Where can i find a companys ein number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued to nearly all businesses by the Internal Revenue Service. It is comprised of nine digits and uniquely identifies companies for tax filing purposes.

The EIN is information within the public domain, so you can legally search for the number for any company, but it is a federal crime to use the information illegally. Looking up an EIN isn’t always easy, particularly for smaller businesses, but there are a number of methods, including by phone and searching online. If a business changes its structure, for example going from a sole proprietorship to a corporation, the IRS will issue the company a new EIN, so it helps to know the business name, location and other identifying information.

 Contact the Company

The simplest way to get a company’s EIN is to contact it by telephone. The receptionist may be able to provide the number, but if not, ask for the accounting department. Accounts receivable personnel are often familiar with fielding requests for EIN numbers because a taxpayer identification number is required for filling out 1099-MISC forms, which vendors send out annually to some suppliers and service providers.

Another method is to search for a company’s website. The EIN is sometimes listed on an About or Contact page. If a company is reluctant to give out that information over the phone, try emailing the accounting department. Use your company email address, and include a signature line to help provide assurance that your request is legitimate.

Send the Company a W-9

A W-9 is an official Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. Blank templates are provided online for free by the IRS. Enter your business name and address in the box for the requester, and leave the rest blank for the company to complete. This method is likely to get results, because accounting departments are so familiar with completing W-9 forms. Because they can keep a copy, it leaves a paper trail so they feel secure in supplying that information.

Go Through Company Paperwork

If you have received an invoice from a company, you might find the EIN listed on it, near or in the remittance information. Sometimes companies list the EIN on their letterhead – look at the footer of the page.

Look for the EIN Online

If a business is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission – generally, a public corporation that offers shares – then public records, including filings, are available online through the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system run by the SEC. EDGAR is an online database that is free for anyone to use. Search for a company in the database, then click on the filing link. The EIN typically appears in the header information at the top of the page.

If you're looking at a private or smaller business, try looking up the company on a state or local government agency website. Most states offer some kind of database to search for businesses of all sizes. While state identifying numbers are included in company information, the EIN might not be available. Try your state department of commerce or revenue.

What to Do if You Lost Your EIN

If you’re looking for your own misplaced or lost business EIN, go back through old tax returns, if they’re available. The EIN is listed on them. If you are the person who was authorized as the official company representative when your EIN was initially set up, call the IRS and they will verify your identity and provide you the number over the phone.

The Internal Revenue Service issues an employer identification numbers, or EINs, to businesses that file taxes with the IRS. The EIN is a unique nine-digit number that unambiguously identifies the reporting entity. In addition to its role as a business tax ID number, the EIN is often used for financial and banking purposes. If you have lost the EIN for your business or need to find an EIN for another business, there are several steps you can take.

Tip

Some small business owners use their Social Security number as their EIN, a practice permitted by the IRS.

Recovering Your Lost EIN

The EIN for your business was initially issued to you by the Internal Revenue Service, most likely by letter. If that letter is in your files, it will contain your EIN. If not, your tax returns from prior years will also include your EIN. It may be listed on other documents as well, especially your banking records and applications for business licenses.

If all else fails, you can contact the IRS directly for help recovering your EIN. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. You will have to provide the details of your business to positively identify yourself (for example, the name and Social Security number of the owner). After establishing your identity, the IRS will provide you the EIN number for your business.

Tip

The IRS will not provide an EIN for any business other than your own. Don't bother asking an IRS agent for an EIN for another business.

Finding the EIN for Another Business

Companies that send you a W2, 1099 or similar tax forms will include their EIN on those documents. Companies that report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will generally include their EIN in those documents as well. SEC documents can be viewed on the Investor Relations section of a company website or directly at the SEC website.

Tip

The number entered on tax and financial forms might go by several different names, including Employer Identification Number, Tax Identification Number, IRS Identification Number or similar-sounding terms.

The most direct source for finding a business' EIN is the company itself. Call them and ask for the EIN. It will help to be prepared to explain your reason for wanting the information. For example, perhaps you need it for income-tax reporting purposes. While the business is not obligated to provide the information, a quick call can be the best and easiest source for the EIN you're after.

As a last resort, there are commercial services like the aptly-named EINFinder that compile EIN databases. Some of them offer free trial options that may get you a small number of EINs at no cost.

D&B vs. EIN Numbers

Another common business identification number is the Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) number. The numbers are commonly known as a company's DUNS number, an abbreviation for Data Universal Number System.

These unique identifiers are issued by D&B, a private firm, but find their way into quite a number of industry databases used in the private sector and by federal and state governments. For example, organizations applying for federal grants are required to have a DUNS identifier. You can lookup a DUNS number at no charge on the D&B website.