If you’re starting a business, filing taxes, or applying for a loan, you might be asked:
“Where do I find the FEIN number?”
A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), also known simply as an EIN, is issued by the IRS to identify a business for tax and reporting purposes. Whether you’re looking for your own FEIN or that of another business, there are several ways to locate it.
How to Find Your Own FEIN Number
If you’re trying to locate the FEIN for your own company, here are the most reliable options:
1. IRS EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)
- This is the official letter the IRS sends after approving your EIN application.
- Check your business records or email if you applied online.
2. Previous Tax Returns
- Your FEIN is listed on forms like:
- Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return)
- Form 1120 or 1065 (Business Income Tax Returns)
3. Payroll or Bank Documents
- Your EIN may appear on:
- Employee pay stubs
- Business bank account applications
- W-2 and 1099 forms you issue
4. Call the IRS
- If you misplaced your FEIN and can’t find it in your records, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM local time).
- Be prepared to verify your identity as an authorized party.
How to Find Another Business’s FEIN
You might also want to find the FEIN of another business (for example, a vendor or employer):
1. Ask the Company Directly
- Most businesses will provide their FEIN on official invoices or W-9 forms upon request.
2. Search SEC Filings (Public Corporations)
- If the company is publicly traded, you can find their EIN in SEC filings on SEC.gov.
3. Use a Business Information Database
- Third-party tools such as:
- EDGAR
- OpenCorporates
- Business credit report providers (e.g., Dun & Bradstreet)
Note: These may require a subscription or fee.
Is the FEIN a Public Record?
While not published publicly by the IRS, a business’s EIN can often be found on public tax documents or via databases, especially for nonprofit or publicly traded entities.
Final Thoughts
So, where do you find the FEIN number?
Check your IRS correspondence, tax returns, and payroll records if it’s your own. If you’re searching for another business’s FEIN, you may need to ask them directly or use a business lookup service.
