How to Find a Company's EIN (Free Methods + Lookup Guide)

To find a company's EIN, start by checking the company's tax forms (like Form W-2 or 1099), business documents, or SEC filings for publicly traded companies. This unique nine-digit number, also known as a federal tax identification number or business tax ID, is issued by the IRS for tax purposes and appears on most official business documents.

How to find EIN of a public company

For publicly traded companies, finding an EIN is straightforward using free government databases. The SEC's EDGAR system provides public access to corporate filings that include EIN information.

1. Input the company name into the "Company and Person Lookup" search field.
2. Check its latest Form 10-Q or Form 10-K filing for the company's EIN.

How to find EIN of a private company

To find a private company's EIN, you can check your W-2 form if you're an employee, search state business databases for permit applications, or contact the company's accounting department directly. Unlike public companies, private businesses aren't required to disclose their EIN in centralized databases.

Below are the best ways to locate a private company's EIN.

• Check your Form W-2. If you're an employee, your annual W-2 form displays your employer's EIN in Box B.
• Search state government filings. Check your state's business database for license or permit applications.
• Contact the company. As long as you have a legitimate reason for obtaining a company's EIN, you can always try calling them directly for the information. The company's accounting department is often the best place to learn most businesses' EIN.

How to find EIN of a nonprofit

To find a nonprofit's EIN, use the IRS's Tax Exempt Organization Search for registered 501(c)(3) organizations or search Guidestar's database. Both free tools provide EIN information for tax-exempt charitable organizations.

How to find your own business' EIN

If you've lost or misplaced your employer identification number, there are a number of ways you can verify your EIN:

If you've misplaced your EIN, here's where to find it:

• EIN confirmation letter. Check your original IRS notice—online applications receive immediate confirmation, while mail or fax applications arrive within four weeks.
• Previous tax filings. Review any filed business tax returns, state business license applications, or IRS correspondence.
• Business bank records. Contact your bank where you opened your business account or obtained loans, as they maintain your EIN on file.
• IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. Call 800-829-4933 Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time with your business information. Only authorized representatives like corporate officers or an executor of an estate can receive the EIN.

Reasons why you might need to find a company's EIN

Beyond knowing your own business's EIN, you may legitimately need another company's EIN for various business and legal purposes:

• Applying for unemployment benefits. Most states require your former employer's EIN when filing unemployment claims.
• Vetting new vendors. Verify a vendor's legitimacy by confirming their business information matches their EIN records.
• Onboarding business clients. Validate client identity and business status through EIN verification before entering contracts.
• Industry-specific requirements. Insurance companies and financial institutions often need EINs for compliance and reporting purposes.

Important: A company's EIN carries the same sensitivity as an individual's Social Security number. Only request or search for an EIN when you have a legitimate business need.

Other ways to find and verify a business's EIN

In addition to the free methods listed above, there are other, fee-based ways to find a business's EIN.

• Business credit reports: Reports from Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax that include the company's EIN along with creditworthiness data.
• Legal research databases: Services like LexisNexis or Westlaw that maintain comprehensive business records including EINs and corporate filings.
• Specialized EIN lookup services: Dedicated EIN search platforms that aggregate public records for instant verification (fees typically range from $10–$50 per search).

The method for finding a company's EIN depends on whether it's publicly traded, nonprofit, or private. With a legitimate business reason, the process is straightforward—often as simple as calling the company's accounting department.

How to change or remove an employer identification number

Your EIN is permanent, but you'll need a new one if your business undergoes significant structural changes. The following situations require obtaining a new EIN:

• Your ownership or structure changes (i.e. you start as a sole proprietorship, but then decide to incorporate)
• Your sole proprietorship is subject to bankruptcy proceedings
• You form a new single member LLC that opts to be taxed as an S corp
• You inherit or acquire an existing business
• You become a subsidiary of a corporation
• You are a corporation and receive a new charter from your Secretary of State

To get a new federal tax ID number, you will have to restart the EIN application process. You can complete an online application or use an EIN service to stay compliant.

How to cancel an EIN

To cancel your EIN, send a letter to the IRS at: