How to find my EIN number: Free lookup and check methods for your business

Key takeaways

• In 2025, the US Census Bureau recorded 5.62 million business applications, measured by requests for a new Employer Identification Number, marking an 8.2% increase that underscores the identifier's vital role.¹

• Locating a misplaced tax identifier like an EIN number is a free process that relies on auditing internal digital records, reviewing previous federal tax filings, or contacting the IRS directly for an official verification letter.

• Modern financial platforms like Airwallex provide a streamlined digital onboarding experience that accepts EIN documentation for account approval in as little as one to three business days, offering an efficient alternative to traditional banks that often require physical branch visits for verification.

Misplacing your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a common hurdle for business owners but it doesn’t have to stall your progress. You can retrieve this identifier for free by looking through your digital files or contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) directly. This guide provides a detailed roadmap to locate your tax ID and keep your operations moving.

Understanding EIN numbers

An EIN serves as the primary way the federal government identifies your business entity. It is more than just a sequence of digits because it functions as a corporate version of a Social Security number. Managing your business effectively requires a clear understanding of how this identifier fits into your broader tax identification number overview.

What is an EIN number?

The EIN is a unique nine-digit code assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to business entities operating in the United States. The format is typically two digits followed by a hyphen and seven digits, appearing as XX-XXXXXXX. Once the IRS assigns this number, it becomes the permanent tax identity for that specific legal entity. The identifier does not expire and is never reassigned to another business even if the original company eventually closes.

Why do you need an EIN number?

You need an EIN to handle several core business functions including filing federal tax returns and reporting payroll taxes for employees. Most financial institutions require an EIN to comply with federal regulations when you open a business bank account. Beyond compliance, having a dedicated tax ID allows you to establish business credit and provides a layer of privacy by keeping your personal Social Security number off of vendor contracts or 1099 forms.

How do EIN numbers work?

The IRS uses the EIN to track the financial activity and tax obligations of a business. When you apply for the number, you must name a "responsible party" who is the individual exercising ultimate control over the entity. This ensures that the IRS can associate business filings with the correct owners. Every time your company makes a tax payment or submits an information return, the EIN ensures the data is recorded correctly in the federal master file.

Why are EIN numbers important?

An EIN is a critical component of maintaining the legal separation between an owner and their company. This separation is vital for protecting the limited liability status of corporations and LLCs. Strategically, the number allows you to access specialized types of business accounts that offer higher transaction limits and better treasury tools. It also signals professional legitimacy to potential partners and lenders.

5 Ways to find your EIN number for free

If you cannot find your tax ID, do not pay a third party service to look it up for you. There are several official and free methods to retrieve the number using your own records or the IRS database.

Locate your IRS confirmation letter (Form CP 575)

The most reliable source for your EIN is the original confirmation notice issued by the IRS. This document is known as Form CP 575. If you applied for your EIN through the online assistant, you were given the option to download a PDF version of this letter immediately. For those who applied by mail or fax, the IRS sent a physical copy to the mailing address listed on the application. This letter is often referred to as the birth certificate of your business because it contains the official legal name and tax ID exactly as they appear in government records.

Check your previous business tax filings

If you have already filed federal taxes for your company, your EIN will be printed on those returns. Since the IRS requires this number on every business tax document, your previous filings are an excellent secondary source. If you work with a professional tax preparer, they will have copies of these forms in their permanent files. You can also log into your tax preparation software to retrieve digital versions of past submissions.

Where to look on Form 1120, 1065, or Form 1040 Schedule C

The location of the EIN depends on the specific tax form you file. For C corporations filing Form 1120, check the top right section of page 1 in Box B. If you operate a partnership or multi-member LLC and file Form 1065, the number is in Box D at the top of the first page. For sole proprietors and single-member LLCs using Form 1040 Schedule C, look for Box D labeled "Employer ID number" in the top right corner.

Review business banking and financing records

Banks and credit unions must verify your EIN before opening any professional account. Reviewing your original account opening documents or your monthly bank statements can often reveal the number. While some banks mask the identifier on public-facing statements (for security purposes), many include it in the "Account Details" section of their online portals. 

If the number is not visible, you can visit a local branch with your government ID to request the tax ID on file for your account. This is one of the separate business banking benefits that help keep your professional records organized and accessible.

Check business licenses and formation documents

Your EIN is frequently required when applying for local permits, professional licenses, or sales tax certificates. Review any applications you submitted to state or local agencies, while the number is frequently printed as a reference point. Additionally, check your Articles of Organization or your LLC Operating Agreement. Professional incorporation services often save a digital copy of your EIN confirmation in your client dashboard for easy retrieval.

Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line

If you have exhausted all other options, you can call the IRS directly to ask for your number. The agency provides this service for free to authorized business owners who have lost their identifiers. You can reach the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The line is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.

Identity verification requirements for authorized callers

To prevent identity theft, the IRS agent will only provide the EIN to an authorized person. This typically includes the sole proprietor, a corporate officer, a partner in a partnership, or a trustee. Be prepared to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, the legal name of the business, and the address used on the original application. The agent may also ask for the type of tax return you file to confirm your relationship with the entity.

Requesting a 147C EIN verification letter

While an agent can read the number to you over the phone, many vendors and lenders require physical proof. Since the IRS will not reissue the original CP 575 letter, you should request a 147C EIN Verification Letter instead. This letter serves the same legal purpose as the original confirmation. You can ask the agent to send this to you via mail, which takes about two weeks, or via fax. If you have access to a digital fax service, you can often receive the letter while you are still on the phone with the agent.

What if you still cannot find your EIN?

In rare cases, the IRS may not be able to find a record of your business. This usually happens if the original application was never fully processed or if there is a mismatch in the business name. If this occurs, you may need to apply for a new EIN. However, it is critical that you do not apply for a new number if one already exists. The IRS assigns only one EIN per legal entity. Applying for a duplicate number can lead to significant administrative delays and may cause the IRS to reject your future tax filings.

How international founders can recover their EIN without a US SSN

Founding a U.S. business from abroad is common, but it presents challenges when retrieving tax IDs without a U.S. Social Security number. International founders should call the IRS International EIN line at 267-941-1099. This line is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Since you likely do not have an SSN, the IRS agent will verify your identity using the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or the foreign passport details you provided on your original Form SS-4. After verification, you should request that the 147C letter be faxed to you immediately. Receiving mail from the IRS at an international address can take several weeks, making fax the most efficient option for founders who need to provide documentation to payment processors or global marketplaces.

How to find another company’s EIN

There are several legitimate reasons to look up another company's EIN including conducting due diligence on a new vendor or verifying a client's information. While most private companies do not publish their tax IDs, there are ways to find them through public records.

For a publicly traded company, the EIN is listed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can use the SEC EDGAR database to search for the company's annual report (Form 10-K) where the EIN is typically displayed on the cover page. 

For non-profit organizations, the IRS provides a free Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. This allows you to look up any charity or foundation by name to find their EIN and verify their tax-exempt status. If you need the EIN of a private, for-profit company, your best option is to contact their accounting department directly and request a Form W-9.

How to apply for an EIN?

If you are starting a new business or changing your legal structure, you will need to apply for a new EIN. The process is free and should be done directly through the IRS EIN portal. 

The fastest method is using the IRS EIN Assistant online. This tool is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. If you have a valid U.S. taxpayer ID, the system will issue your EIN immediately upon completion. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you must file Form SS-4 by mail or fax. 

This process is detailed in our guide on opening an account with an EIN only. Applications sent by fax typically receive a response within four business days, while mailed applications can take up to four weeks to process.

How to get an Airwallex business account with your EIN

Once you have located or received your EIN, you can secure the financial infrastructure your business needs to scale globally. Airwallex's global business account is designed to remove the friction of traditional banking, especially for companies managing business vs. personal accounts.

The onboarding process at Airwallex is fully digital. You can upload your EIN confirmation letter or verification letter directly through the platform. Unlike traditional institutions that may require physical branch visits, Airwallex uses automated verification to approve most accounts within one to three business days.

This digital-first approach is ideal for startups and international businesses that need to move quickly. With an Airwallex account, you can receive payments in over 20 currencies and manage global expenses from a single dashboard. By using your EIN to open an account, you position your business to save on foreign exchange fees and access a truly borderless financial network.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about finding an EIN

Can I look up my EIN number online through the IRS website?

No, the IRS does not provide a public online search tool for individual business owners to look up their own EIN. You must check your internal records or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line for assistance.

How do I find my EIN if I don't have my W-2?

Check your pay stubs or contact your company's payroll department directly to request the number. If the employer is a public company, you can also find its EIN in its SEC filings via the EDGAR database.

Is an EIN the same thing as a Federal Tax ID?

Yes, an EIN is a specific type of federal tax identification number used for businesses. It is the most common term used by the IRS to identify entities for federal tax reporting and banking purposes.

How can I get a replacement copy of my EIN confirmation letter?

The IRS only issues the original CP 575 confirmation once, so you must request a 147C EIN Verification Letter instead. This document serves the same legal purpose for all banking and tax verification needs.

Can I find a company's EIN through public records?

You can find the EINs of publicly traded companies in their SEC filings and the EINs of non-profit organizations through the IRS website. Private, for-profit companies do not have publicly searchable EINs and must be contacted directly for their tax ID.

Sources

1. https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/current/index.html