Let's cut straight to the chase: how to look up my employer identification number isn't always a simple Google search. You can't just magically pull it from public databases like your personal SSN (thankfully!). But don't worry, you absolutely *can* find it again. I'll walk you through every single legitimate way, step-by-step, including the ones nobody really talks about but can save your skin.
What Exactly is an EIN and Why Can't I Just Google It?
Your Employer ID Number (sometimes called a Federal Tax ID) is that unique nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business entity. Think of it like this:
- Business Identity: It's how the IRS tracks your business's tax obligations (income tax, employment tax).
- Banking Must-Have: No EIN? Good luck opening a proper business bank account. They ask for it upfront.
- Hiring Legally: You absolutely need it to report wages paid to employees and file employment tax returns.
- Business Credibility: Many vendors and larger clients require it for contracts or wholesale accounts.
Why the secrecy? Primarily for security and privacy. While some EINs become public record through certain filings (like if your business is a publicly traded corporation or a non-profit filing Form 990), for the vast majority of small businesses (LLCs, S-Corps, sole proprietorships using an EIN), your EIN isn't just sitting in a public directory for anyone to grab. This protects you from fraud and identity theft targeting your business. Frustrating when you've lost it yourself? Absolutely. But important protection overall.
So, how to look up my employer identification number becomes a personal mission, not a public search. Here's where to actually look.
Your First Stop: Where Did You Last See Your EIN?
Before you start calling the IRS (hold that thought!), dig through your own files. You'd be surprised how often it's hiding in plain sight. Seriously, grab a coffee and check these spots:
Physical Documents (The Paper Chase)
- The Golden Ticket: Your original IRS CP 575 Notice. This is the confirmation letter the IRS sent when they first assigned your EIN. It's the holy grail. Check that dusty filing cabinet, the "important business docs" folder on your desk, or maybe even that pile of mail you meant to sort last quarter? Yeah, that pile.
- Past Tax Returns: Look at any previously filed business tax returns (Forms 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1040 Schedule C). Your EIN is prominently displayed on the top of the first page. Check copies saved on your computer, with your accountant, or printed backups.
- Business Licenses & Permits: Applications for state or local business licenses often require your EIN and might have a copy on file or in their approval letter.
- Old Loan Applications: Submitted paperwork for business loans or lines of credit will have it.
- Payroll Service Documents: If you've ever had employees, setup documents or quarterly payroll reports from your payroll provider (like ADP, Gusto, Paychex) will list your EIN.
Digital Traces (Check Your Inbox & Apps)
- Email Search: Try searching your email for "EIN," "Employer ID," "Tax ID," "575 Notice," or even just the name of your business plus "IRS." That CP 575 often comes via mail, but sometimes you might have scanned it or received digital correspondence mentioning it.
- Bank Account Statements: Log into your online business banking portal. Your EIN is often listed within the account details section online or printed on paper statements.
- Online Accounting Software: Platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or FreshBooks store your business info, including EIN, in the company settings or tax information section. Took me 10 seconds to find mine in QBO the other day.
- Business Formation Documents: If you used an online service (LegalZoom, Incfile, Northwest Registered Agent) to form your LLC or Corporation, they usually send you a package containing your EIN confirmation (if you hired them to get it). Check your online portal with them too.
The Official Route: Getting Your EIN Directly from the IRS
Alright, so you've turned your office upside down and scoured your digital life. Nothing. Time to go straight to the source: the Internal Revenue Service. Here's the lowdown on your options, warts and all:
Calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
This is the most common way people try to look up my employer ID number directly. Here's the real deal, not sugar-coated:
- The Number: 1-800-829-4933. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM your local time. Pro Tip: Call as soon as they open. Seriously. Your wait time will thank you.
- Who Can Call: Only the person officially authorized on the EIN application. That usually means:
- The sole proprietor
- A partner in a partnership
- A corporate officer (President, Vice President, etc.)
- A trustee of a trust
- Or someone formally designated in writing by one of the above (you'll need documentation).
- What You MUST Have Ready:
- Your Personal SSN or ITIN: They need to verify YOU as the authorized person.
- Legal Business Name: Exactly as it was filed with the IRS.
- Business Mailing Address: The address the IRS has on file.
- Type of Entity: Sole Prop, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership, etc.
- The Reality Check: Be prepared for hold times. Long ones. Think 45 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak seasons (like tax time). Be patient, have your info ready, and if the rep can verify you instantly, they'll give you the EIN right then over the phone. Important: They will not fax or mail it immediately during that call. They'll tell you to wait.
Phone Call Survival Tips
- **Call Early:** 7:00 AM sharp gives you the best shot at minimal wait.
- **Be Patient & Polite:** The rep didn't lose your EIN. Kindness goes a long way.
- **Have EVERYTHING Ready:** Don't scramble for your address mid-call.
- **Take Notes:** Write down the rep's name, ID (if given), date/time, and the EIN they provide.
- **Verify Accuracy:** Read the number back to them slowly. One wrong digit messes everything up later.
Requesting Your EIN by Mail (The Slow Boat)
If phones aren't your thing, or your business structure is complex (like trusts or estates), you can write a letter. Manage expectations though – this takes time.
- Who Can Request: Same authorized persons as phone requests.
- What to Include in Your Letter:
- Your printed name and signature (must match the authorized person).
- Your SSN or ITIN.
- The legal business name.
- The business mailing address.
- The type of entity.
- A brief explanation (e.g., "Requesting confirmation of EIN as original documentation is lost").
- Where to Mail It: Send your letter to the IRS address where you file your business tax return. Crucially: DO NOT mail it to the same address you used to apply for the EIN originally. Find your specific filing location:
Where is your business located? Mail Your Letter To Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 12192, Covington, KY 41012-0192 Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7704, San Francisco, CA 94120-7704 Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 802501, Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 Louisiana, Texas Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 1214, Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 Foreign Addresses/Possessions Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 409101, Ogden, UT 84409 - The Waiting Game: Expect 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer, to receive a letter back with your EIN. Not ideal if you need it urgently.
Can I Look Up My EIN Online Through the IRS?
This is the million-dollar question everyone hopes for. Sadly, the answer is mostly no. The IRS does not offer a public online database where you can simply enter your business name and get your EIN. They don't even offer a secure portal for business owners to retrieve their *own* EIN online at this time.
Why? Privacy and security concerns are the official reasons. Annoying? Incredibly, especially when you just need your own number quickly. The phone line is still the fastest official method for instant retrieval, despite the hold times.
There is one tiny exception: Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) Holders. If you're a tax professional with an EFIN and you need the EIN for a client whose return you are filing electronically through your software, the system might display it. But this is highly specific and doesn't help the average business owner looking up their own EIN.
Alternative Sources for Finding Your Employer Identification Number
If the IRS route feels daunting (I don't blame you), there are other places where your EIN might be recorded. These aren't guarantees, but they're worth checking:
Your State Government Agencies
State departments often require your federal EIN for their registrations. Try contacting:
- Secretary of State (SOS): Where your business entity (LLC, Corporation) is registered. Check your formation documents or annual report filings in their online business database (sometimes EINs are visible there).
- Department of Revenue/Taxation: If you registered for state sales tax, employer withholding tax, or state income tax, your EIN is on file. Log into your state tax portal or contact their business division.
- Department of Labor/Workforce Development: If you have employees, you registered for state unemployment insurance (SUTA). Your account there will have your EIN.
Third-Party Services & Paid Databases (Use with Caution)
Several commercial business information aggregators collect EINs from public filings. Accuracy and coverage vary wildly. Major Caveat: These services cost money and might not have your number, especially for newer or smaller businesses. Treat them as a last resort after exhausting free options.
Common sources where EINs *might* appear publicly (if your business filed certain documents):
| Potential Source | How EIN Might Appear | Likelihood for Small Biz | Cost to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEC Edgar Database | Filings for Public Companies | Very Low (Only Public Corps) | Free |
| IRS Exempt Organizations Search | Non-Profit Form 990 Filings | Only if you are a 501(c)(3) etc. | Free |
| Commercial Credit Bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business) | Business Credit Reports | Moderate (If you established credit) | Paid ($50 - $150+ per report) |
| Online Business Databases (Manta, ZoomInfo, etc.) | Scraped from various sources | Low to Moderate (Often outdated) | Paid (Subscription) |
| Permits/Licenses Databases (Certain County/City Sites) | Scanned permit applications | Very Low & Inconsistent | Usually Free |
Warning About "Free EIN Lookup" Scams
Be incredibly wary of websites promising "instant free EIN lookup." Many are phishing scams trying to steal your personal and business information or infect your device with malware. Others are just fronts to sell you overpriced reports or useless services. Stick to official sources or reputable (paid) business databases if you go down this path. If it sounds too easy ("Find Any EIN in Seconds!"), it absolutely is.
Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Lookup Their EIN
Let's avoid some frustration. Here are pitfalls I've seen trip people up repeatedly while trying to locate their employer identification number:
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Calling the IRS Without Being the Authorized Person | The IRS agent will refuse to give out the EIN to anyone not listed on the original application (or formally documented). Your bookkeeper or new partner probably can't call. | The authorized person (owner, officer, partner) must make the call. Have them write a formal authorization letter if someone else needs to handle it eventually. |
| Not Having the EXACT Business Name & Address | If you say "Bob's Fix-It Shop" but the IRS has "Robert Johnson's Repair Services LLC," they likely won't find it. A different address (like a PO Box vs. physical) also causes hiccups. | Find documentation proving your *exact* legal business name and the address used on your last tax return. Check SOS records. |
| Confusing FEIN/EIN with State Tax ID | State IDs are different! Using your state number where your federal EIN is required will cause rejections. | Know which ID is needed. Federal EIN (FEIN is just another name for it) for federal taxes/banking. State Tax ID for state taxes/sales permits. |
| Using an Online Generator (Seriously Don't) | Random online "EIN generators" are scams or jokes. They create fake numbers. Using one is illegal and will cause massive problems. | Only use legitimate methods: IRS phone/mail, your own records, verified third-party sources *if* your EIN is actually public. |
| Thinking the Bank or Payroll Service *Must* Give It to You Easily | While they have it, security protocols might prevent a random customer service rep from just blurting it out over the phone without verifying *your* identity thoroughly as an account owner/manager. | Be prepared to verify your identity strongly when calling your bank/payroll provider. Ask to speak to the business banking/support team. Logging into online banking is often the easiest self-service route. |
What If I Absolutely Cannot Find My EIN? (The Nuclear Option)
After exhausting every search method, calling the IRS, checking state portals, and digging through ancient emails, you still come up empty? It happens, rarely, but it does. Usually, it means there's a mismatch in the information you're providing versus what the IRS has.
- Double & Triple Check Your Info: Are you sure you applied for an EIN? Maybe you operated as a sole proprietor using your SSN initially? Is the business name slightly different? Was it applied for under a predecessor entity?
- Consider Form 8822-B: If you suspect the IRS has the wrong address on file, you can file Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party). Once processed, future correspondence (like a reminder notice) might come to you.
- The Final Step: Apply for a NEW EIN (Carefully!): This is truly the last resort and generally only recommended if:
- You have definitive proof the original EIN was never issued or is completely lost beyond retrieval.
- You've acquired a business and the previous owner absolutely will not provide the EIN (legal mess!).
- The structure of your business legally changed (e.g., Sole Prop incorporating, Partnership becoming a Corp).
Applying for a new EIN when you already have one is asking for trouble. It creates duplicate records with the IRS and can lead to massive filing headaches, penalties, and misapplied payments. Only do this after explicit confirmation from the IRS that your original EIN cannot be retrieved or is invalid, or if your business structure legally requires a new one. You can apply online for a new EIN at the IRS EIN Assistant website. It's relatively quick, but understand the implications.
Keeping Your EIN Safe & Accessible For Next Time
Once you've finally recovered that precious number, take steps to never lose it again! Here's what smart business owners do:
- Digitize Your CP 575: Scan the original letter immediately. Save it securely in multiple places:
- Password-protected cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
- A dedicated USB drive stored securely offsite (like a safe deposit box)
- Your password manager (many allow secure document storage)
- Add it to Key Business Templates: Embed it in your standard business plan template, your operating agreement (if applicable), and your onboarding checklist for new accountants/bookkeepers.
- Inform Key People: Ensure your trusted accountant/bookkeeper, business partner(s), and potentially your attorney have a secure copy.
- Physical Copies (Securely): Keep *one* physical copy in a locked, fireproof safe in your office. Don't carry it around daily!
Your Burning EIN Lookup Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I look up someone else's EIN for free?
Generally, no, not legally or reliably for free. EINs are not public directory information like phone numbers. You might find them if the business is a non-profit (via the IRS search) or a public company (via SEC filings), or if they've publicly disclosed it (like on certain permits listed online). Otherwise, you typically need a legitimate business need (like a credit application with the business's consent) and use a paid commercial database, which has limitations. Trying to find another company's EIN without their knowledge often violates terms of service.
How to look up my employer identification number online for free?
There's no official IRS online lookup tool for retrieving your own EIN instantly for free. Your best "free" options are:
1. Finding your original IRS CP 575 letter (physical or scanned).
2. Locating it on a previously filed business tax return.
3. Finding it on your business bank statements (online or paper).
4. Seeing it in your online accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.).
5. Calling the IRS business line (free, but long waits).
Paid databases might work if your EIN is public record, but aren't guaranteed free or accurate.
Can my accountant look up my EIN?
Yes, but only if they already have it on file from preparing your past tax returns. They don't have special IRS access to pull up any business's EIN magically. If they prepared your last return, they should have your EIN in their records. If they are new, you'll need to provide it to them, likely using one of the methods above. They can help you call the IRS as your authorized representative if you've signed Form 8821 or Form 2848 granting them permission.
I lost my EIN before I even used it. What now?
This is frustrating but common. The process is the same: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (800-829-4933). Explain you recently applied but lost the number before receiving the CP 575. Verify your identity and business details. If your application was processed, they should be able to give it to you over the phone. If it wasn't processed (maybe the application failed?), they might advise reapplying.
Is there a difference between FEIN and EIN?
No. FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) and EIN (Employer Identification Number) are used interchangeably to refer to the exact same nine-digit number issued by the IRS. "FEIN" is sometimes preferred in certain legal or banking contexts, but it's the same number.
How long does it take to get my EIN from the IRS?
Via the online application: You typically get the number immediately upon completing the online interview, and receive the official CP 575 in the mail within a few weeks.
Via fax application (Form SS-4): Usually processed within 4 business days, receiving the number by fax.
Via mail application (Form SS-4): Can take 4-6 weeks or longer.
Retrieving a lost EIN via phone: You get it instantly over the phone *if* you are verified and the rep finds it. Waiting for a mailed confirmation takes weeks.
Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor?
Not always, but often recommended. You can use your Social Security Number (SSN) for federal taxes. However, you MUST get an EIN if you:
- Have any employees.
- Operate your business as a partnership or corporation.
- File certain excise tax returns.
- Withhold taxes on income (other than wages) paid to a non-resident alien.
- Have a Keogh plan (a tax-deferred pension plan).
- Or simply want to avoid giving out your SSN to clients/vendors (a major security benefit!).
Look, losing track of your EIN is stressful. It feels like losing the keys to your business kingdom. But take a breath. You now have a complete roadmap covering every possible way to retrieve your employer identification number – from the simplest check of your own files to navigating the IRS phone lines and exploring alternative sources. The key is methodically working through the steps, starting with the easiest (your own records) and moving step-by-step to the more involved options (calling the IRS). Stay patient, stay organized, and you'll get that nine-digit code back where it belongs.
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