An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number for your business. It’s a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities operating in the United States. You’ll need an EIN for various crucial business operations, from opening a business bank account to filing your business taxes. But what happens if you’ve misplaced this vital number? This guide will walk you through exactly How Do I Find My Ein Number and offer comprehensive information about EINs to ensure you’re fully informed.
Understanding the Basics of an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Before diving into how to locate your EIN, it’s important to understand what it is and why you might need one. The IRS uses EINs to identify businesses for tax purposes. You are generally required to obtain an EIN if your business:
- Employs Workers: If you have employees, you’ll need an EIN to handle employment taxes.
- Operates as a Corporation or Partnership: Most corporations and partnerships, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) that are taxed as corporations or partnerships, require an EIN.
- Files Specific Types of Taxes: If your business needs to pay excise taxes, or taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and firearms, an EIN is necessary.
- Withholds Taxes for Non-Resident Aliens: If you pay income (other than wages) to non-resident aliens and are required to withhold taxes, you’ll need an EIN.
Even if you aren’t legally required to have an EIN for federal tax purposes, you might still need one to open business bank accounts or for state tax requirements. It’s important to note that EINs are specifically for business-related activities and not for personal use like state tax lien auctions or lotteries.
For a deeper understanding, you can refer to IRS Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN PDF.
Situations Where You’ll Need Your EIN
You’ll likely need your EIN in various common business scenarios. Knowing these situations can also help you remember where you might have previously used or recorded your EIN. Common instances include:
- Opening a Business Bank Account: Banks typically require your EIN to open accounts for businesses.
- Applying for Business Licenses and Permits: Many federal, state, and local agencies require an EIN for business licenses and permits.
- Filing Business Tax Returns: Your EIN is essential when filing federal and potentially state business tax returns.
- Applying for Business Credit: Lenders often ask for your EIN when you apply for business credit cards or loans.
- Setting up Payroll: If you have employees, you’ll need your EIN to set up payroll systems and processes.
Lost or Misplaced Your EIN? Here’s How to Find It
If you’re asking “how do I find my EIN number” because you’ve lost or misplaced it, don’t worry. There are several straightforward ways to retrieve it.
1. Check Your EIN Application Confirmation Notice (Form SS-4)
When you successfully apply for an EIN, the IRS sends a confirmation notice, often Form CP 575, CP 575A, or CP 575E. This notice officially assigns your EIN and is the first place you should look. It’s often sent shortly after you apply, so check your business records, both physical and digital, for this document.
2. Review Your Business Bank Account Paperwork
Banks require your EIN to open business accounts. If you’ve opened a business bank account, your EIN will likely be on your account paperwork. Check your new account documents or any records related to setting up your business banking. You can also contact your bank directly; they should be able to provide your EIN from their records after verifying your identity.
3. Examine State and Local Business License Applications
When applying for state or local business licenses, you often need to provide your EIN. If you have copies of these applications, review them to see if you included your EIN. Agencies that issued your licenses might also have your EIN on file and could provide it to you upon request and verification.
4. Look Through Past Business Tax Returns
Your EIN is required on all federal business tax returns. If you have filed business tax returns in the past (like Form 1065, Form 1120, Form 1120-S, or Form 941), your EIN will be listed at the top of the forms. Reviewing copies of previously filed tax returns is a reliable way to find your EIN.
5. Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
If the above methods don’t work, you can directly contact the IRS to retrieve your EIN. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The IRS operates this line Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
When you call, be prepared to verify your identity and authorization to receive the EIN. The IRS will ask for information to confirm you are a responsible party for the business. Once your identity is verified, the IRS representative can provide your EIN over the phone.
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Applying for an EIN – If You’re Just Starting Out
If you haven’t yet obtained an EIN, or are in the process of setting up your business, applying is a straightforward process. For businesses with their principal place of business in the United States, here are the primary methods:
- Online Application: The quickest way to get an EIN is through the IRS online EIN Assistant. You can access it directly on the IRS website. The online application is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. You’ll receive your EIN immediately upon successful completion. You can apply online here: Apply Online for an EIN.
- Fax Application: You can fax Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to the IRS at 1-855-641-6935. If applying by fax, expect to receive your EIN within approximately four business days. You can find Form SS-4 on the IRS website.
- Mail Application: You can mail Form SS-4 to the Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Applying by mail takes longer; you should expect to receive your EIN in about four weeks.
For international applicants with their principal business location outside the U.S., you can apply by phone at 267-941-1099 (Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time). You can also submit Form SS-4 by fax to 1-855-215-1627 (within the U.S.) or 304-707-9471 (outside the U.S.), or by mail to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
Remember, you can only apply for one EIN per day, regardless of the method you choose.
When You Might Need a New EIN
Generally, you only need one EIN for your business throughout its lifespan. However, certain changes in your business structure or ownership might necessitate obtaining a new EIN. You typically need a new EIN if:
- Change in Business Structure: If you change your business structure—for example, from a sole proprietorship to a corporation—you’ll likely need a new EIN.
- Change in Ownership (for Partnerships/Corporations): In some cases, significant changes in ownership, particularly for partnerships or corporations, might require a new EIN.
- Becoming a Subsidiary: If your company becomes a subsidiary of a larger corporation, it might need a separate EIN.
You generally do not need a new EIN if you only change your business name, business address, or responsible party. For more detailed information, refer to When Do You Need a New EIN?.
Conclusion
Finding your EIN number is crucial for managing your business effectively. Whether you’ve misplaced it or are just starting your business journey, knowing how do I find my EIN number and the processes involved is essential. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from checking your records to contacting the IRS directly, you can confidently retrieve or obtain your EIN and keep your business operations running smoothly. Remember to keep your EIN information secure once you locate it, as it’s a key identifier for your business with the IRS and other institutions.
