An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a crucial nine-digit number assigned by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to businesses operating in the United States. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. This unique identifier is essential for various business operations, from opening bank accounts and hiring employees to filing taxes. But what happens when you need your EIN and can’t readily locate it? This guide will walk you through proven methods on How To Find My Ein Number, ensuring you can access this vital information quickly and efficiently.
Situations When You Need to Find Your EIN
Before diving into the methods, it’s helpful to understand why you might need to find your EIN in the first place. Common scenarios include:
- Opening a Business Bank Account: Banks require your EIN to open accounts for your business.
- Applying for Business Licenses and Permits: Many federal, state, and local agencies require your EIN for business licenses and permits.
- Filing Business Taxes: Your EIN is necessary when filing federal and state tax returns for your business.
- Hiring Employees: You need an EIN to report payroll taxes and comply with employment regulations.
- Applying for Loans or Credit: Lenders often request your EIN when you apply for business financing.
- Setting up Merchant Services: Payment processors require an EIN to set up credit card processing for your business.
- General Business Administration: Various administrative tasks may require you to provide your EIN.
Knowing these common situations highlights the importance of readily accessing your EIN when needed.
Proven Methods to Find Your Lost or Forgotten EIN
If you’ve misplaced your EIN confirmation or simply can’t recall the number, don’t worry. Here are several reliable methods to help you locate it:
1. Check Your EIN Confirmation Letter (Notice CP 575)
The IRS issues an official confirmation letter, known as Notice CP 575, when your EIN application is approved. This notice is your primary source for your EIN.
- Where to Look: Search your business files, both physical and digital, for this confirmation letter. It’s often filed with important business formation documents.
- What it Looks Like: Notice CP 575 is an official IRS document that clearly displays your business name, EIN, and the date of issue.
Alt text: Sample IRS Notice CP 575, the official EIN confirmation letter, highlighting the location of the EIN number, business name, and issue date.
- Action Step: Carefully review your business records for any document resembling Notice CP 575. This is often the quickest way to find your EIN.
2. Review Your Business Records and Files
Beyond the confirmation letter, your EIN may be recorded in various other business documents.
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Documents to Check:
- Formation Documents: LLC Articles of Organization, Partnership Agreements, or Corporation Articles of Incorporation may include the EIN, especially if the EIN was obtained during the formation process.
- Bank Account Paperwork: Documents from when you opened your business bank account should contain your EIN.
- Loan Applications: Copies of past loan applications or credit applications likely include your EIN.
- Tax Returns: Previous business tax returns (federal and state) will always display your EIN.
- Business Licenses and Permits: Applications or copies of business licenses and permits from various agencies may show your EIN.
- Contracts and Agreements: Some business contracts or agreements might include your company’s EIN.
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Digital and Physical Files: Search both your electronic files (computers, cloud storage) and physical filing cabinets for these documents. Use keywords like “EIN,” “Employer Identification Number,” or your business name when searching digitally.
Alt text: An organized filing cabinet filled with business documents, representing a common place to store records where an EIN might be found.
- Action Step: Systematically go through your business records, both digital and physical, checking the documents listed above for your EIN.
3. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
If you opened a business bank account, your bank will have your EIN on file.
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How to Proceed:
- Call Your Bank: Contact your bank’s customer service or your business banking representative.
- Verify Your Identity: Be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity as an authorized account holder.
- Request Your EIN: Ask them to provide your business EIN associated with your account.
- In-Person Visit (Optional): You can also visit a local branch and request the information in person.
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Benefits: Banks are a reliable source as they require the EIN for account setup and verification.
Alt text: A bank representative assisting a business customer, illustrating a scenario where one could inquire about their EIN.
- Action Step: Reach out to your bank or financial institution and request your EIN, ensuring you are prepared to verify your identity.
4. Examine Past Business Tax Returns
Your EIN is prominently displayed on all your business tax returns.
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Tax Forms to Check:
- Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income): For partnerships.
- Form 1120 (U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return): For corporations.
- Form 1120-S (U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation): For S corporations.
- Form 1040, Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business): For sole proprietorships (though EIN is not always required for Schedule C, it might be present if you obtained one).
- State Tax Returns: State business tax returns will also include your EIN.
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Accessing Tax Returns:
- Your Records: Retrieve copies of your previously filed tax returns, either in paper or electronic format.
- Tax Software: If you use tax software, your EIN should be saved in your profile or past filings.
- Tax Professional: If you use an accountant or tax preparer, they will have your EIN on file and can readily provide it.
Alt text: A stack of various business tax forms, representing a potential source for finding a business’s EIN.
- Action Step: Locate your past business tax returns (federal and state) and find your EIN, which is usually at the top of the first page. If you use a tax professional, contact them for assistance.
5. Reach Out to State or Local Licensing Agencies
If your business requires state or local licenses, these agencies might have your EIN on record.
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Agencies to Contact:
- State Department of Revenue/Taxation: Agencies that handle state business taxes.
- State Licensing Boards: For professions requiring state licenses (e.g., contractors, healthcare).
- Local City/County Business Licensing Departments: For local business permits and licenses.
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Information They Might Need: Be ready to provide your business name, business address, and potentially the owner’s name for verification.
Alt text: A state capitol building, symbolizing state and local agencies that might hold business EIN information in their records.
- Action Step: Identify relevant state or local licensing agencies your business has dealt with and contact them to inquire if they have your EIN on file.
6. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (as a Last Resort)
As a final option, you can contact the IRS directly to request your EIN. However, be prepared for potential wait times and verification procedures.
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IRS Phone Number: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
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Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
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Verification Process: The IRS will need to verify your identity and authorization to receive the EIN. You will likely be asked for:
- Your name (if a sole proprietor) or the responsible party’s name.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your business name and address.
- Potentially other details from your EIN application (Form SS-4).
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What to Expect: If you successfully verify your identity, the IRS representative may provide your EIN over the phone.
Alt text: A person making a phone call, representing contacting the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line to inquire about an EIN.
- Action Step: If other methods fail, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Be patient, have your identifying information ready, and be prepared for the verification process.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your EIN Immediately
If you need your EIN urgently and can’t locate it immediately, consider these temporary solutions:
- For Bank Account Issues: Explain the situation to your bank. They might have alternative verification methods or temporary solutions while you retrieve your EIN.
- For Tax Filing Deadlines: If a tax deadline is approaching, and you haven’t found your EIN, you can still file on time. Write “Applied For” and the date you applied for your EIN in the space for the EIN on the tax form. However, it’s crucial to obtain and provide your EIN to the IRS as soon as possible to avoid any issues.
- For Other Business Needs: For many other situations, you may be able to temporarily proceed using other business information while you actively search for your EIN. Clear communication with the requesting party is key.
Proactive Steps to Prevent Losing Your EIN Again
Once you’ve successfully found your EIN, take these steps to prevent losing it again in the future:
- Store Your Notice CP 575 Securely: Keep the original confirmation letter in a safe and easily accessible location, both physically and digitally (secure cloud storage).
- Record Your EIN in Multiple Locations: Document your EIN in a master business information document and store it in several secure places.
- Use Secure Digital Password Management: Utilize password management tools to securely store and access sensitive business information like your EIN digitally.
- Regularly Back Up Your Business Records: Ensure you have a robust system for backing up all your important business documents, including those containing your EIN.
Conclusion
Finding your EIN number is crucial for managing your business effectively. While it might seem daunting if you’ve misplaced it, the methods outlined in this guide provide you with a comprehensive toolkit to retrieve it. From checking your confirmation letter and business records to contacting your bank or the IRS, you have multiple avenues to explore. Remember to prioritize secure storage of your EIN once you’ve located it to avoid future inconvenience. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure you always have access to this essential business identifier when you need it.
