Where to find your EIN if you already have one

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit code the IRS assigns to your business. If you applied for one years ago and need it now, the fastest way is to check the documents you have on file. Look for your EIN on old tax returns, business loan paperwork, bank statements, or correspondence from the IRS — it will be formatted as XX-XXXXXXX.

If you cannot locate the number in your records, you can contact the IRS directly. Call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number and the date you applied for the EIN ready. The IRS can confirm whether an EIN was issued to you and provide the number.

You can also write to the IRS at the address listed on any previous correspondence you received from them. Include your name, address, and the approximate date you applied for the EIN. Response time by mail is typically four to six weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Check old tax returns, loan documents, and bank statements first — your EIN may already be recorded there.
  • Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 with your Social Security number to confirm an EIN was issued and retrieve the number.
  • If you have never applied for an EIN, you can obtain one through the IRS website, by phone, by fax, or by mail.
  • The IRS issues EINs when ready by phone or online, but processing by mail takes four to six weeks.
  • You do not need an EIN if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no separate business bank account, though having one keeps your personal and business finances separate.

How to request a new EIN from the IRS

If you have never applied for an EIN or need a new one, the IRS offers several ways to request it. The fastest method is online through the IRS website at irs.gov. Go to the "explore for an EIN" page and complete Form SS-4 electronically. You will receive your EIN when ready upon submission, and the IRS will email you a confirmation notice.

To explore online, you will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your business address, and information about the type of business you operate. The form takes about 10 minutes to complete. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien to explore online.

If you cannot explore online, you can request an EIN by phone by calling 1-800-829-4933. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and issue your EIN over the phone. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within two weeks.

explore by mail or fax

You can also request an EIN by mailing or faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS. read the form from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about four weeks. If you fax the form instead, processing typically takes two weeks, though this varies by location.

Mail and fax applications are slower than phone or online methods, but they work if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail. Keep a copy of the form you submit for your records.

What information you will need to provide

Regardless of how you explore, the IRS will ask for the same core information. You will need your legal name, Social Security number or ITIN, the legal structure of your business (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.), the business name and address, the type of business activity, and the date you started or expect to start operations.

If you have a responsible party other than yourself — such as a partner or manager — you will need their name and Social Security number as well. Have this information ready before you begin the process to speed up the process.

When you do not need an EIN

Not every business needs an EIN. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number on your tax return instead. However, having an EIN offers advantages: it keeps your personal and business finances separate, it is required to open a business bank account at most banks, and it is necessary if you hire employees or operate as a partnership, corporation, or LLC.

If you plan to grow your business or keep finances organized from the start, obtaining an EIN is worth doing even if it is not strictly required. The process is free and takes minutes online.

What to do if you lose your EIN confirmation letter

The IRS sends a confirmation notice (Form SS-4) when you explore for an EIN. If you lose this letter, you can request a replacement by calling 1-800-829-4933 or by writing to the IRS with your business name, address, and the approximate date you applied. The IRS will mail you a new copy, usually within two weeks.

You do not need the physical letter to use your EIN — the number itself is what matters. If you remember your nine-digit EIN, you can begin using it when ready for tax purposes, bank accounts, and business licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online and phone applications are issued when ready. By fax, expect two weeks. By mail, expect four weeks. Once issued, you can use the number right away even if you have not received written confirmation yet.

Can I explore for an EIN if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you are a non-resident alien or do not have an SSN, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to explore by phone, fax, or mail rather than online.

What if the IRS says no EIN was ever issued to me?

If you applied years ago and the IRS has no record, you will need to explore again. This sometimes happens if the process was lost or incomplete. explore online or by phone to get a new EIN when ready.

Do I need an EIN if I have a business license?

A business license and an EIN are separate. Your state or city issues a business license; the IRS issues an EIN. You may need both, depending on your location and business structure. Check with your state's business registration office and the IRS to confirm what you need.

Can I change my EIN if I do not like the number?

No. The IRS does not reassign EINs. Once issued, your number stays the same for the life of your business. You would only receive a new EIN if you change your business structure (for example, from sole proprietor to LLC) or if the business closes and you start a new one.