If you’re asking “Can I look up my EIN number online?”, you’re not alone. Many business owners misplace their EIN (Employer Identification Number) and wonder how to retrieve it quickly.
The short answer is you can’t directly search your EIN online through a public IRS database, but there are alternative methods to help you recover or verify it.
What Is an EIN Number?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number), also known as a Federal Tax ID Number, is issued by the IRS to identify a business for tax purposes. It’s required for:
- Filing tax returns
- Opening a business bank account
- Hiring employees
- Applying for business licenses
Can You Look Up Your EIN Number Online?
You can retrieve your EIN online if:
- You applied online and saved the confirmation PDF.
- Your EIN is on a publicly available document (e.g., nonprofit tax returns, business licenses).
- Your bank or payroll provider stores EIN records in your account portal.
You cannot search a private EIN using the IRS website.
The IRS does not maintain a searchable public EIN database for privacy and security reasons.
How to Find Your EIN Number
If you can’t look it up directly online, try these:
1. Check Your EIN Confirmation Letter
When you apply for an EIN, the IRS sends a CP 575 confirmation letter. Check your email or saved files if you applied online.
2. Look on Filed Tax Returns
Your EIN will appear on past federal or state tax documents like:
- 1040 Schedule C (for sole proprietors)
- 941 or 1120 forms (for employers and corporations)
3. Check Business Licenses or Bank Statements
Business documents such as licenses, permits, or bank correspondence often include your EIN.
4. Call the IRS
If all else fails, contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–7 PM local time). You’ll need to verify your identity.
Final Answer: Can I Look Up My EIN Number Online?
You can’t perform a public EIN search online unless the EIN is listed on public filings. But you can retrieve your EIN by checking your documents or contacting the IRS.
