EIN Lookup is a common need for business owners, accountants, suppliers, and individuals who want to verify the federal tax identification number of a company. Whether you’re trying to locate your own business’s EIN or want to check another LLC or corporation’s EIN, understanding the process is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore everything about EIN Lookup, including legal methods, government resources, and what to avoid.
Also known as Employer Identification Number Lookup, Federal Tax ID search, or Business EIN search, this process helps you confirm the legitimacy of a business, set up payment processing, or file important tax documents. In the United States, the EIN is issued by the IRS and serves as the official identifier for a business entity.
There are several reasons you might need to do an EIN lookup. If you’re an entrepreneur who lost your EIN confirmation letter, an accountant verifying client info, or a vendor checking a partner’s status, knowing how to locate or verify an EIN can save time and avoid legal errors.
First, let’s clarify: The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) does not provide a public searchable database for EINs of private businesses. However, there are legal, official ways to find this information based on context.
If you’re trying to recover your own EIN, here are the best official methods:
- Check IRS Documents: Your EIN is listed on IRS letters like the CP 575 notice (EIN assignment letter), Form SS-4, tax returns, or official correspondence from the IRS.
- Contact the IRS Business Line: If you’ve lost your EIN and can’t find it in your records, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Mon-Fri, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time). Make sure you’re authorized to receive the information.
- Bank or Employer Records: If you opened a bank account for your business or applied for licenses, your EIN might be on your original application documents.
If you’re attempting an EIN lookup for another company, the process depends on the type of business and whether it’s publicly registered. Here’s how to do it legally:
1. SEC Filings (for Public Companies)
If the business is publicly traded, its EIN is listed in documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as 10-K and 8-K forms. You can use the SEC EDGAR search tool to find these filings and locate the EIN.
2. IRS Exempt Organizations (for Nonprofits)
If you’re looking for a nonprofit’s EIN, the IRS provides a free search tool to access publicly available data. Visit the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and enter the organization name. The EIN will appear in the profile.
3. State Business Registries
Most U.S. states maintain an online database of registered businesses. While not all show EINs, you can sometimes find business identification numbers and registration details. Search the Secretary of State website for the state where the business is registered. For example, for California, visit the California Business Search system.
4. Contact the Company Directly
If you have a legitimate reason (such as filing a 1099 or setting up vendor payments), you may ask the business directly for their EIN. Many companies include it on W-9 forms they send to partners or contractors.
5. Use Form W-9
When you’re dealing with an independent contractor or service provider, you can request that they fill out and return IRS Form W-9, which includes their EIN or SSN.
While these methods are free and legal, you should be cautious of third-party websites that claim to offer EIN lookup services for a fee. These are often unreliable, outdated, or may even violate privacy laws. The IRS does not endorse or verify these private platforms.
Let’s say you’re trying to find the EIN of a nonprofit school. You could go to the IRS exempt search and type the name of the institution. If it’s a 501(c)(3) organization, the EIN will be visible in the public record. This is the safest and most official way to get such data.
Remember, EINs are sensitive information. While not as confidential as Social Security Numbers, they still require careful handling. If you’re using someone else’s EIN for payroll, tax filings, or contracts, you must have a legal reason and written permission in many cases.
If you’re still unable to find an EIN and have exhausted all legal options, contact the business directly or consult a tax professional. For your own business, always store the EIN assignment letter and any IRS correspondence in a secure location.
It’s important to note that an EIN is not the same as a state tax ID number or business license number. Each of these serves a different purpose. For federal tax filings, only the EIN matters.
EIN lookup is a valuable skill for any entrepreneur, accountant, or business administrator. By using official resources like the IRS, SEC, and state registries, you can access accurate and up-to-date information without paying for unverified databases.
Lastly, if you need to apply for an EIN, you can do it online for free through the IRS’s official site. Visit the IRS EIN Assistant to get started. You must be a U.S. resident or have a U.S. responsible party, but the application is simple and instant.
Understanding how to safely and legally perform an EIN lookup can help your business remain compliant and professional. Whether you’re searching for your own tax ID or verifying another company’s information, always stick to government-backed sources.
Discover a detailed comparison between Delaware, Wyoming, and Texas — including privacy laws, formation fees, and legal protections.
👉 Click here to read the full guide