Your tax ID is already assigned — you just need to locate it

Your business tax ID (also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN) was issued to you by the IRS when you registered your business or first hired an employee. You do not need to request a new one. The number exists in IRS records, and you can find it by checking the documents you received when you started your business, contacting the IRS directly, or logging into your IRS online account if you have one set up.

The fastest route depends on what paperwork you still have. If you kept the letter the IRS sent you, your EIN is right there. If not, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line or search your online IRS account. Most people find it within minutes once they know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EIN appears on the IRS letter you received when you first registered your business — check your files or email for a letter titled "Notice of Employer Identification Number Assignment" or similar.
  • You can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 and speak to a representative who can look up your EIN using your business name and address.
  • If you have an IRS online account (through IRS.gov), you can log in and view your EIN under your business information without calling.
  • Your EIN is a nine-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX and is unique to your business — it is not the same as your Social Security number.
  • If you cannot locate your EIN and do not have records of receiving one, the IRS can confirm whether an EIN was ever issued to your business.

Check the paperwork you received when you started your business

The IRS sends a formal letter when your EIN is assigned. This letter is titled "Notice of Employer Identification Number Assignment" or sometimes "IRS Form SS-4 Confirmation." Your EIN appears near the top of the letter. If you registered your business online through the IRS, you may have received this letter by email; if you applied by mail or phone, it came by postal mail.

Look through files, email folders, and any documents related to your business startup. Check with your accountant or bookkeeper if you have one — they often keep copies of this letter. If you filed taxes last year, your EIN also appears on your business tax return, so you can find it there.

Call the IRS to look up your EIN by phone

The IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line can look up your EIN using your business name and address. Call 1-800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your business name, address, and the date you started the business ready when you call.

Wait times vary by time of year — they are typically shorter in the morning and longer during tax season (January through April). The representative will confirm your EIN and can answer basic questions about it. This is a free call and the most direct route if you do not have your paperwork.

Log into your IRS online account

If you have already set up an account on IRS.gov, you can view your EIN without calling. Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in" in the upper right. You can sign in using your Social Security number or EIN, an IRS username, or a third-party account (Google, Apple ID, or Microsoft).

Once logged in, navigate to "Business" and then "View your EIN." Your nine-digit tax ID will display on the screen. You can print or screenshot this page for your records. If you do not yet have an IRS online account, you can create one using your Social Security number and a valid email address — the process takes about 10 minutes.

What to do if you cannot find your EIN anywhere

If you have searched your files, called the IRS, and still have no record of an EIN, it is possible one was never issued. This can happen if you registered your business but never actually operated it, or if there was an error during registration. Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line again and ask them to search their records by your business name and your personal Social Security number.

If the IRS confirms that no EIN was issued, you will need to explore for one. You can do this online through the IRS website (the fastest method), by phone, or by mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your EIN when ready after submission.

Understanding the format and use of your EIN

Your EIN is a nine-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX (two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits). It is unique to your business and is used on tax forms, business licenses, bank accounts, and when hiring employees. It is not the same as your Social Security number, even if you are a sole proprietor.

Once you have located your EIN, write it down and store it somewhere safe — you will need it for tax filings, opening a business bank account, and explore for business licenses or permits. You do not need to renew or reapply for an EIN unless your business structure changes (for example, if you convert from a sole proprietorship to an LLC).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my EIN the same as my Social Security number?

No. Your EIN is a separate nine-digit number issued by the IRS for your business. Even if you are a sole proprietor, your business has its own EIN. Your Social Security number is personal to you and is used for individual tax purposes.

Can I get a new EIN if I want a different number?

The IRS does not issue new EINs for preference. You keep the same EIN for the life of your business unless the business structure changes (such as converting to an LLC or partnership). If your business structure changes, you may need a new EIN.

What if I lost my EIN and need it urgently?

Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Representatives can look up your EIN in minutes using your business name and address. This is faster than waiting for mail or searching online if you do not have an IRS account set up.

Do I need my EIN to open a business bank account?

Yes. Banks require an EIN (or your Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor with no employees) to open a business account. Have your EIN and business registration documents ready when you visit the bank.

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

You will need to explore for one. You can do this online at IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-4933, or by mailing Form SS-4. The online method is fastest — you receive your EIN when ready after submission.