All businesses in the United States are entitled to a federal tax identification number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refers to this identification as the Employer Identification Number or Federal Tax ID in the process of recognizing a business entity.
Every time you need to file tax returns, open a business bank account, or want to apply for licenses, it is important to know where to find this number so that you can keep your business regulated and transparent.
EIN vs TIN vs FEIN
The different tax identifiers in the United States are confusing to businesses. Taxpayer Identification Number(TIN) is a general term for any number issued by the IRS to identify a taxpayer. An Employer Identification Number, or FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number), is a type of TIN used only for business entities such as companies, partnerships, and non-profits. Individuals use social security numbers(SSNs) as their TIN, while businesses use EINs to file federal taxes, report wages and conduct official activities.
FEIN and EIN are the same number, and the only difference between them is that the former just highlights the use at the federal level. In conclusion, TIN is general, whereas EIN/FEIN is a specific identifier of the business entities.
How to Find Your Business Tax ID
In the case of those already owning or operating a business, finding your EIN is generally easy. It is available in past tax returns, on initial IRS correspondence, in business computer interface, and official records. The following steps will show you where and how to do your company’s federal tax id number lookup.
Check Prior Tax Filing
One of the fastest means of finding out your Federal Tax ID is a review of previous tax returns. The EIN will be indicated on the top of your business income tax return, to be filed with the IRS. This type is good when the concerned party is an established entity that prepares annual returns and keeps well-organized records.
Adımlar
- Locate a previously submitted federal tax return like Form 1120, 941 or 1065.
- Open the document and look at the upper header section
- Identify the nine-digit EIN printed near the business name
- Verify the number is correct and matches other documents
- Use the number for reporting or administrative purposes
Review IRS Confirmation Letter
When the IRS issues an EIN, it sends a confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C notice) to the business owner. This document includes the official Federal Tax ID assigned to your company. It is particularly useful for new businesses that have recently registered and retained their official paperwork.
- Your choice of EIN application will determine how IRS sends you the notice. You may check this confirmation letter online, via fax or physical mail.
Payroll or Accounting Software
Many payroll and accounting systems require the entry of your EIN for payroll reporting and tax remittance. These platforms securely store business identification information. This method is convenient for businesses using cloud-based software products to manage their financial and payroll operations.
Adımlar
- Login to your payroll or accounting platform
- Navigate to “Company” or “Business profile” settings
- Locate the stored Federal Tax ID section
- View the nine-digit EIN listed under tax information
- Record or export the number as needed
Business License or Permit
Some states and local authorities require businesses to list their EIN on license or permit applications. These documents are kept on file by the business and relevant issuing agencies. They are particularly useful for businesses with multiple local registrations.
Adımlar
- Retrieve your business license or relevant permit
- Review the document’s business identification section
- Locate the EIN printed next to the registered name
- Verify the number is accurate and up to date
- Keep a copy of the document for future reference
Call IRS Directly
If other methods fail, business owners can contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line to request confirmation of their EIN. This is beneficial when documents are lost or electronic systems are inaccessible. The IRS will verify ownership and then provide the number to the authorized caller.
Adımlar
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933
- Give identifying details and respond to security questions
- Ask for confirmation of your EIN
- Write down the number when it is given on the phone
- Store the number securely for future use
How to Look up Another Company’s EIN number
You might need the EIN of another firm because of due diligence, contract preparation, or supplier verification. Although private businesses do not necessarily need to disclose their EINs, some public databases and governmental online services allow EIN number lookup of registered entities, non-profits, and publicly traded corporations.
Check the SEC EDGAR Database
The SEC keeps the EDGAR database, consisting of filings of publicly traded corporations. The papers usually contain the EIN of the business in the header or business profile section. This is a useful technique when seeking EINs of U.S. firms that trade on the stock exchange.
Adımlar
- Ziyaret edin SEC EDGAR search filings page
- Enter the company’s name, ticker or CIK number in the search bar
- Select recent annual or quarterly filings (10-K or 10-Q)
- Open the document and review the company details section
Use the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search Tool
The IRS offers a searchable list of tax-exempt organizations, such as foundations and public charities. This database publicly lists EINs. This is the best approach to establishing or validating non-profit making institutions or organizations in the United States.
Adımlar
- Under Search by, select “Organization Name”
- Enter the organization’s name or state in the search field
- Click on the matching organization record
- Review the EIN listed in the profile
With Reverse EIN Lookup Service
Reverse EIN search sites enable an individual to enter the name of a business and extract the EIN. These tools to lookup EIN number merge several publicly available databases, and firms that deal with business research tend to utilize them.
Middesk
Middesk provides an extensive EIN database containing registered and newly incorporated companies. It offers correct and valid information regarding business verification, which is useful for law practitioners and financial experts.
Adımlar
- Ziyaret edin Middesk EIN search tool
- Click Get an instant demo or Talk to Sales
- Fill out your business detail
- The sale will onboard you on using EIN search tool
EINsearch
EINsearch is mounted with business registration data and public financial filings. It is meant to be an entry point into locating EINs for both public and private entities quickly. This platform is advantageous to users who require a searchable and exportable database to fulfil compliance and research requests.
Adımlar
- Git EINsearch lookup page
- Choose a plan and register your account to proceed
- Type in the business name or registration number
- Click the search button and review the results
- Locate the EIN related to the correct business
State Business Entity Search
The Secretary of State websites of most states allow online querying of corporations and limited liability companies registered in and doing business in the state. These listings occasionally have EINs incorporated, more particularly when the company has voluntarily posted them. This approach to business EIN lookup is useful in the case of state-registered small or medium-sized companies.
Adımlar
- Visit the Secretary of State business registry website
- Select the state where the company is registered
- Search by business name or registration ID
- Open the business profile and review details
Request a W-9 Form
A W-9 form is commonly used to request taxpayer identification information from contractors or vendors. It includes the entity’s official name and EIN. This method is appropriate for businesses that have a legitimate reason to request tax information from another organization.
Adımlar
- Contact the business and request a completed W-9 form
- Receive the form directly from the company’s authorized representative
- Review the “Taxpayer Identification Number” field
- Verify the EIN against other information provided
Business Credit Reports
Commercial credit agencies compile detailed reports on businesses, including their EINs. These reports are widely used for underwriting, investment decisions, and supplier risk assessments. This option is particularly beneficial when verifying multiple companies at once or performing large-scale due diligence.
Adımlar
- Purchase a business credit report from a reputable agency
- Search for the company name or D-U-N-S number
- Open the report and scroll to the “Business Identification” section
- Locate and verify the EIN
- Use the information for credit assessment or regulatory filing
SSS
- Does an EIN show ownership?
No. An EIN only identifies a business for federal tax administration. It does not reveal ownership or shareholder information. Ownership details are generally found in corporate records held by the state where the business is registered.
- Can I find business name and address without EIN?
Yes. You can search business registries or public corporate databases using only the company name or phone number. Services like LocatePhone'un ters telefon araması can also provide the registered name and address associated with an unknown business phone number.
- Can someone look up your EIN?
Yes. EINs may appear on public filings, tax-exempt organization records, or SEC disclosures. However, the IRS does not publicly release ownership details, and third-party access is limited to basic identification, not confidential business information or personal data.
- Is EIN lookup the same as a business license search?
No. An EIN lookup retrieves a business’s federal tax identification number. A business license search verifies whether an entity is legally registered to operate within a particular state or locality and confirms its regulatory status and operating permissions.
Çözüm
Knowing how to find your own or another company’s EIN is essential for tax compliance, contract verification, and business transparency. From reviewing IRS documents to using government databases and professional lookup tools, several methods exist to locate the correct Federal Tax ID.
Always ensure the information obtained is accurate and used for lawful purposes. Proper verification promotes secure transactions and supports responsible business practices within the United States.
