Understanding Your Business EIN Number
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the IRS. It identifies your business for federal tax purposes and is required for opening bank accounts, filing taxes, and hiring employees.
What Is My Business EIN Number?
If you’ve already applied for an EIN but don’t remember it, here are the common ways to locate it:
1. Check Your EIN Confirmation Letter
When you first applied for your EIN, the IRS provided a confirmation notice, usually Form CP 575. This letter contains your official EIN and can often be found in your records or emails if you applied online.
2. Review Your Business Tax Filings
Your EIN will be listed on your:
- Business tax returns (e.g., Form 1120, 1065, etc.)
- Payroll tax filings (e.g., Form 941, W-2s)
3. Look at Business Bank Records
If you used your EIN to open a business bank account, your bank should have it on file in your application documents or bank profile.
4. Call the IRS
If you can’t find it in your records, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
- Available Monday–Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM (local time).
- Be prepared to verify your identity.
5. Ask Your Accountant or Legal Advisor
If you had help forming your LLC or corporation, your attorney or accountant might have retained a copy of your EIN.
Why Your EIN Is Important
You’ll need your EIN to:
- File federal and state taxes
- Apply for business credit
- Open a merchant or payment gateway account
- Comply with payroll regulations
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking “what is my business EIN number?”, don’t worry — it’s easy to recover it through IRS documents, tax filings, or a quick phone call. Keep it in a secure place once retrieved.
