Where to find your EIN if you've already received one

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit code the IRS assigns to your business. If you've already received one, the fastest place to look is the paperwork you got when you formed the business — the IRS sends the EIN in a letter, usually within two weeks of approval.

Check your files for IRS Form SS-4 confirmation, any correspondence from the IRS addressed to your business, or your business bank account paperwork. Banks often print the EIN on account statements and opening documents. If you filed a business tax return before, the EIN appears at the top of that return.

You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Have your Social Security Number and the date you formed the business ready. The IRS can look up your EIN by phone in a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to your business; the IRS mailed it to you when you first received it, usually within two weeks.
  • Check your original business formation paperwork, bank statements, or past tax returns — your EIN appears on all of these.
  • The IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line can look up your EIN by phone if you have your Social Security Number and business formation date.
  • The IRS online EIN lookup tool at irs.gov lets you search by business name and location if you have a current account with the agency.
  • If you never received an EIN, you may not have one yet, and you'll need to request one through Form SS-4 or the IRS online system.

Using the IRS online EIN lookup tool

The IRS maintains an online search tool at irs.gov where you can look up an EIN by business name and location. To use it, you need to have set up an account with the IRS online services portal. This tool works best if you remember the state where you formed the business and the approximate year.

The search returns results for businesses registered under that name in that state. If multiple businesses share the same name, you may see several results — check the formation date or business address to find the right one. The tool does not always return results for very new businesses or those formed more than 10 years ago.

What to do if you cannot find your EIN

If you've searched your paperwork, called the IRS, and checked online without success, your business may not have an EIN yet. This happens if you formed the business but never filed a tax return or opened a business bank account. Sole proprietors without employees sometimes operate without an EIN, using their Social Security Number instead.

If you need an EIN now, you can request one through Form SS-4 (process for an Employer Identification Number) or through the IRS online system at irs.gov/ein. The online system issues an EIN when ready; the paper form takes two to four weeks. You'll need your Social Security Number, business name, business address, and the type of business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership, or other).

EIN requirements by business type

Not every business needs an EIN. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security Number on tax returns. However, you must have an EIN if your business is a corporation, partnership, LLC, S corporation, or nonprofit organization. You also need one if you have employees, even one part-time worker.

If you operate a business under a name different from your own (a "doing business as" or DBA), you still use your Social Security Number unless your business structure requires an EIN. Some banks require an EIN to open a business account, even if the IRS does not technically require one for your business type. Check with your bank about their requirements before opening an account.

How the IRS issued your EIN originally

When you first formed your business, you either received an EIN through Form SS-4 or the IRS assigned one automatically. If you filed incorporation papers with your state, the state may have forwarded your information to the IRS, which then issued an EIN and mailed it to you. If you applied for an EIN yourself through the IRS, you received a confirmation letter with the number.

The IRS mailed the original EIN letter to the address you provided on your process. If you've moved since then, that letter may be at an old address. The IRS keeps a record of every EIN it issues, so calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line remains the most reliable way to recover a lost number.

Using your EIN for tax and banking purposes

Once you have your EIN, you'll use it on every business tax return, W-2 form, and 1099 form your business issues. Banks use it to open business accounts and issue business credit cards. The IRS uses it to track your business tax filings and any taxes owed.

Keep your EIN in a safe place — you'll need it repeatedly throughout the life of your business. Many business owners store it with their original business formation documents or in a password-protected digital file. You do not need to request a new EIN if you change your business address or phone number; the same number follows your business for its entire life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security Number instead of an EIN?

Only if you're a sole proprietor with no employees. Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and any business with employees must have an EIN. Some banks also require an EIN to open a business account, regardless of whether the IRS requires one for your business type.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

The IRS online system issues an EIN when ready when you explore. If you submit Form SS-4 by mail or fax, the IRS typically issues an EIN within two to four weeks. The IRS mails the confirmation letter separately, which may take an additional week or two to arrive.

What if the IRS says my business doesn't have an EIN?

This usually means you never formally requested one or your business was never registered with the IRS. You can request an EIN now through Form SS-4 or the IRS online system. Have your business formation documents and Social Security Number ready.

Do I need a new EIN if I change my business structure?

Yes. If you convert from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or corporation, the IRS treats it as a new business entity and issues a new EIN. You'll need to notify the IRS of the change and close out any old tax accounts under the previous structure.

Where do I find my EIN if I'm explore for a loan or credit?

Lenders typically ask for the EIN from your most recent business tax return or bank statements. If you don't have those documents, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 with your Social Security Number and business formation date.