Where to Find Your EIN or Tax ID

Your business tax ID is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business for tax purposes. If you applied for one through the IRS, you can find it in several places without having to request a new one. The fastest route is to check the paperwork you received when you first got the number — the IRS sends a letter (Form SS-4) that displays it clearly.

If you cannot locate that original letter, log into your IRS business account at IRS.gov using your existing login credentials. Once signed in, you can view your EIN directly in your account dashboard. This takes about five minutes and requires no phone calls or additional forms.

If you do not have an online IRS account yet, you can create one at IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address. The account creation process takes roughly 10 minutes and gives you access to all your business tax information going forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EIN is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS and appears on the Form SS-4 letter you received when you first obtained it.
  • The fastest way to find an existing EIN is to log into your IRS online account at IRS.gov, where it displays in your dashboard.
  • If you have lost your original paperwork and do not have an online account, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours.
  • Your bank, accountant, or payroll provider may also have a record of your EIN if you have used them for business purposes.

Checking Your IRS Online Account

Creating an IRS online account is the most reliable way to find your EIN anytime you need it. Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Sign in" option in the upper right corner. Select "Create an account" if you do not already have one.

You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, street address, and a valid email address. The IRS will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder, as the message sometimes lands in spam. Enter the code on the IRS website to complete your account setup.

Once your account is active, log in and navigate to the "Business" section. Your EIN will be displayed prominently. You can also read or print a transcript of your tax information from this same account, which is useful if you need to show your EIN to a bank or vendor.

Calling the IRS Directly

If you prefer to speak with someone or cannot access the online account, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number and business information ready when you call.

Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The IRS representative will verify your identity and provide your EIN over the phone. They can also answer questions about what your EIN is used for and whether you need more than one.

If you call during tax season (January through April), expect longer hold times. Consider calling in May or later in the year if your question is not urgent.

Checking With Your Bank or Accountant

Your business bank has a record of your EIN if you opened a business account. Call the business services department or log into your online banking portal — many banks display your EIN in the account details section. You do not need to visit a branch for this information.

If you work with a CPA, bookkeeper, or tax preparer, they almost certainly have your EIN on file. A quick email or phone call to their office will get you the number. This is often the fastest option if you have an existing relationship with a tax professional.

Your payroll provider (if you use one) also maintains your EIN in their system. Log into your payroll account or contact their customer service team to retrieve it.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your EIN

If you have searched everywhere and cannot locate your EIN, the IRS can issue you a new one. However, you should first confirm whether you actually received one in the first place. Some businesses operate without an EIN — sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number instead.

To request a new EIN, fill out Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS. You can file it online at IRS.gov, by fax, by mail, or by phone. Online filing is fastest — you receive your new EIN when ready after submission. Fax and mail submissions take 4 to 6 weeks.

Before requesting a new EIN, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to confirm you do not already have one. Requesting a duplicate when one exists can create confusion with your tax records. The IRS representative can search their system using your business name and address.

Understanding When You Need an EIN

An EIN is required if your business is structured as a partnership, corporation, or LLC with more than one owner. It is also required if you have employees, even one part-time worker. Sole proprietors without employees can choose to use their Social Security number instead, though many obtain an EIN anyway for privacy and record-keeping purposes.

If you are unsure whether you need an EIN, the IRS website has a tool that walks you through your business structure and tells you what you need. You can also ask your accountant or call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line for clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my EIN if I did not keep the original SS-4 letter?

Yes. Log into your IRS online account at IRS.gov to view your EIN in your dashboard. If you do not have an online account, create one using your Social Security number and date of birth. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and provide your business information for them to look it up.

How long does it take to get an EIN if I need a new one?

If you file Form SS-4 online at IRS.gov, you receive your EIN when ready. Fax submissions take 4 to 6 weeks, and mail submissions take 4 to 6 weeks as well. Before requesting a new one, confirm with the IRS that you do not already have an existing EIN.

Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor with no employees?

No, you can use your Social Security number for tax purposes. However, many sole proprietors obtain an EIN anyway to keep their personal and business finances separate and to protect their privacy. The choice is yours.

What if the IRS says they have no record of my EIN?

This can happen if your original process was lost or misfiled. The IRS can issue you a new EIN on the spot if you call, or you can file Form SS-4 online to receive one when ready. Keep the confirmation number they provide for your records.

Can I use someone else's EIN for my business?

No. Each business must have its own EIN. Using someone else's number is tax fraud. If you are starting a new business, you need to obtain your own EIN through the IRS.