Where to look for a business's tax ID

A business's tax ID number—formally called an Employer Identification Number (EIN)—is usually printed on official documents the business sends you. Check invoices, receipts, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or any contract the business has signed with you. The number appears as nine digits in the format XX-XXXXXXX.

If you don't have a document from the business, the IRS provides a free public search tool called the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. This tool works only for nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations—it shows their EIN, name, and status. Go to tax-exempt-organization-search.irs.gov and search by the organization's name or city.

For for-profit businesses, there is no single federal database open to the public. You will need to use state-level resources or contact the business directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to find a business's EIN is to look at any official document the business has sent you—invoices, contracts, W-2s, or 1099s all display the number.
  • The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search is free and searchable by name, but only covers nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations, not regular for-profit businesses.
  • For-profit businesses do not have a centralized public EIN database, so you may need to contact the business directly or check your state's business registration records.
  • An EIN is always nine digits formatted as XX-XXXXXXX, which helps you recognize it when you see it on a document.

Searching state business registration records

Each state maintains a registry of businesses registered to do business within that state. These registries are usually run by the Secretary of State's office. Many states publish searchable databases online where you can look up a business by name and find its EIN, address, and registration status.

To find your state's database, search "[your state] Secretary of State business search" or "[your state] business entity search." The database name varies—some states call it the Corporations Division, others call it the Business Services Division. Once you reach the database, enter the business name and search. The results will show the EIN if the business is registered in that state.

This method works best when you know which state the business is registered in. If the business operates in multiple states, it may be registered in one state as its home base and in others as a foreign business, so you may need to search more than one state's records.

Asking the business directly

If you need the EIN for a legitimate business reason—you are a vendor, customer, employee, or contractor—you can ask the business for it directly. Call the main number, email the business owner or manager, or ask during a transaction. Most businesses will provide their EIN without hesitation when asked for a business reason.

Be specific about why you need it. Say "I need your EIN for my tax records" or "I need your EIN to issue a 1099" rather than a vague request. Businesses are accustomed to providing this information and will not see it as unusual.

Using the IRS EIN lookup for tax-exempt organizations

If you are looking for a nonprofit, charity, church, or other tax-exempt organization, the IRS search tool is the official source. Visit tax-exempt-organization-search.irs.gov, enter the organization's name (or part of it), and select the state if you know it. The search returns the organization's legal name, EIN, city, state, and tax-exempt status.

This database is updated regularly and covers all organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS. If an organization does not appear in the search, it either has not been granted tax-exempt status, has lost that status, or may be operating under a different legal name than you expect.

What to do if you cannot find the EIN

If the business is small, new, or operates informally, it may not yet have an EIN. Some sole proprietors and partnerships use their personal Social Security number for tax purposes instead. In that case, the business owner can provide their SSN if you have a legitimate need for a tax ID.

If you are trying to verify that a business is legitimate before doing business with it, a missing EIN or an EIN that does not match the business name is a red flag. Ask the business owner directly and request documentation—a business license, a recent tax return, or a bank statement showing the business name.

Understanding why you might need this number

You need a business's EIN for several common reasons. If you are a contractor or vendor, you need it to issue a 1099 form to the business at the end of the year. If you are an employee, your employer's EIN appears on your W-2. If you are a customer making a large purchase, the business may ask for your information but you do not need theirs. If you are researching a nonprofit's finances, the EIN helps you find their public tax filings.

The EIN is public information for tax-exempt organizations but private for for-profit businesses. That is why the IRS publishes a searchable database for nonprofits but not for regular companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a business's EIN the same as its business license number?

No. An EIN is a federal tax identification number issued by the IRS. A business license number is issued by your city or county and is used for local regulation. A business has one EIN but may have multiple business licenses if it operates in different cities or counties.

Can I find a for-profit business's EIN online for free?

Not through a single federal database. Your best options are your state's Secretary of State business search (free) or asking the business directly. Some third-party business databases charge a fee to look up EINs, but the state search is always free.

What if a business gives me an EIN that does not match the business name?

Ask the business to clarify. The EIN and business name should match the IRS records. If they do not, the business may operate under a different legal name than its trade name, or there may be an error. Request documentation like a business license or tax return to verify.

Do I need a business's EIN to buy something from them?

No. You only need their EIN if you are issuing them a tax form (like a 1099), if you are their employee (it appears on your W-2), or if you are researching their nonprofit status. For a normal purchase, you do not need their EIN.