How to Find Your EIN: 8 Proven Strategies

Introduction

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies businesses for tax purposes. It’s important to have an up-to-date EIN in order to open a business bank account, file taxes, and apply for loans. If you can’t remember your EIN or never had one to begin with, you’ll need to take some steps to find it.

Using Online Verification Services

Overview

Online verification services are third-party websites that allow you to look up information about your business, including your EIN. These services are generally free to use and simple to navigate. However, they may not have the most up-to-date information and can’t always verify if the EIN is correct.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to the website of an online verification service such as Dun & Bradstreet or Experian.
2. Enter your business name and address into the search bar.
3. Look through the results to find your business. Click on your business name and then select “View Report.”
4. Look for the EIN in the report. It should be listed under “Legal Information.”

Pros and Cons

Pros: Free to use; easy to navigate; helpful for other business information.

Cons: Not always up-to-date information; can’t always verify if the EIN is correct.

Contacting the IRS

Overview

The IRS offers several options for contacting them in order to obtain an EIN. You can call the IRS, send a letter, or complete an online form. However, you may have to wait several days or weeks to receive a response.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to the IRS website and click on “Contact Us.”
2. Choose the option that best applies to your inquiry. For example, if you’re looking for an EIN, choose “Business Tax.”
3. Fill out the online form with all the necessary information. Be sure to include your contact information so the IRS can get back to you.
4. Wait for the IRS to contact you with your EIN.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Official source of information; can usually get the correct EIN.

Cons: May have to wait several days or weeks to receive a response.

Searching Business Records

Overview

If you’ve been in business for a while, you may have your EIN listed in old business records such as tax returns, loan applications, or contracts. Searching through these documents can help you find what you’re looking for.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather any business records that you have from the past few years.
2. Look through each document for the EIN. It may be listed under “Tax ID” or “Employer Identification Number.”
3. Write down the EIN if you find it. Make sure to double check that it’s correct.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick and easy; can often find the correct EIN.

Cons: Limited to documents you already have; may not have the most up-to-date information.

Requesting a Copy of Your Tax Return

Overview

If you filed taxes in the past few years, you may have your EIN listed on the federal tax return. You can request a copy of the tax return from the IRS in order to find the EIN.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to the IRS website and click on “Order a Transcript.”
2. Select “Get Transcript Online” and enter your personal information.
3. Select the type of transcript you want to order (e.g. “Tax Return Transcript”).
4. Wait for the IRS to email you a copy of the tax return. Look for the EIN in the document.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Can often find the correct EIN; easy to do.

Cons: May have to wait several days or weeks to receive a response.

Contacting Your State’s Tax Agency

Overview

Depending on where your business is located, you may be able to find your EIN by contacting your state’s tax agency. Each state has its own procedures for requesting this information, so you’ll need to check with your local agency for more information.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Visit your state’s tax agency website.
2. Look for information on how to request an EIN. This may involve filling out an online form or calling the agency.
3. Follow the instructions provided in order to request your EIN.
4. Wait for the state tax agency to contact you with your EIN.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Can often get the correct EIN; helpful for other business information.

Cons: May have to wait several days or weeks to receive a response.

Checking Your Business Loan Application

Overview

If you applied for a business loan in the past few years, you may have your EIN listed on the loan application. Check the loan application to see if it contains your EIN.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather any loan applications that you have from the past few years.
2. Look through each document for the EIN. It may be listed under “Tax ID” or “Employer Identification Number.”
3. Write down the EIN if you find it. Make sure to double check that it’s correct.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick and easy; can often find the correct EIN.

Cons: Limited to documents you already have; may not have the most up-to-date information.

Consulting Your Professional Tax Advisor

Overview

If you’re having difficulty finding your EIN, you may want to consult a professional tax advisor. A tax advisor can help you locate your EIN and provide other helpful advice on how to manage your business finances.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Find a reputable tax advisor in your area.
2. Schedule an appointment with the tax advisor.
3. Bring all relevant documents to the meeting, such as business records and loan applications.
4. Explain your situation to the tax advisor and ask for help finding your EIN.
5. Follow the advice of the tax advisor in order to locate your EIN.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Can often get the correct EIN; helpful for other business advice.

Cons: May require a fee; may have to wait for an appointment.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points

Finding your EIN can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to locate it. These include using online verification services, contacting the IRS, searching business records, requesting a copy of your tax return, contacting your state’s tax agency, checking your business loan application, and consulting a professional tax advisor.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your EIN is essential for managing your business finances. With a bit of research and patience, you can locate your EIN and get back on track.