EIN Number Lookup: How to Find Your Employer Identification Number

Knowing your Employer Identification Number is essential for many different reasons. However, many employers struggle with EIN number lookup.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the EIN is and offer a few suggestions about how you can find yours.

What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An employer identification number, or EIN, is a unique, nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It serves as a way for the IRS to track and communicate with taxpayers.

It’s also sometimes referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) or simply a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Who Needs an EIN?

Anyone employing people (including themself) requires an Employee Identification Number. This includes all of the following categories:

• Businesses – Most businesses require an EIN so that the IRS can identify the business for tax filing purposes, as well as wage reporting and conducting financial transactions.
• Employers – Any person who employs others must have an EIN, irrespective of the number of employees in question.
• Self-Employed Individuals – Even sole proprietors can benefit from having an EIN since it helps differentiate personal expenses and business expenses. It may also be required in certain circumstances.
• Estates and Trusts – Estates and trusts, including those created after an individual’s death, often require an EIN or TIN for tax reasons.
• Non-profit Organizations – Most NPOs require a tax number to establish their tax exemption status and to comply with reporting regulations.
• Government Agencies – Certain government agencies, including local municipalities and school districts, require an EIN for tax-related purposes.

Methods to Find Your Employer Identification Number

There are as many different versions of the EIN lookup as there are people trying to find their EIN. If you’re saying, “I need to know how to find my EIN number,” then you’re in the right place.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best ways to find your EIN number.

Method 1: Check official documents 

Many official business documents will contain your EIN or TIN number. By examining them in detail, you can often find the numbers you’re looking for.

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Here are some of the best ways to find your TIN or EIN by checking official documents:

1. Reviewing previous tax returns or documents – Your tax documents and returns must contain your Tax Identification Number. That’s because they use your Identification Number to ensure that all your documents are grouped together. If you look through your previous tax returns or other documents issued by the IRS, you’ll be sure to spot them.
2. Examining business licenses and permits – As mentioned above, businesses require a Tax Identification Number or Employer Identification Number to operate legally. This means that most, if not all, of the licenses and permits extended to your business will contain your EIN. You can easily check this documentation to find the information you need.

Method 2: Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 

One of the most reliable means of employing an EIN lookup is to contact the IRS directly. Since they have all your tax information on file, they can simply look it up for you. Here are the two best ways to contact the IRS and have them look up your EIN number.

1. Calling the IRS helpline – The obvious way of getting in touch with the IRS is simply to call the helpline. It’s worth noting that while the helpline is 100% toll-free, you may encounter extended wait times. So, you should plan carefully when designating a time to contact them. You can phone 1-800-829-1040 any time of day.
2. Requesting an EIN verification letter – Another way to verify your Employer Identification Number is to request an EIN verification letter through the IRS website. They’ll provide you with all the necessary information, which you can then simply add to your file. Once you’ve requested this type of verification letter, be sure to store both a physical and digital copy for your records.

Method 3: Search online databases 

One of the most common questions regarding EINs is, “How do I find my EIN number online?” Honestly, it’s easier than you’d think, and there are two possible ways to accomplish this:

1. Utilizing the IRS’s online EIN Assistant tool – The IRS makes accessing your EIN number easy, thanks to their EIN Assistant tool. Simply visit the official IRS website and follow the relevant instructions on their EIN page. They can help you confirm your EIN in various ways or help you to apply for one.
2. Exploring third-party databases and services – Another way of using online EIN lookup is through the services of third-party websites. A few of the ways you can do this include the following:
   1. Using online EIN lookup services – There are various online services that will help you find your EIN for a fee. Rather than having you do it yourself, they’ll dig through all the information, talk to the IRS, and do whatever it takes to find your EIN.
   2. Visit Commercial Business Databases – Some commercial databases compile business information, including EIN numbers. With a bit of time and effort, you can often find them with relative ease. However, they may charge you a fee before you can access the database.
   3. Use professional financial services – Accounts and other financial institutions often know how to track down your EIN number with relative ease. You’ll almost certainly have to pay for their services, but it will save you a lot of time and effort.

The most effective way to use EIN lookup services online is to pay a professional. However, you should always ensure that they’re registered and trustworthy, or you run the risk of becoming a fraud victim.

Method 4: Consult with your accountant or tax professional 

Probably one of the easiest ways to practice EIN lookup is to simply ask your accountant or tax specialist. Since they habitually work with your taxes and other financial documents, they’re in the perfect position to help you with this type of inquiry.

Many businesses and organizations permanently employ an accountant or tax consultant. However, as an individual or a new business, you may not have one yet.

The first part of the project, therefore, is to engage with professionals for assistance. So how do you find a reliable accountant or tax specialist? You can employ any of the following techniques:

1. Ask people you trust for referrals. Many people are on good terms with excellent financial masterminds and may be able to direct you to such an expert. Thanks to their referral, you can also sometimes get a significant discount.
2. Tap into professional networks. There are professional networks for a wide range of industries, and they’ll often be able to suggest an excellent financial consultant specializing in your industry.
3. Use online directories and platforms that list accountants and other financial experts. Bear in mind that these are typically paid services, so a listing doesn’t necessarily mean that the person involved is trustworthy.
4. Local business directories. More often than not, it’s far easier to consult a professional in your immediate vicinity. This means that business directories in your area are an excellent place to look.

Once you find a tax professional that you’re happy with (and you’ve done the appropriate research to ensure they’re a good choice), you can use their expertise to locate your EIN.

If you give them all the information they need, many consultants will be able to get your EIN in a very short time, possibly even later the same day. Considering that it’s their line of work and that they do these things regularly, it’s much easier than worrying about how to find the EIN yourself.

Tips and Considerations

As with most financial aspects, there’s more to the EIN than just having one. Yes, you need it for submitting taxes and other paperwork, but you also need to safeguard it and know how to keep it up to date. Let’s explore the importance of keeping your EIN number safe and how to update your information when needed.

Safeguarding Your EIN 

After you’ve gone through the EIN lookup process, you need to safeguard it. There’s more to it than just protecting sensitive information or avoiding scams and fraudulent requests, though. Here are some of the reasons why safeguarding your EIN is vital:

• Your EIN can be used to steal your identity. Since this unique identifying number is as tied to you as your social security number, wily criminals can use it to take over your identity and make purchases in your name.
• Scammers may use your EIN to seem legitimate. Some of the more advanced fraud syndicates use people’s tax numbers to grant themselves a measure of legitimacy. They may claim to be from the IRS or other organizations and use your EIN to prove that they have access to your information. Other scammers may ask you for your EIN while pretending to belong to the authorities.
• Not keeping your EIN safe is a legal grey area. As an employer, you have legal obligations to your business and employees. These include keeping your EIN safe since using it incorrectly can affect your employees as well.

So how do you keep your EIN safe and protected? Here are our top tips:

• Limit access to your financial information, including your TIN. By keeping the number of people with access to your business’ details small, you limit the possibility that information might leak out. It’s best to share this type of information only with your tax consultants and financial advisors.
• Store your financial information securely. Any physical documentation relating to your taxes and financial affairs should be securely stored. This is true whether you decide to use a safe or a locked filing cabinet in a room with security. Digital copies should be stored in a digital vault or password-protected at the very least.
• Educate your employees and coworkers. When it comes to this type of situation, your employees need the same level of education as you have. Ensure that they know the importance of keeping all information secured and destroying unwanted documents completely.

Updating Your EIN information 

From time to time, it may become necessary to edit or update your EIN information. For this reason, you need to ensure that you’re prepared to modify EIN details when necessary and that you understand the process and requirements.

Let’s take a quick look at the basics. When you want to update your EIN information, you’ll need to notify the IRS by:

1. Identifying the changes and which information needs to be updated.
2. Obtaining the necessary forms via the IRS website or by visiting your regional IRS office. For businesses, that will typically be the SS-4 form, but if you’re unsure, contact an IRS representative.
3. Completing the form with current and up-to-date information.
4. Gathering any supporting information and documentation. It’s a good idea to talk to your financial consultant or an IRS representative to ensure that you know which supporting documentation to provide.
5. Submitting the form and waiting for feedback.
6. Following up to ensure that they’ve received your application and to ensure that everything is in order.

And there you have it, you’ve successfully updated your EIN information. It’s worth considering paying a professional to do it since they’ll probably have done it numerous times already. It will also take much less time and effort, though you’ll have to pay for their services.

Conclusion

If you’ve been saying, “I don’t know how to find my EIN number,” then those days are over.

EIN number lookup isn’t nearly as complex as many people think, but knowing your Tax Identification Number is essential.

Now that you know how to find your EIN number, you’ll never have to worry about it again. Whether you need to report wages, submit taxes, or require the number for a business transaction, you’re ready for action.

We’d suggest keeping a file or spreadsheet containing your EIN and other information that you require regularly. That way, it will always be at your disposal when you need it for any transaction.