how to find your ein number

An employer identification number, or EIN number, is used by the Internal Revenue Service to identify businesses. When filing taxes, reporting employees' earnings or opening bank accounts, businesses must use their EIN number. If you are an employee or the owner of a company, you can locate the existing EIN of your company by entering basic information, such as the company's name, in one of several databases, or by contacting the IRS.

EDGAR

Step 1

Access the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website.

Step 2

Click "Search for Company Filings" to access the SEC's EDGAR database. The Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval, or EDGAR, online database features filings from businesses located within the United States.

Step 3

Click "Company or Fund Name" and enter the name of the business in the "Company Name" field. Click "Find Companies."

Step 4

Click on a document's link in the "File/Film Number" field.

Step 5

Review the filing. The employer identification number, or EIN, is listed as "IRS No." on the document.

GuideStar

Step 1

Access the GuideStar website.

Step 2

Click "Register" and create an account. You will need to provide your email address and zip code during registration.

Step 3

Enter the name of the business you are searching for in the "Search GuideStar" field and click "Start Your Search."

Step 4

Review the search results and click on the name of the organization.

Step 5

Click the "Forms 990 and Docs" tab. The EIN number is listed under "IRS No."

Internal Revenue Service

Step 1

Contact the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.

Step 2

Press the corresponding key for your language preference when prompted.

Step 3

Select the option to speak with a customer service representative.

Step 4

Inform the representative that you need to obtain the employer identification number for your business. You will need to provide the representative with your Social Security number, name and other identifying information.

Step 5

Write down the number. The number will be provided to you over the phone.

Tip

Employees can also contact the accounting and payroll department and request the EIN number.