How to Look Up Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

As a business owner, you may need to access your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for various purposes such as opening a bank account or applying for licenses. If you have misplaced your EIN, don't worry! There are several ways to look it up.

Firstly, an assistor from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will ask you for identifying information and provide the number over the telephone, if you are an authorized person. Authorized persons include sole proprietors, partners in a partnership, corporate officers, trustees of a trust, or executors of an estate. The person making the call must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions concerning the Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

To obtain your EIN, you can contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time). International applicants may call 267-941-1099, but please note that this is not a toll-free number. You can also search for your EIN by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933.

In addition, if you have previously filed a tax return with your EIN, you can try to locate it on the return. Your previously filed return should be notated with your EIN. If you used your EIN to open a bank account or apply for any type of state or local license, you should contact the bank or agency to secure your EIN.

Another option is to find the computer-generated notice that was issued by the IRS when you applied for your EIN. This notice will contain your EIN and other important information.

Lastly, be aware that scams may come in the form of phone calls or emails claiming to provide your EIN. The IRS does not initiate phone calls or emails, so it's essential to verify the authenticity of any communication before responding.

Remember, your EIN is an important number for your business, and it's crucial to keep track of it. If you have misplaced your EIN, try one or more of the methods mentioned above to locate it.

Ein look up ct