EIN lookup may shield you against late filing delays, accounting errors, and lawsuits. When starting a new venture, paying workers’ compensation to employees, getting credit, or managing contractors, identification by your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or even your Federal Tax ID is required by both the IRS and banks.
Unfortunately, some entrepreneurs lose their EIN or don’t know where it is. Others need to confirm business partners’ or nonprofits’ EINs for tax reporting or compliance reasons.
Throughout this guide, Easyfiling will demonstrate how to find EINs using free, legitimate methods, cancel or modify them, and confirm another company’s EIN easily.
What Is an EIN and Who Issues It?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues to a business to use as a tax identifier. It is a Social Security Number for a business. It is utilized to file taxes, to employ workers, to acquire business licenses, and to secure business loans.
Common Uses for an EIN
- Filing federal and state tax returns
- Withholding payroll taxes
- Opening business checking accounts
- Applying for business licenses and permits
- Sending 1099 forms to contractors
- Applying for business credit or loans
- Registering with state tax departments
Who Needs an EIN?
You must apply for an EIN if you:
- Operate as a partnership or corporation
- Have employees
- Withhold income tax for non-resident aliens
- Run a trust, estate, nonprofit, or real estate investment conduit
- Have a Keogh plan
- Acquire or inherit an existing business
5 Ways to Find Your Business Tax ID
If you’ve forgotten or lost your EIN, don’t worry—there are multiple EIN lookup methods available to help you recover it.
1. IRS Confirmation Letter (Form CP 575)
The IRS mails this document when your EIN application is approved. It contains your EIN and other business details. If you applied online, you should have received an immediate PDF copy via email.
2. Previous Tax Returns
Your EIN is typically listed at the top of your business tax filings, such as:
- Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return)
- Form 1120 (Corporation Income Tax Return)
- Form 1065 (Partnership Return)
3. Payroll or Accounting Software
If you use software like Gusto, ADP, or QuickBooks, your EIN is often stored in account settings or employer profile sections.
4. Business Bank Account Applications
When you opened a bank account or applied for business credit, your EIN would have been used and recorded on forms and agreements.
5. Contacting the IRS Directly
If none of the above methods work, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Only a person authorized on the account, such as a business owner or officer, can receive EIN details.
How to Find Another Company’s EIN
There are plenty of legitimate reasons you may need another business’s EIN:
- Filing a 1099 form for a contractor or vendor
- Conducting due diligence before a partnership
- Verifying nonprofit status
- Researching public company information
Here’s how to go about it:
1. SEC Filings for Public Companies
Companies listed on stock exchanges must disclose their EINs in annual filings. Use the SEC’s EDGAR database to look up Form 10-K or 8-K documents.
2. IRS Exempt Organizations Search
If you need a nonprofit’s EIN, search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Tool. It includes 990 forms, EINs, and verification of federal tax-exempt status.
3. State Business Entity Search Tools
Many states provide searchable business registration databases. Visit your Secretary of State’s website, enter the company name, and check if the EIN or partial tax ID is listed.
4. Request a W-9 Form
This is the most straightforward method for vendors, freelancers, or clients. Ask the business to complete and return an IRS Form W-9, which includes the legal name and EIN.
5. Business Credit Reports
Services like Dun & Bradstreet or Experian offer EIN information for a fee. These are useful for investor research or credit evaluations.
How To Check the EIN of a Company for Accuracy
If you’re submitting tax documents or reporting payments, it’s important to verify the EIN you have on file.
Here’s how:
- Compare the EIN on the W-9 form with IRS business name databases
- Use IRS systems if you’re filing electronic tax forms (they will alert you if the EIN doesn’t match)
- Double-check EINs from SEC filings or IRS 990 forms
Tip: Always ensure the legal business name exactly matches the name associated with the EIN.
Do You Need a New EIN?
In some cases, yes. You must apply for a new EIN if:
- You change your business structure (e.g., sole proprietor to LLC or LLC to corporation)
- You buy or inherit an existing business
- Your partnership is dissolved and re-formed
A name or address change does not require a new EIN.
How to Cancel an EIN?
You can’t technically delete an EIN once it’s issued, but you can close the IRS account associated with it.
To do so, send a signed letter to:
Internal Revenue Service
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Include:
- Business name and EIN
- Address
- Reason for closing
- EIN assignment letter (optional)
The IRS will mark the EIN as inactive. If you need to open a new entity later, you must apply for a fresh EIN.
Updating EIN Information
To change your business name, address, or responsible party:
- Use Form 8822-B
- Submit to the IRS within 60 days of the change
Failing to update this information can delay tax refunds, government notices, or payroll processing.
What If You Need a New EIN?
A new EIN is required if your business undergoes structural changes. Common scenarios include:
- Merging with another business
- Incorporating a sole proprietorship
- Selling your business to a new owner
Apply via:
- IRS EIN Assistant
- Easyfiling (for full support and proper classification)
Applying is free on the IRS website, but the process can be confusing for first-timers. Easyfiling helps simplify the application, ensuring everything is submitted correctly and efficiently.
FAQs: EIN Lookup and Business Tax IDs
Q1. What is the easiest way to perform an EIN lookup for my company?
Check your IRS CP 575 letter, tax returns, business bank statements, or accounting software. If not, call the IRS Business Hotline.
Q2. Can I legally obtain someone else‘s EIN?
Yes, use public information like SEC filings, nonprofit listings, or request a W-9 if you’re doing business with them.
Q3. Can I reuse an existing EIN for a new business?
No. An EIN is tied to a specific business structure and entity forever. If you form a new entity, get a new EIN.
Q4. When can I get a new EIN?
Online applications are approved immediately. Mail or fax requests take 4–6 weeks.
Q5. Is my LLC required to have an EIN?
Yes, especially if it has more than one member or has employees. Even one-member LLCs typically need EINs for banking or filing taxes.
Make EIN Lookup Simple with Easyfiling
Whether you’re a small business owner seeking your own EIN, a contractor trying to validate a client’s tax ID, or a growing business needing to change its form, EIN lookup is a vital part of running a business.
With Easyfiling, we help you:
- Find your EIN
- Walk you through the IRS forms and changes
- Cancel or reapply for EINs
- Keep you in compliance with federal tax regulations
Stop spending time rummaging through forms or struggling with IRS jargon. Let Easyfiling make EIN lookup and business tax ID handling easy.
Ready to locate, amend, or cancel your EIN with expert guidance?
Go to easyfiling and let us guide you through it step by step.
Swostika Silwal
