How to Find Your Lost EIN: Step-by-Step Retrieval Methods & IRS Guide

Alright, let's talk EINs. That little nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses and organizations? Yeah, that one. Whether you're just starting your hustle, inherited a mess of paperwork, or simply misplaced yours, figuring out how to find EIN number info can feel like a chore you didn't sign up for. You need it for taxes, opening bank accounts, hiring folks – basically, anything official for your business. I get it, I've helped clients dig theirs out of the abyss more times than I can count. Some moments were smoother than others, honestly. Let's cut through the IRS jargon and find yours, fast.

Okay, First Things First: What Actually Is an EIN?

Think of your EIN like a Social Security Number (SSN), but for your business instead of you personally. The IRS uses it to track your business's tax reporting and payments. Its official name is Employer Identification Number, but don't let that "Employer" part fool you. You need one even if it's just you flying solo as a single-member LLC or a freelancer with a business bank account. It's also called a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN). Same thing, different name.

Key Differences: EIN vs. SSN vs. TIN

  • EIN (Employer Identification Number): For business entities (LLCs, Corporations, Partnerships, Sole Proprietors with employees/banking needs, Estates, Trusts, Non-profits). Format: XX-XXXXXXX.
  • SSN (Social Security Number): For individual U.S. citizens and residents. Format: XXX-XX-XXXX. Sole proprietors without employees *can* sometimes use their SSN, but getting an EIN is often safer and prevents giving out your personal SSN.
  • TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number): This is the *umbrella term*. Both EINs and SSNs (and ITINs for certain non-resident individuals) are types of TINs. When a form asks for a TIN, it means whichever identifier applies (EIN for a business, SSN for an individual).

Honestly, the confusion between EIN and SSN trips people up all the time. I once spent an hour on hold with a bank because they insisted a client needed an SSN for a business account – nope, the EIN was the golden ticket!

Who Actually Needs an EIN? (It's More Than Just Employers)

You definitely need to figure out how to get an EIN number if your situation matches any of these:

  • You have employees. This is the classic reason.
  • You operate your business as a Corporation, Partnership, or LLC (even a single-member one). Banks usually require it.
  • You file taxes for Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
  • You withhold taxes on income (other than wages) paid to a non-resident alien.
  • You have a Keogh plan (a tax-deferred pension plan for self-employed folks).
  • You're involved with a Trust, Estate, Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (REMIC), Non-Profit Organization, Farmers' Cooperative, or Plan Administrator.
  • You're a Sole Proprietor who wants a business bank account (most banks require it) or just wants to keep your business and personal finances/taxes neatly separated. This is super common and often overlooked.

If you're a sole proprietor with no employees and just use your personal bank account? Technically, the IRS says you *can* use your SSN. But seriously, getting an EIN is free, takes minutes online, and adds a layer of separation between your personal identity and your business dealings. Why *wouldn't* you? It’s one less place you have to hand out your precious SSN.

Where Should Your EIN Be Hiding? (Common Places to Look First)

Before you dive into contacting the IRS, take 15 minutes for a serious scavenger hunt. Tracking down an existing EIN is way faster if you can find it yourself. Here’s where to dig:

  • The IRS Notice CP 575: This is the holy grail. It's the official confirmation letter the IRS sent you when your EIN was first assigned. It's golden. Check your old business files, folders labeled "Taxes," "Important Docs," or sadly, that infamous "Miscellaneous" pile.
  • Past Business Tax Returns: Look at any Form 1040 (Schedule C for sole props), 1065 (Partnerships), 1120 (Corporations), or 1120-S (S-Corps) you've filed. The EIN is usually right at the top of the first page.
  • Business Bank Account Documents: When you opened the account, you absolutely had to provide the EIN. Check your account opening paperwork, online banking portal (sometimes listed in account details or statements), or loan applications.
  • Business Licenses and Permits: Your state, county, or city business license applications almost always require your EIN.
  • Payroll Tax Filings (Forms 941, 940, State Withholding): If you've had employees, these forms are plastered with your EIN.
  • Business Credit Card Statements or Applications: Similar to bank accounts.
  • Official Correspondence from the IRS: Any other letters besides the CP 575? Look there too.
  • Legal Formation Documents: If you used a lawyer or online service (like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness) to form an LLC or Corporation, they likely included the EIN in the package they sent you after filing.

Can't find it anywhere? Don't panic. It happens way more often than you'd think. Time to move to the official channels for figuring out how to find EIN number when it's truly lost.

The Official Ways to Find Your Lost EIN (IRS Methods)

Alright, the scavenger hunt came up empty. The IRS is your next stop. Here's the breakdown of your official options, with the good, the bad, and the slightly annoying realities of each.

Method 1: Calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (The Phone Route)

This is often the most direct way how to find EIN number if you're the responsible party or someone authorized to get it.

  • Who Can Call: The person who applied for the EIN originally (the "responsible party"), or someone legally authorized to represent the business (like a partner, corporate officer, executor, trustee, or someone with power of attorney). You'll need to prove your identity and connection to the business.
  • The Number: 800-829-4933. That's the dedicated Business & Specialty Tax Line.
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. your local time. Pro tip: Call EARLY right when they open, or later in the afternoon. Avoid Mondays and the day after holidays like the plague if you hate hold music.
  • What You NEED:
    • Your personal SSN or ITIN (as the caller/authorized person).
    • The business's full legal name exactly as registered.
    • The complete physical street address used when applying for the EIN (PO Boxes usually aren't enough).
  • The Process & Wait Time: Be prepared for hold times. I've heard everything from 15 minutes to over an hour lately. Have your coffee ready. Once you get an agent, explain you need to retrieve a lost EIN. They'll ask security questions to verify your identity and authority. If everything checks out, they *can* give you the number over the phone.

A Reality Check: The IRS phone lines are notoriously busy. Patience is key. Have all your info ready before you call. Be polite but persistent. And honestly? Schedule it when you can do something else on speakerphone. It's a time sink, but it works.

Method 2: Asking Your Bank (A Potential Shortcut)

Sometimes the easiest path how to find EIN number is right through your business bank. They recorded it when you opened the account.

  • Who Can Ask: Typically, authorized signers on the business bank account.
  • How: Call your business banker directly if you have one. Otherwise, call the main business banking line. Visit a branch in person (bring ID!).
  • What You Need: Business account number(s), your personal identification (driver's license, passport), and proof of authority on the account.
  • Success Rate: Generally high, as long as you're authorized. Much faster than the IRS hold times usually! This is my personal favorite "easy win" if the client has a business bank account.

Method 3: Faxing Form 4506-T to the IRS (The Paper Trail)

Need written proof? This is the method. It's not fast, but it gets you official documentation.

  • What is Form 4506-T? "Request for Transcript of Tax Return." You're not asking for a full tax return, just the transcript that will show the EIN.
  • How It Works:
    1. Download Form 4506-T from the IRS website (irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-t).
    2. Fill it out completely.
      • Line 1a: Business Legal Name.
      • Line 1b: "EIN" (even though you don't know it).
      • Line 2: Any former names (DBA/Fictitious names usually go here if different).
      • Line 3: Current Business Address.
      • Line 4: Address used on the original application (if different).
      • Line 6: Check the box for Return Transcript OR Record of Account Transcript (either will usually show the EIN).
      • Line 9: Enter the tax period you need info for (often "12/31/XXXX" for the year you incorporated or first filed).
    3. Sign it! Must be signed by an authorized person (see Phone Method criteria).
    4. Fax it to the number listed in the form's instructions. Do not mail it. Faxing is specified for this purpose. Confirm the current fax number on the IRS website as it can change.
  • Wait Time: Brace yourself. It can take the IRS 5 to 10 business days (sometimes longer during peak seasons) to process the fax and mail you the transcript. The transcript will arrive by regular mail at the address listed on the form.

This method feels old-school, but it provides that official paper record which banks or lawyers sometimes insist on. Just be prepared for the wait.

Method 4: Searching State Government Websites (Sometimes)

This is hit or miss and depends entirely on your state and business type.

  • Possible Locations:
    • Secretary of State Business Entity Search (for Corps, LLCs, LPs).
    • Department of Revenue/Taxation websites.
    • Business License portals.
  • How? Search for your business's legal name on the state's official business registry. Sometimes the EIN is displayed publicly in the search results or on the detailed entity record. Other times, you might need to purchase a Certificate of Good Standing or similar document, which might list it. Success varies wildly by state – some show it, others treat it as confidential.

It's worth a quick 5-minute search on your Secretary of State's site, but don't bank on this being the solution.

Comparing Your Options: How to Find EIN Number Methods Head-to-Head

Method Best For Speed Effort Level Documentation Proof? Biggest Drawback
Finding Your CP 575 Notice Anyone with the letter Instant (if found) Low (Search) Yes (Best Proof) You have to actually *have* it and find it
Checking Old Tax Returns/Bank Docs Anyone with access to records Instant (if found) Low (Search) Usually Indirect Proof Requires good record keeping
Calling IRS (800-829-4933) Responsible Party / Auth. Person Moderate (15-60+ min Hold) Medium (Call/Verify) No (Verbal Only) Long hold times, Verbal only
Asking Your Bank Authorized Bank Signers Fast (Usually) Low Usually Indirect Proof Only works if you have a business account
Faxing Form 4506-T Needing official written proof Slow (5-10+ Business Days) High (Form/Fax/Wait) Yes (Official Transcript) Very slow turnaround time
State Website Search Corps/LLCs (State Dependent) Fast (if available) Low Maybe (Varies) Highly unreliable, not all states show it

Important Warnings & Things That Just Don't Work

Trying to find your EIN can feel frustrating, but avoid these dead ends and potential scams:

  • The IRS Does NOT Have an Online EIN Lookup Tool for the Public: Any website claiming to let you instantly "lookup" or "search" for your EIN online for free is bogus. Full stop. If they ask for a credit card, run. Seriously, these scams are rampant. The only official online tool is for *applying* for a *new* EIN, not finding an existing one.
  • Third-Party Paid "Lookup" Services: These are almost always scams or incredibly overpriced for just telling you to call the IRS yourself. Save your money. They can't access any magic database you can't access through official channels.
  • Calling the Regular IRS Individual Tax Line (1040 line): They likely won't help with business EINs and will just transfer you to the Business line (800-829-4933), putting you back in the hold queue. Skip the middleman.
  • Emailing the IRS: Nope. The IRS does not handle sensitive taxpayer information like EIN retrieval via email due to major security risks. Don't expect a response if you try.

Trying these wastes time and risks your personal info. Stick to the official methods above.

Answers to Your Burning Questions About EINs (FAQ)

Q: Can I find my EIN online for free?

A: You cannot look up your existing EIN directly online on any official IRS website. Anyone telling you otherwise is likely misleading you. The IRS online EIN application (IRS Form SS-4) is only for obtaining a new EIN.

Q: How long does it take to get an EIN once I apply?

A: If you apply online using the IRS EIN Assistant (the fastest method), you get your EIN immediately upon successful completion of the application. You can download your confirmation (CP 575 equivalent) right then. Fax applications take about 4 business days. Mail applications take 4+ weeks. This is why online is king for getting a new one.

Q: Can someone else find my EIN?

A: Generally, only the "responsible party" (the person who applied for it initially) or someone legally authorized to represent the business (officer, partner, executor, trustee, authorized agent with Form 2848 Power of Attorney) can successfully retrieve it directly from the IRS. Banks might give it to authorized signers. Public state records *might* show it, inconsistently.

Q: I lost my CP 575. Can the IRS send me a new one?

A: Yes, but it's essentially the same process as retrieving a lost EIN. Call the Business & Specialty Tax Line (800-829-4933). If you are verified as the responsible party, they can mail you a replacement CP 575. However, they will not fax or email it due to security. Expect the mailing to take several weeks. Getting a transcript via Form 4506-T acts as alternative proof.

Q: Is my business credit score linked to my EIN?

A: Yes, absolutely. Business credit bureaus (like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business) track credit history using your EIN. This is crucial for getting business loans, credit cards, and sometimes even lease agreements. Keeping your EIN safe and managing credit associated with it matters!

Q: Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN?

A: Sole proprietors with no employees *can* legally use their SSN for business taxes. However, it's strongly discouraged because:

  • It exposes your personal SSN unnecessarily.
  • Banks usually require an EIN for a business account.
  • It blurs the line between personal and business finances/credit.
  • Hiring employees later forces you to get one anyway.
Getting an EIN is free and easy. Just do it.

Q: Can I change my EIN?

A: It's rare and usually only happens under specific circumstances:

  • You change your business structure (e.g., Sole Prop to LLC, Partnership to Corp).
  • You declare bankruptcy.
  • You inherit or purchase an existing business and choose to operate it as a new entity.
  • You are a victim of identity theft related to the EIN.
You generally cannot change it just because you want a new number. Call the IRS Business line if you think you have a valid reason.

Q: How to find EIN number for another company?

A: Legally obtaining another company's EIN is tricky. Authorized representatives (like lawyers with permission) might get it from the IRS. Publicly traded companies often list their EIN in SEC filings (EDGAR database). Some state business registries display it publicly for certain entities. You can sometimes find it on non-profit filings via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. However, you generally cannot just call the IRS and ask for a random company's EIN without legal authority or a valid reason recognized by the IRS.

Prevention is Key: How NOT to Lose Your EIN Again

Been through the hassle once? Don't repeat it. Here’s how to keep your EIN safe and accessible:

  • Scan & Digitally Store Your CP 575: Save it in multiple secure locations – encrypted cloud storage (like Google Drive, Dropbox, password-protected), your computer, and a secure USB drive kept off-site.
  • Add It Securely to Your Password Manager: Many password managers have secure notes or fields for important numbers like EINs.
  • Share it ONLY When Absolutely Necessary: Banks, lenders, payroll providers, the IRS, and specific government agencies need it. Be cautious about who else you give it to. Don't plaster it on public documents unnecessarily.
  • Include it in Your Essential Business Documents Binder: Keep a physical copy with your formation documents, operating agreement, key contracts, and licenses. Store this binder securely (fireproof safe is ideal).
  • Tell Your Accountant/Bookkeeper: Ensure your trusted financial professional has it securely recorded. They need it for filing!
  • Inform Your Business Partner/Co-owner: If applicable, make sure they also know where it's stored securely.

Taking these steps saves you a massive headache later when you desperately need that number and have no clue how to find EIN number details quickly.

What If You Need a BRAND NEW EIN?

Sometimes you're not looking for a lost one, you need one for the first time or because your situation changed. Here's the fastest route:

Applying for a New EIN Online (The Instant Way)

This is hands-down the best method. The IRS calls it the "EIN Assistant".

  • Where: Directly on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
  • Availability: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Requirements:
    • A valid SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN (for the "responsible party").
    • Your business's legal name and address.
    • Know your business structure (Sole Prop, LLC, Corp, etc.).
    • Reason for applying (Started new business, Hired employees, Banking requirement, etc.).
  • The Process: Answer straightforward questions in an interview format. It takes about 15-20 minutes if you have your info ready. At the end, you get your EIN immediately on the screen. You can then download, save, or print your confirmation letter (which serves as your CP 575).
  • Huge Advantage: It's free, instant, and you get the confirmation document right away. No waiting for mail. Seriously, this is the ONLY way to apply unless you absolutely cannot use the online system.

I helped a friend set up her freelance design business last month. We did the online application while chatting on Zoom. Had her EIN before we hung up. Couldn't be simpler.

Other Ways to Apply (Slower - Only if Online Isn't Possible)

  • Fax: Complete Form SS-4 and fax it. Takes about 4 business days. Fax number is on the form.
  • Mail: Complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the address listed in the instructions. Takes 4+ weeks. Not recommended unless you have no other choice.
  • Phone (International Applicants Only): If you don't have a U.S. SSN/ITIN/EIN and are outside the U.S., you might have to call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number).

Final Thoughts: You Got This!

Losing track of your EIN is a common pain point in the business world. It happens to the best of us. The key is knowing where to look systematically – starting with your own records, then moving to your bank, and finally engaging with the IRS via phone or fax if needed. Remember, the online application for a new EIN is a breeze. And once you have it (or find it), lock down that CP 575 confirmation like it’s pure gold stored in Fort Knox. Multiple secure backups are non-negotiable.

Figuring out how to find EIN number info isn't about complex tricks; it's about knowing the official paths and having a bit of patience (especially with those IRS hold times). Avoid the scammy "lookup" sites, use the right phone number, and don't be afraid to ask your bank – they've helped solve this mystery countless times. Now go find that number and get back to running your business!

Leave a Comments

Recommended Article