If your business files certain types of tax returns or has employees, the IRS will require you to have an EIN. Knowing what it is and how to obtain one will help you set your business up for success. Here, we’ll give you all the information you need about getting an EIN for your business.
Most types of businesses require an EIN or Employer Identification Number. This number is sometimes also referred to as a tax ID number (TIN) or a federal tax ID number (FEIN). It’s basically a social security number for your business. An EIN is a 9-digit number that is required for many types of businesses including corporations, partnerships, and those in specific categories such as firearms. Many banks also require an EIN prior to setting up bank accounts or lending for businesses.
EIN Lookup Table of Contents
How Do I Lookup my EIN?
Since they are so infrequently used, EIN numbers can be hard to keep up with. Although we recommend keeping them in a safe place for reference, you can always look them up if you misplace yours. To do that:
Contact the IRS
You can call the IRS directly at (800).829.4933 to ask for your EIN number. This number is only available during their regular business hours. Those hours are Monday through Friday, 7am – 7pm local time.
This is the best option when the EIN has been recently changed and is not available on older documents. The person calling the IRS must be authorized to obtain information about the business such as a corporate officer, partner in a partnership, or sole proprietor.
How to Lookup an EIN Number for a Business?
If you’re looking for the EIN of a business that is not yours, you can do so online. You may need it to validate their information prior to moving forward with a transaction. The SEC’s EDGAR System is the easiest way to look up an EIN if the business is publicly traded and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is a free service. If the organization is a non-profit, you can use GuideStar to do the same thing.
If a company is not registered with the SEC, or is not a non-profit listed on GuideStar, your best bet is to call the company. You can contact their accountant to request this information. You could also try to find it on your secretary of state’s website.
Does My Business Require an EIN?
The IRS requires certain types of businesses to have an EIN. Other businesses have the option to file for one. If you’re not sure whether your business needs one, here are some of the most common reasons why it would be required:
- Businesses that have employees
- Businesses that are corporations or partnerships
- Businesses that file excise, employment, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms tax returns
- Businesses that withhold taxes on non-wage income paid to a nonresident alien
- Businesses with a Keogh plan
- Businesses involved in a non-profit organization, trust, estate, farmer’s cooperative, real estate mortgage investment conduit, or administrative plan
If any of these statements applies to your business, you need an EIN. There are other circumstances for which you may need one, so check out the IRS website listed in the previous section for more information. Even if these statements do not apply to you, it may still be beneficial to get an EIN.
Using an EIN for your business makes it easier to separate your personal taxes from your business taxes. It is also often required to obtain banking services and business licenses. If you don’t have an EIN for these items, you’ll need to use your personal Social Security Number, which can make things difficult to track.
When Would I Need to File for a New EIN?
Circumstances that may require a new EIN are as follows:
- Bankruptcy
- Inheriting an existing business
- Acquiring an existing business
- Creating a trust with funds from an estate
- Changing the structure of your business entity(ies)
How to Get a New EIN
Obtaining an EIN for your business is a simple process. You can apply for one online, or you can fax or mail an executed IRS Form SS-4 to the Internal Revenue Service. If you’re in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia, visit:
https://www.irs.gov
FAX: (855).641.6935
MAIL: Internal Revenue Service ATTN: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
International businesses without a US address or place of business can apply for an EIN here:
https://www.irs.gov
FAX: (855).215.1627 within the US, or (304).707.9471 outside of the US
PHONE: (267).941.1099
MAIL: Internal Revenue Service ATTN: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Filing for an EIN early is important for any new business. Although you may not need it right away, it is essential if you want to scale your business or hire employees. Be mindful that applying online is the quickest way to file and receive your EIN.
Merchant Tip: Should you choose to call the IRS to apply for an EIN, make sure you fill out Form SS-4 before calling. The agent will likely ask you a series of questions applicable to the form and it’s more efficient to have the answers ready.
Check Documents and Forms
If you’ve had your EIN for a little while, you likely have documentation of it from the IRS. When it was issued, the IRS likely sent a CP-575 Notice to inform you of the number. You can check through your old emails and snail mail to find this document.
You may also check tax returns from prior years, as the EIN must be used when filing taxes. In addition to these documents, you may find your EIN on any business bank account documents that you have, or applications for funding that you have completed.
Final Thoughts
There are many companies that offer to do EIN searches for a fee. Although this might be a convenient option for you, don’t feel obligated to use them! You now have the knowledge and resources you need to locate your own EIN, or that of another company should the need arise.
