If you’ve misplaced your federal tax ID and are wondering, “Can I find my EIN number online?”, the short answer is — not directly through a public IRS search. However, there are reliable ways to recover your EIN quickly using online and offline records.
What Is an EIN Number?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business or entity for tax reporting. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your company.
You need an EIN for:
- Filing business taxes
- Opening business bank accounts
- Applying for licenses and permits
- Hiring employees
How to Find Your EIN Number Online
1. Check Your Email (If Applied Online)
If you applied for your EIN online via the IRS website, you should have received an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) as a PDF. Search your email inbox for terms like:
- “EIN confirmation”
- “IRS CP 575”
- “IRS EIN application”
The email usually comes from a @irs.gov address.
2. Log In to Your Online Tax Filing Platform
If you’ve used platforms like TurboTax, H&R Block, or your accountant’s portal, your EIN may be saved in your prior tax return files, especially if you filed a Form 1065, 1120, or Schedule C under your business name.
3. Search Through Business Documents
While not technically an online method, many people store EIN documents in:
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Business management software
- Email threads with lawyers or accountants
Search for keywords like: IRS EIN, Tax ID, CP 575, or your business name.
Can the IRS Help You Recover Your EIN?
Yes. If you can’t find your EIN online, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time). You’ll need to verify your identity and role in the business.
What You Can’t Do
- You can’t look up your own EIN online through a public IRS search tool.
That option is only available for public nonprofits via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Final Thoughts
So, can you find your EIN number online? While there’s no public IRS search for private EINs, you can retrieve yours by checking:
- Your email confirmation
- Online tax portals
- Cloud-stored documents
- Previous IRS filings
- Or by calling the IRS
