Are you searching for “How To Find Your Ein Online” because you’ve misplaced your Employer Identification Number? Don’t worry, gmonline.net is here to guide you through the process of recovering your EIN and understanding its importance for your business, ensuring you can smoothly manage your company’s financial and legal obligations. Discover smart ways to recover, change or request your EIN and improve your business’s credit profile.
1. What is an EIN and Why Do You Need It?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses operating in the United States. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. It’s a crucial identifier for tax purposes and essential for various business operations.
1.1 Who Needs an EIN?
According to the IRS, you’ll likely need an EIN if any of the following apply to your business:
- You’ve started a new business: Any new business structure generally requires an EIN.
- You operate as a partnership or corporation: These business structures legally require an EIN for tax purposes.
- Your organization has employees: If you hire employees, you’ll need an EIN to report payroll taxes.
- You have a Keogh plan: This retirement plan for the self-employed requires an EIN.
- You withhold taxes on non-wage income to non-resident aliens: If you’re paying foreign individuals for services and withholding taxes, you’ll need an EIN.
- You file specific tax returns: This includes returns for alcohol, employment, excise, firearms, or tobacco.
- You change your business structure: Altering your business structure might necessitate a new EIN.
- You file for bankruptcy: Bankruptcy proceedings often require an EIN for the business entity.
- You acquire another business: Merging with or acquiring another business typically requires a new EIN.
Beyond these specific scenarios, certain industries and business activities also require an EIN. These include:
- Estates
- Farmers’ cooperatives
- Non-profit organizations
- Plan administrators
- Real estate mortgage investment conduits
- Certain trusts
1.2 Benefits of Having an EIN
Having an EIN offers numerous advantages for your business, as confirmed by research from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in July 2025, P provides the advantages below:
- Opening a Business Bank Account: Most banks require an EIN to open a business checking or savings account.
- Applying for Business Loans: Lenders typically require an EIN to process business loan applications.
- Establishing Business Credit: An EIN allows you to build a separate credit history for your business, essential for future financing.
- Avoiding Use of Social Security Number: An EIN protects your personal Social Security number from being used on business documents, reducing the risk of identity theft.
1.3 Finding Your EIN: Addressing the Challenge
One of the biggest challenges business owners face is finding their EIN when they need it. While the IRS doesn’t offer an online EIN lookup tool for security reasons, there are several alternative methods you can use to recover your number. Let’s explore these options in detail.
2. How to Find Your EIN: Proven Methods
Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t provide an online EIN lookup tool to instantly retrieve your EIN. However, don’t worry. There are several effective ways to find your EIN:
2.1 Review Your Business Documents
Your EIN is likely printed on various official business documents. Start by checking these common locations:
- Articles of Incorporation/Organization: These documents, filed with the state to create your business entity, often include the EIN.
- Business Loan Applications: Any loan applications you’ve submitted for your business will likely contain the EIN.
- Business Tax Returns: Your federal tax returns (Form 1120, 1065, etc.) will prominently display the EIN.
- Business Bank Account Statements: Your bank statements may show the EIN, especially on new account paperwork.
- Form W-9: If you’ve completed a Form W-9 for any clients or vendors, it will include your EIN.
- Local or State License Applications: Applications for business licenses or permits may also list your EIN.
If you can’t find the documents, contact your bank or licensing agency to get the documents with your EIN listed.
2.2 Check Your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)
When you initially applied for your EIN, the IRS sent you a confirmation letter, officially known as CP 575. This document is your primary source for your EIN. If you applied online, you likely received an electronic version that you could print or save. Search your computer files and email for this confirmation.
If you used a third party to apply for your EIN, they should have provided you with a copy of the confirmation letter.
2.3 Contact the IRS Directly
If you’ve exhausted the previous options, your next step is to call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Be prepared for a potentially long wait time. When you get through to a representative, they will ask you for identifying information about your business to verify your identity.
Important Information to Have Ready:
- Business Name
- Business Address
- Date of Formation
- Type of Business Entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Your Social Security Number (if you are a sole proprietor)
The Business and Speciality Tax Line is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
2.4 Reviewing Business Credit Reports
Business credit reports, easily accessible from major business credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and Dun & Bradstreet, often include EINs. According to a 2025 report by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), P gives insight into how the company handles its debts. You’ll also gain insight into how the company you’re searching for handles its debts and if they pay on time or struggle to manage accounts effectively.
2.5 Performing an Online Search
You can refer to the Security Exchange Commission’s website and search for the company’s most recently filed 10-K or 10-Q to identify the EIN. These reports are filed periodically with the SEC if the company is a publicly traded company. If you’re searching for a nonprofit’s EIN, use the IRS database instead.
3. How to Look Up Another Business’s EIN
Sometimes, you need to find the EIN of another business, perhaps for vendor payments or due diligence. Here are some strategies for locating another company’s EIN:
3.1 Contact the Company Directly
The most straightforward approach is to simply ask the company for their EIN. You can call their customer service line or send a formal request, such as a Form W-9, requesting their Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. You will likely need a good reason to request this information, such as making regular payments to the company for services provided.
3.2 Search the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Website
If the company is publicly traded, their EIN will be available on the SEC’s website (https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/legacy/companysearch.html). Search for the company’s most recent 10-K or 10-Q filing, which includes the EIN.
3.3 Use the IRS Database for Nonprofits
If you’re searching for a nonprofit organization’s EIN, you can use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool (https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/). This database allows you to search for nonprofits and view their IRS filings, which include their EIN.
3.4 Online Databases
Some online databases offer EIN lookup services for a fee. While these services can be convenient, be sure to research their legitimacy and security before providing any information or paying for their services.
4. Can You Cancel or Change an EIN?
Once an EIN has been assigned to your business, it cannot be canceled. The IRS maintains a permanent record of all EINs issued. However, you can close your business account with the IRS if you no longer need the EIN.
4.1 Closing Your Business Account
To close your business account, send a letter to the IRS with the following information:
- Your business’s legal name
- Your business address
- Your EIN
- The reason you are closing the account
Include a copy of your EIN assignment notice (CP 575) if available. Mail the letter to one of the following addresses:
- Internal Revenue Service, MS 6055, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Internal Revenue Service, MS 6273, Ogden, UT 84201
Exempt organizations should send cancellation requests to:
- Mail: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EO Entity, Mail Stop 6273, Ogden, UT 84201
- Fax: 855-214-7520
4.2 Changing Your EIN
You cannot change your EIN. If your business experiences a significant change, such as a change in ownership or structure, you may need to apply for a new EIN.
5. How to Get a New EIN
Applying for an EIN is free and can be done in several ways:
5.1 Online Application
The easiest and fastest way to get an EIN is through the IRS website. The online application (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online) is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. The process is straightforward, but you must complete the application in one session, as you cannot save your progress.
5.2 Application by Mail
You can apply for an EIN by mail by completing Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and mailing it to the appropriate IRS address.
- Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 (for businesses within the U.S.)
- Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 (if your legal residence or business is outside the U.S.)
Mail processing typically takes about four weeks.
5.3 Application by Fax
You can also fax Form SS-4 to the IRS. The fax numbers vary depending on your location:
- 855-641-6935 (within the U.S.)
- 855-215-1627 (outside the U.S., but faxing from within the U.S.)
- 304-707-9471 (outside the U.S., faxing from outside the U.S.)
The IRS typically responds by fax within four business days.
5.4 Application by Telephone (International Applicants Only)
International applicants can apply for an EIN by calling 267-941-1099 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
6. Understanding Your Search Intent
When searching for “how to find your EIN online,” users typically have one of the following intentions:
- Immediate Retrieval: Users need to quickly access their EIN for an urgent task, such as applying for a loan or opening a bank account.
- Verification: Users want to confirm that the EIN they have is correct and valid.
- Troubleshooting: Users are experiencing issues with their EIN, such as it not being recognized by a government agency or financial institution.
- Understanding EIN Importance: Users want to understand why they need an EIN and what its purpose is.
- Compliance: Users need to find their EIN to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
7. gmonline.net: Your Partner in Business Success
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Phone: +1 (310) 235-2000
Website: gmonline.net
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9. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about EINs
9.1 Can I look up my EIN on the IRS website?
No, the IRS does not offer an online EIN lookup tool. However, you can find your EIN on your official IRS notice (CP 575), call the IRS directly, or locate it on business or tax documents.
9.2 Do sole proprietors need an EIN?
Entities taxed as individuals are not required to obtain an EIN. However, many sole proprietors apply for an EIN to use in place of their Social Security number for business purposes.
9.3 Is an EIN the same as a federal tax ID number?
Yes, EIN and federal tax ID number are interchangeable terms for the nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your business.
9.4 What do I do if my business information changes?
You’ll need to inform the IRS of any changes to the business name, address or responsible party. Complete the information online and submit it, or submit the information by mail.
9.5 How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, you can typically get an EIN immediately. If you apply by mail or fax, it may take up to four weeks to receive your EIN.
9.6 How do I reactivate my EIN?
You cannot reactivate an EIN. If the EIN has been assigned to a business, it will remain with that business forever. However, the IRS can close a business account if it’s no longer needed.
9.7 What if I suspect fraud using my EIN?
Immediately contact the IRS and report the suspicious activity. You may also need to contact your bank and other financial institutions.
9.8 What is the purpose of EIN?
EINs are used by the IRS to identify businesses and to track the payment of taxes. They are also used by banks and other financial institutions to identify businesses.
9.9 How can I protect my EIN?
Keep your EIN in a secure location and only share it with trusted parties. Be wary of phishing scams and other attempts to obtain your EIN fraudulently.
9.10 Is there a fee to get an EIN?
No, there is no fee to obtain an EIN from the IRS. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge a fee for EIN application services, as these are often scams.
10. Conclusion
Finding your EIN is a critical step in managing your business effectively. While the IRS doesn’t offer an online lookup tool, the methods outlined in this guide will help you recover your EIN and keep your business running smoothly. And remember, gmonline.net is here to support you with expert advice and resources every step of the way.
