Where to Find Your EIN or Tax ID

Your business tax ID number—called an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you have employees, or your Social Security Number (SSN) if you're a sole proprietor—is on file with the IRS. You don't need to search for it in multiple places. The fastest way to locate it is to check documents you already have: your business formation papers, past tax returns, bank statements, or correspondence from the IRS.

If you can't find it in those places, the IRS has a lookup tool on their website, and you can also contact the IRS directly by phone. The process takes minutes once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your business formation documents, past tax returns, and bank statements first—your tax ID is usually printed on all of these.
  • The IRS Business Services Online tool lets you look up an EIN if you have the business name and formation date.
  • You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours and speak to someone who can confirm your number in real time.
  • If your business is brand new and you haven't received an EIN yet, you can request one through the IRS website or by mail.

Check Documents You Already Have

Start by looking through papers related to your business. Your EIN appears on your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization (the document you filed to form your business), your Employer Identification Number assignment letter from the IRS, and any business tax returns you've filed. If you have a business bank account, the EIN is on your account statements and the paperwork you signed when you opened it.

If you've received correspondence from the IRS about your business—a notice, a bill, or a letter about a tax matter—your EIN will be printed on that letter. Many business owners keep these in a folder or file box. Check there first before moving to other methods.

Use the IRS Business Services Online Tool

The IRS offers a free lookup tool called Business Services Online on their website at irs.gov. To use it, you'll need to register for an account with a username and password. The registration process takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security Number, business name, and business address.

Once you're logged in, you can search for your EIN by entering your business name and the date you formed the business. The system will display your EIN when ready if the information matches what the IRS has on file. This method works best if you remember roughly when you started your business.

Call the IRS Directly

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Have your Social Security Number and business name ready. The IRS representative will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity, then provide your EIN over the phone.

Call during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are usually shorter earlier in the day and earlier in the week. If you call during tax season (January through April), expect longer hold times.

Request an EIN If You Don't Have One Yet

If your business is new and you haven't received an EIN, you can request one when ready. The IRS allows you to explore online through their website at irs.gov/ein. The online process takes about 15 minutes and provides your EIN right away—you can print it or save it to your computer.

You can also request an EIN by mail using Form SS-4, or by fax. Mail requests take about four weeks; fax requests take about two weeks. The online method is fastest and is the route most new business owners use.

What Information You'll Need

Regardless of which method you use, have these details ready: your legal business name (exactly as it appears on your formation documents), your business address, the date you started the business, and your Social Security Number or the SSN of the business owner. If your business has a different name than your own name, have both versions available.

If you're calling the IRS or using the online lookup tool, you may also need to provide the type of business entity you formed (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.). This information is on your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an EIN and a tax ID?

An EIN is a type of tax ID issued by the IRS to businesses with employees. If you're a sole proprietor with no employees, your tax ID is your Social Security Number. Both serve the same purpose: identifying your business to the IRS for tax reporting.

Can I look up someone else's business EIN?

The IRS does not release EINs to the public for privacy reasons. You can only look up your own EIN or an EIN for a business you own or manage. If you need a vendor's or client's EIN, you'll need to ask them directly.

What if I lost my EIN and can't find it anywhere?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 with your business name and Social Security Number. They can confirm your EIN and send you a new assignment letter by mail if you need a copy for your records.

How long does it take to get an EIN if I'm explore for the first time?

Online applications are processed when ready and you receive your EIN right away. Mail applications take about four weeks. Fax applications take about two weeks. Most new business owners use the online method to get their number the same day.

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

No. Sole proprietors without employees use their Social Security Number as their tax ID. You only need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, or choose to use an EIN instead of your SSN for business purposes.