The Complete Guide To Locating Your Employer Identification Number Quickly And Easily

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses operating in the United States. Whether you're opening a bank account, filing taxes, hiring employees, or applying for business licenses, having access to your EIN is essential. Yet, many business owners find themselves searching frantically when they can't locate it. This guide walks you through every reliable method to retrieve your EIN—fast, legally, and without unnecessary hassle.

What Is an EIN and Why You Need It

The IRS uses EINs to track business tax accounts, much like Social Security Numbers do for individuals. Every corporation, partnership, LLC with employees, and most sole proprietors who hire staff are required to have one. Even if not mandatory, obtaining an EIN offers benefits: it helps separate personal and business finances, enhances credibility, and simplifies tax reporting.

Common situations where you’ll need your EIN include:

• Filing federal and state tax returns
• Opening a business bank account
• Applying for business loans or credit
• Hiring employees and managing payroll
• Registering for state tax IDs
• Verifying business identity with vendors or contractors

Losing access to this number doesn’t mean starting over—you don’t need to apply for a new EIN. Instead, use one of the proven methods below to recover it efficiently.

Where to Look First: Internal Business Records

Your EIN was issued via official documentation from the IRS. Start your search with physical and digital records associated with your business formation and tax filings.

Check these key locations:

1. IRS Confirmation Letter (CP 575): When you originally applied for an EIN, the IRS mailed a CP 575 letter containing your number. If you filed by mail or fax, this is likely stored in your business files.
2. Previous Tax Returns: Your EIN appears on all federal business tax forms, including Form 1120 (corporations), 1065 (partnerships), or Schedule C attached to Form 1040 (sole proprietors).
3. Bank Account Documents: When opening a business bank account, you were required to provide your EIN. Review account agreements, signature cards, or online banking profiles.
4. Payroll Records: If you run payroll, your EIN is printed on W-2 forms, 941 quarterly filings, and other payroll documentation.
5. Business Licenses or Permits: Some local and state licensing applications require an EIN and may list it on approval notices.

Tip: Create a secure digital folder labeled “Critical Business Documents” and store scanned copies of your EIN confirmation, tax returns, and incorporation papers for quick future access.

How to Retrieve Your EIN from the IRS

If internal records turn up empty, contact the IRS directly. The agency maintains EIN records indefinitely and can assist authorized individuals in retrieving lost numbers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Contacting the IRS

1. Verify Your Authority: Only certain individuals can request EIN information. These include the responsible party listed on the original application, a corporate officer, general partner, or trustee.
2. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: Dial 1-800-829-4933. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
3. Answer Identity Verification Questions: Be prepared to provide:
   • Business legal name and \"doing business as\" (DBA) names
   • Business address
   • Responsible party’s name and Social Security Number or ITIN
   • Date the EIN was issued (approximate)
   • Reason for calling
4. Receive Your EIN Verbally: The IRS will not send your EIN via email or unsecured fax. However, they will read it to you over the phone after verification.

“We help thousands of business owners retrieve lost EINs each year. As long as you’re an authorized representative and have the necessary details, recovery takes just minutes.” — IRS Business Help Specialist, Atlanta Regional Office

Alternative Methods and Digital Tools

In some cases, third-party services or public records may help confirm your EIN—but proceed with caution.

Method	Reliability	Notes
IRS Online EIN Assistant (Lookup)	❌ Not available	The IRS does not offer an online EIN lookup tool for security reasons.
Credit Reporting Agencies (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian)	⚠️ Limited	May display EIN if your business has a credit file, but not all companies are listed.
Public Filings (SEC, State Corporations Database)	✅ High (for corporations)	C-Corps and S-Corps often disclose EINs in public registration documents.
Third-Party EIN Search Services	⚠️ Use with caution	Many are outdated or charge fees for free information. Avoid sharing sensitive data.

For publicly traded companies or nonprofits, EINs are often accessible through:

• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (for nonprofits): apps.irs.gov/app/eos
• EDGAR Database (for public corporations): sec.gov/edgar

Mini Case Study: Recovering a Lost EIN After Company Relocation

Jamal Patel launched a small HVAC contracting business in 2018 and obtained an EIN during setup. Five years later, after moving offices twice and switching accountants, he realized he couldn’t find the number needed to renew his contractor’s license.

He first checked old tax returns stored in cloud backup—no luck. His former accountant had retired and closed their practice. Then, Jamal called the IRS helpline. Using his SSN, business name, and approximate EIN issuance date, he verified his identity as the original responsible party. Within eight minutes, the agent confirmed his EIN: 46-8734201.

He immediately saved it in his password manager and updated his business document vault. “I didn’t realize how critical that number was until I couldn’t find it,” Jamal said. “Now I keep three backups—in my safe, cloud storage, and with my attorney.”

Do’s and Don’ts When Locating Your EIN

Do’s	Don’ts
Store your EIN with other critical business documents	Post your EIN publicly on websites or social media
Use only IRS-approved channels to retrieve your EIN	Share your EIN with unverified third parties
Keep digital copies encrypted or password-protected	Assume your bank or accountant can always provide it instantly
Train key team members on where to find the EIN	Rely solely on memory or informal notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my EIN online through the IRS website?

No, the IRS does not provide an online lookup service for EINs due to privacy and security concerns. You must call the IRS directly or locate it through your own records.

Is it safe to give my EIN to my accountant or banker?

Yes, trusted financial professionals such as CPAs, enrolled agents, and bank officers require your EIN to perform their duties. However, never share it via unsecured email or text unless encrypted.

What if someone else applied for my EIN? Can I still retrieve it?

Yes, as long as you are listed as the responsible party on the application (Form SS-4), you are authorized to obtain the number from the IRS. You’ll need to verify your identity using personal information tied to the application.

Final Steps: Secure Your EIN for the Future

Finding your EIN is only half the battle. Protecting it ensures you won’t face the same scramble again. Treat your EIN like any other sensitive identifier—it can be used for identity theft, fraudulent loan applications, or unauthorized business registrations.

Tip: Add your EIN to a secure password manager like LastPass or 1Password with a note titled “IRS EIN – Do Not Share Publicly.”

Consider sharing access with a trusted co-founder, spouse, or legal advisor—ensuring continuity even if you’re unavailable. Also, update your business continuity plan to include critical identifiers like your EIN, state tax ID, and Secretary of State file number.

Conclusion

Locating your Employer Identification Number doesn’t have to be stressful. By systematically checking your tax records, contacting the IRS with proper verification, and leveraging public databases when applicable, you can recover your EIN quickly and securely. More importantly, take action today to safeguard this vital piece of information. A few minutes now can save hours—or even legal complications—down the road.

🚀 Take control of your business essentials today. Locate your EIN, back it up securely, and ensure your team knows where to find it. Share this guide with fellow entrepreneurs to help them avoid the same scramble.