Free EIN Lookup: 7 Simple Ways to Finding Your EIN

Opening a business involves several legal procedures, including getting an employer identification number. This business tax ID is assigned to companies by the IRS, and you’ll need to keep the document for future use. However, it might happen that you’ve lost your tax ID right when you actually need it (we’re only human, after all). Don’t panic! Checking your EIN is a relatively straightforward, free procedure. One thing to note is that you can’t do so online, but other than that, there are hardly any issues to solve.

Can’t find your EIN? Or do you need an employer ID number lookup for another business? Read this guide to learn how to get a free EIN lookup.

What is an EIN?

If you’re looking for an employer identification number lookup, you’re probably already familiar with EIN. But, just to be sure: EIN is a federal tax ID number that consists of 9 digits. A unique number is assigned to each company upon its creation and is usually retained for its entire lifespan.

First and foremost, a business needs this number to pay its state and federal taxes. There are also some other less common situations when you might need your EIN, including the following:

• Obtaining a business license;
• Getting business credit cards;
• Applying for business loans;
• Opening a bank account for your business.

Understanding how your business fits into Federal tax brackets can also help you plan future financial decisions.

EIN Lookup: Free Ways to Find It

There are a few ways you can perform an EIN search if you’ve misplaced your federal tax ID number.

Check the EIN Confirmation Letter

If you applied for your EIN online, you could download and print the confirmation notice immediately at the end of the session; if you applied by mail or fax, the IRS mails a paper notice — check your physical files for that letter.

Depending on your application process, you might have also received your EIN via fax or mail. If so, try to find the letter in your paperwork before opting for other methods, since it’s the prime way federal tax ID lookup a company can use.

Check Other Places EIN May Be Recorded

If your company has been active on the market for a considerable amount of time, chances are you’ll find the EIN somewhere in your records. Numerous procedures require the use of an EIN, so find one of the following documents for your company’s tax ID number lookup:

• Business license;
• Federal tax returns;
• Application for a business loan;
• Bank account statement.

Contact the IRS

If you cannot find your tax ID anywhere, you can always request an EIN number lookup directly from the IRS. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800‑829‑4933, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Keep in mind that you will need to prove your identity as a business owner, a partner, or a corporate officer, so be ready to answer some questions.

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How to Look Up the EIN Number of Another Company

Misplacing your EIN is one thing, but looking for another company’s number is a different story. When you have to deal with another business entity, you may need to look up its EIN for security, verification, or other purposes.

Here are some ways you can find the information:

• Ask the company directly.

You can try contacting the company’s accounting department to get their EIN. However, keep in mind that this method may not be reliable, as not all companies are willing to share this information with third parties for security reasons.

• Visit federal and state websites.

Various governmental websites may contain information about certain companies. The first place to go for an IRS EIN lookup is the Secretary of State’s website. If you are researching a publicly traded company, you may also look through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website.

• Find the company’s credit report.

Another option is to look up a company’s credit report, as this information is normally publicly available. In many cases, you will find the business’s EIN on the report, as it contains a lot of information about the company’s operation and obligations.

• Get information from a third party.

If you don’t have any time to spare, the final variant for federal EIN lookup is to pay a third party to get this information for you. Some services offer to find EINs of other companies for a price, so it’s a good option if you are willing to pay.

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How to Cancel an EIN

A business keeps the same EIN for life; you never “cancel” and reissue an EIN. You only apply for a new EIN when there’s a change in entity structure or ownership as defined by the IRS. This may be necessary in the following cases:

• You purchase or inherit a business;
• The status of your business has changed;
• You change your business entity;
• You incorporate as a sole proprietor;
• You are subject to a bankruptcy proceeding as a sole proprietor;
• There have been changes to the ownership;
• Your business is now a subsidiary of another company.

You cannot truly cancel an EIN — only deactivate the associated business account. To do so, send a letter with your EIN, legal name, address, EIN assignment notice (if available), and reason to one of these IRS offices:

• Internal Revenue Service, MS 6055, Kansas City, MO 64108;
• Internal Revenue Service, MS 6273, Ogden, UT 84201.

The address for sending a cancellation letter is the Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45999. Mind, though, that you should settle all the tax payments and file all required returns before deactivating your current EIN.

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