1. Check the Company’s W-9 Form
If you’re doing business with the company, request a completed IRS Form W-9. This form is designed to share a business’s name, address, and EIN for tax purposes.
Most businesses will provide their EIN on a W-9 when requested for 1099 filings or contractual work.
2. Search SEC Filings (for Public Companies)
Publicly traded companies are required to list their EIN in various filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These include:
- 10-K annual reports
- 8-K current event filings
Use the SEC’s EDGAR database to search.
3. Look Up Nonprofits via Charity Databases
For nonprofit organizations, EINs are publicly accessible through:
- GuideStar.org
- Charity Navigator
- IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check
Their EIN appears on Form 990 (IRS tax filing).
4. Contact the Company Directly
You can ask the company for their EIN directly. It may also appear on:
- Invoices
- Purchase agreements
- Tax forms they’ve sent you
Most businesses are open to sharing their EIN when you have a legitimate need.
5. Check State Business Registrations
Some state business directories and secretary of state websites include EINs or allow business ID lookups that lead to EIN discovery.
Examples:
- California Business Search
- Texas SOS Direct
- Florida Division of Corporations
Note: Not all states publish EINs publicly.
Bonus: Call the IRS (If Authorized)
If you have a legitimate business reason and are authorized (e.g., a third-party designee or payroll provider), call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. You’ll need to verify your identity and relationship with the company.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering how do I find a company’s EIN number, remember there are several legal and efficient methods depending on the type of company and your relationship to it.
Start with a W-9 or a state or federal database, and only use IRS resources if you’re authorized to do so.
