How to Find a Business EIN Number: The Complete Guide
Your business EIN is more than a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS — it’s the master key to your entire financial identity as a company. Open a business bank account? You’ll need it. File federal tax returns, apply for a loan, set up EFTPS payment deposits, or secure a mortgage? Same answer. And yet, thousands of business owners — from solo LLCs to full corporations — find themselves frantically searching for an EIN they’ve misplaced, never received, or can’t locate in any official document. Whether you’re a local employer, a nonprofit organization, or an international entrepreneur managing a US entity from abroad, this guide gives you every tool to find your business EIN number, verify it, or apply for a new one — fast, safely, and without unnecessary penalties for delays in reporting or tax filing.
Table of Contents
What Is an EIN and Why Does It Matter?
By ein definition, the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to business entities operating in the United States. Think of it as a Social Security Number, but for your company. It follows the format NN-NNNNNNN and serves as the primary way the federal government tracks your business tax id and related obligations.
Without an EIN, a business cannot file tax returns, hire employees, open a bank account, or enter into most contractual relationships in the US. The ein importance goes beyond administrative convenience — it is, in practical terms, the first building block of any American business.
EIN, SSN, ITIN, TIN: Understanding the Different US Tax Identification Numbers
The acronym confusion is real. People often wonder whether a business tax id is the same as a TIN, or how an EIN relates to an ITIN. Here’s how these numbers relate to each other:
| ID Type | Who It’s For | Issued By | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIN | Umbrella term for all tax IDs | IRS | Varies |
| EIN | Business entities, employers, trusts | IRS | NN-NNNNNNN |
| SSN | US citizens and eligible residents | SSA | NNN-NN-NNNN |
| ITIN | Individuals without SSN eligibility | IRS | 9NN-NN-NNNN |
| PTIN | Paid tax return preparers | IRS | PNNNNNNNN |
The TIN is simply the generic term. Every EIN is a TIN, but not every TIN is an EIN. When someone asks for your “Tax ID,” they usually mean your employer identification number ein if you’re a business entity.
Who Needs an EIN in the United States?
An EIN is mandatory if your business hires employees, operates as a corporation or partnership, files excise tax returns, or withholds taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien. It is also required to open a business bank account at virtually every US financial institution. Understanding why you need an ein early on saves significant headaches later.
Even if none of these situations apply yet, obtaining an EIN is strongly recommended for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. It adds credibility, protects your personal SSN from unnecessary exposure, and separates your business identity from your personal one.
For foreign entrepreneurs creating a US entity — whether a LLC in Wyoming or a C-Corp in Delaware — the EIN is the very first number you need. Without it, nothing else moves forward: no bank account, no payroll, no tax filings.
Which Official Documents Contain Your EIN?
Before launching any formal ein lookup process, check whether the number is already sitting in your files. Your business documents likely already contain your EIN in several places:
- Your ein confirmation letter from the IRS (Notice CP 575), received when the EIN was first assigned
- All prior federal tax returns (Form 1120, 1065, 1040 Schedule C)
- Bank account opening documents for your business
- Your state Annual Report filings
- Payroll forms you issued — your ein on W2 forms and 1099s is printed clearly
- Correspondence from payroll providers or accountants
- Any IRS notice or letter sent to your business
Start here. In most cases, one of these business tax documents will have the number and you won’t need to go further.
How to Find Your Own Business EIN Number
If the document search came up empty, here are five ein search methods to retrieve your number, ranked from easiest to most involved.
Method 1 — Check Your IRS Confirmation Letter (CP 575)
When the IRS assigns an EIN, it sends an ein confirmation notice called CP 575. If you applied online, this was also available as an immediate download at the end of the process. If you applied by fax or mail, it arrived as a physical letter.
This is the single most reliable document to find my ein number quickly. If you’ve lost it, you can request a 147C verification letter from the IRS, which serves as a replacement. The 147C can be faxed to you or mailed, depending on what you request.
Method 2 — Access Your IRS Online Account
The IRS allows taxpayers to find ein online through an account at irs.gov. Once logged in, you can view your EIN and associated business records. This is one of the most convenient ein search methods for US-based owners.
However, this method has a significant limitation for international users. Creating an IRS online account requires ID.me identity verification, which typically demands a US-issued photo ID and a US-based phone number. If you’re a foreign business owner managing your LLC from Paris or Tel Aviv, this path is likely blocked.
Foreign business owners: If you cannot pass ID.me verification, skip this method and proceed directly to Method 3 or Method 5.
Method 3 — Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
You can call the IRS directly to locate your ein over the phone. The number depends on your location:
| Phone Number | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic callers | 800-829-4933 | Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm local time |
| International callers | +1-267-941-1099 | Mon–Fri, 6am–11pm ET |
Before calling, prepare the following: your business’s legal name, the physical address on file with the IRS, and the name and SSN or ITIN of the responsible party listed on the original application. The IRS will only release the EIN to an authorized individual — an officer, a partner, or a representative holding a valid Power of Attorney (Form 2848).
Method 4 — Search Your Bank Records and Prior Tax Returns
Your EIN is printed on every federal tax return your business has ever filed. It also appears on your business bank account opening paperwork, on every W-2 or 1099 you’ve issued, and in the records of your payroll provider or accountant.
If you work with a CPA or bookkeeper, a quick email to them is often the fastest path. They will have your EIN on file from your most recent tax filing.
Method 5 — Look It Up on Your State’s Secretary of State Website
Some states include the EIN (sometimes labeled FEI Number) in their online business registries, making it possible to search ein through public state databases. This varies significantly by state:
| State | SOS Portal | EIN Displayed? |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Sunbiz.org | Yes (FEI/EIN field) |
| California | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov | No |
| Delaware | icis.corp.delaware.gov | No |
| New York | apps.dos.ny.gov | No |
| Texas | sos.state.tx.us | No |
| Wyoming | wyobiz.wyo.gov | No |
As the table shows, this method is unreliable in most states. Florida is a notable exception. For all other states, use one of the methods above.
How to Look Up Another Company’s EIN
Sometimes you need the EIN of a business other than your own — for due diligence, vendor onboarding, contract compliance, or tax reporting purposes. The ein lookup process for a third party differs significantly from finding your own.
Is It Legal to Look Up Another Company’s EIN?
Yes, in most contexts. Unlike a Social Security Number, an EIN is not classified as confidential personal information. Non-profit organizations are required to make their EIN publicly available. Publicly traded companies disclose theirs in SEC filings. Private companies are not obligated to publish their EIN, but they routinely share it through W-9 forms in the course of normal business.
The IRS, however, will not disclose a company’s EIN to an unauthorized third party. You cannot call the IRS and ask for someone else’s number.
Public Databases for Finding a Third Party’s EIN
Several public and commercial sources allow you to lookup ein information for another entity:
[TABLEAU]
| Source | Entities Covered | Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEC EDGAR | Publicly traded companies | Free | High |
| IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search | 501(c)(3) non-profits | Free | High |
| State SOS portals | Varies by state | Free | Medium |
| Dun & Bradstreet | Broad commercial data | Paid | Medium-High |
| Middesk, Cobalt, etc. | Broad commercial data | Paid | High |
For publicly traded companies, search for the 10-K annual report on SEC EDGAR — the EIN appears on the first page. For non-profits, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool returns the EIN directly.
Requesting the EIN Directly from the Company
The most straightforward method remains simply asking. In the US, requesting a W-9 form from a vendor, contractor, or business partner is standard practice. The W-9 includes the company’s EIN, legal name, address, and tax classification. This is expected in virtually any contractual or payment relationship and no company should hesitate to provide it.
How to Apply for an EIN for the First Time
If you’re forming a new business entity, here’s how to submit an ein application and get your number.
Eligibility Requirements
Any entity with a US tax obligation can apply for an EIN. The application must include a “responsible party” — a real person (not another entity) who controls or manages the entity. That person must provide their own SSN or ITIN. Foreign applicants without either can still apply, but not through the online system.
Applying Online Through the IRS Website
The IRS EIN Assistant at irs.gov is the fastest way to get ein online. The process takes about 10 minutes, and the EIN is issued immediately at the end of the session. To submit an online ein request, you must have a valid SSN or ITIN and your principal business must be located in the United States.
Steps: select your entity type, provide the responsible party’s information, enter your business details, confirm the data, and receive your EIN along with the CP 575 notice on screen.
Applying by Fax or Mail (Form SS-4): The Method for Foreign Entrepreneurs
For applicants without an SSN or ITIN, the online tool is not available. The alternative is to complete Form SS-4 and submit it by fax or mail to the IRS.
Processing times: approximately 4 business days by fax and 4 to 6 weeks by mail. In practice, international applicants frequently experience longer delays due to form errors, missing information, or IRS processing backlogs.
Applying by Phone: The IRS International Line
Foreign applicants can also apply by calling +1-267-941-1099 during business hours. An IRS agent will walk you through the SS-4 questions and, if everything is in order, assign the EIN during the call. This is the fastest path for non-residents, though hold times can be significant.
You can authorize a CPA or Enrolled Agent to make this call on your behalf using Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).
→ [Need help obtaining your EIN? Contact our team — we handle the entire process for international entrepreneurs.]
Managing and Updating Your EIN After It’s Been Issued
Your EIN isn’t just a one-time number. Certain business changes require action with the IRS to keep your records accurate and your entity compliant.
When Do You Need to Apply for a New EIN?
| New EIN Required | No New EIN Needed |
|---|---|
| LLC converts to a Corporation | Business changes its name |
| Sole proprietorship incorporates | Business changes its address |
| New entity formed after bankruptcy | New members join a multi-member LLC |
| Single-member LLC changes owner | Business changes its responsible party |
| Partnership terminates and reforms | Business opens a new location |
How to Update Information Linked to Your EIN
To update ein records such as your business address or responsible party, file Form 8822-B with the IRS. For a business name change, the process depends on your entity type — corporations notify the IRS with their next tax return, while other entities may need to send a written notification. Think of these as ein amendments that keep your IRS profile current without requiring a brand-new number.
How to Close or Deactivate an EIN
An EIN can never be “canceled” or reassigned. However, you can close the associated tax account by sending a letter to the IRS that includes your EIN, your business legal name, your mailing address, and the reason for closure. If you need to modify ein records one final time before shutting down, do so before submitting the closure request. This step is particularly relevant for foreign entrepreneurs who dissolve their US entity and want to formally close the loop with the IRS.
EIN Challenges Specific to Foreign Business Owners
This is where most online guides stop. If you’re operating from outside the United States, the standard advice often doesn’t apply.
Getting an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN
If you’re a foreign entrepreneur without a Social Security Number, the IRS online application is off-limits. Your two options are Form SS-4 by fax or a phone call to the international line. In both cases, you’ll list a foreign address and leave the SSN/ITIN field blank (or enter your foreign tax ID where applicable).
Many foreign applicants also apply for an ITIN simultaneously, especially if they plan to file individual US tax returns. A certified acceptance agent — a designation held by qualified CPAs — can process both applications together, avoiding a second round of paperwork later.
Recovering a Lost EIN When You Don’t Live in the United States
The standard recovery methods assume you’re in the US. For non-residents, the reality is different. You likely cannot access the IRS online portal without US-based ID.me credentials. Calling the IRS means navigating time zone differences and long hold times on the international line. And the 147C verification letter will be mailed to the US address on file, which may be a registered agent you no longer use.
The most reliable solution is to authorize a US-based representative — typically a CPA or Enrolled Agent — through a Power of Attorney (Form 2848). That representative can call the IRS directly, verify your identity on your behalf, and help you locate your ein without dealing with hold times or postal delays.
Your EIN and International Tax Compliance: FATCA, FBAR, and Beyond
Your EIN doesn’t exist in isolation. Once assigned, it connects your US entity to a web of international reporting obligations. Under FATCA, foreign financial institutions may report your business’s accounts to the IRS using your EIN. If your business holds accounts outside the US exceeding certain thresholds, you may also have FBAR filing obligations (FinCEN Form 114).
For a French entrepreneur holding a US LLC, this means that your EIN links your American entity to both IRS compliance and reporting by your French bank under CRS and FATCA. Understanding these connections from the start prevents costly compliance gaps down the road.
Why Trust Expand CPA With Your EIN Process
At Expand CPA, we work with international entrepreneurs every day — business owners based in France, Israel, and across Europe who need to create, manage, and maintain US business entities. Our Miami office gives us direct access to IRS processes, our team is fully bilingual (English and French), and our CPA designation allows us to represent clients directly before the IRS using Power of Attorney.
Whether you need to submit an ein application for a new entity, recover a lost number, check ein status on a pending request, or coordinate your EIN with broader obligations like ITIN applications, bank account openings, or Streamlined Procedure filings, we handle the entire process from start to finish.
→ [Contact our team to get started — we’ll take care of your EIN and every step that follows.]
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FAQ — Your Questions About the EIN Number
How long does it take to get an EIN? Instant if you get ein online and have a valid SSN or ITIN. About 4 business days by fax, and 4 to 6 weeks by mail. International applicants should expect delays beyond these standard timelines due to processing variability.
Is an EIN the same thing as a Tax ID? Yes, an EIN is one type of Tax Identification Number (TIN). The term “Tax ID” is often used loosely to mean any federal identifier, but when referring to a business entity, it almost always means the EIN.
Is there a public database listing all EIN numbers? No. There is no comprehensive public directory of all EINs. Only non-profit EINs (searchable on the IRS website) and EINs of publicly traded companies (available through SEC EDGAR) are freely accessible.
Can a business have more than one EIN? Generally, no. One entity holds one EIN. However, certain structural changes — such as converting an LLC to a corporation — require a new EIN. Don’t confuse the federal EIN with state-level tax identification numbers, which are separate.
How can I verify whether an EIN is valid? The IRS does not offer a public tool to verify ein validity. To validate an EIN you’ve received from a third party, request a W-9 form, check SEC EDGAR for public companies, or use a commercial verification service. The IRS will only confirm EIN validity directly to the account holder.
Does an EIN expire? No. An EIN is permanent. Even if the business closes and the associated tax account is deactivated, the number remains assigned to that entity in IRS records and will never be reissued to another business.
How do I check ein status after applying? If you applied online, your ein confirmation is immediate. For fax or mail applications, you can check ein status by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line after the expected processing window has passed. Have your Form SS-4 details ready when you call. If you applied through a CPA, they can perform the ein status check on your behalf.
