Key Takeaways

  • A federal tax ID lookup involves searching for a business's tax identification number (EIN or FTIN) to verify or obtain information.

  • The IRS grants tax identification numbers based on the nature of the business—whether it is a corporation, sole proprietorship, or trust.

  • A new tax ID number is often issued when a business changes its structure.

  • You can apply for an EIN through the IRS website, mail, or fax. 

  • EINs do not replace Social Security Numbers and are specifically for business tax purposes.

  • Publicly held companies often list their EINs in SEC filings, available in databases such as EDGAR.

  • For frequent EIN lookups, commercial database services might offer specialized search options.

  • Since TINs are private information, information about EINs (or indeed any other TIN) is not easily searchable online. Nor does the IRS offer a free name-based EIN lookup service.

A federal tax ID lookup searches for a business's information using their tax identification number (FTIN) or employer identification number (EIN). 

The IRS issues tax identification numbers to businesses depending on their structure.  

When a business changes its structure, it is usually issued a new ID number. The United States federal government uses a federal tax identification number for business identification. 

This article will detail the steps to follow to find or verify your EIN and other important information. 

What is a Federal Tax ID (EIN)?

An EIN will possess nine numbers and is used by the IRS for administering taxes for the following entities: 

  • Employer

  • Sole proprietorship

  • Trust or government agency

  • Corporation 

An organization's grantor, owner, or trustee will be issued an EIN. “one per responsible party per day” applies to issuing EINs.  

To ensure successful tax administration, the IRS is focused on only providing qualified parties with an EIN. Third parties applying for an EIN must identify themselves as third-party designees. 

You can apply for an EIN online or using the paper Form SS-4. An organization whose primary business address is in the United States can apply for an EIN online. 

An EIN does not replace a Social Security Number (or SSN).

How to Find or Look Up a Federal Tax ID (EIN)

The EIN for publicly traded companies is on the Investor Relations website. Almost every publicly traded company will possess a filings page. 

On the filings page provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you can find a business's EIN by clicking the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filing and reading the document's first page. 

You can also use the EDGAR Online Forms and Filings database to search for an EIN. The EDGAR database search is completely free of charge and can be used to find a business EIN not listed in the online SEC filings. 

If you frequently need to search for business EINs, you may want to sign up for a commercial database service.  

With a Commercial EIN database, you may have access to special offers that provide you with a certain number of free searches before you need to pay a fee. 

Several methods exist for looking up a business's tax ID.  

Generally, the searcher will need to provide a few basic details, including the type of entity for which they are searching. 

There are ten types of entities you could search for, including: 

  1. Corporation

  2. Church controlled organization

  3. Estate of deceased individual

  4. Limited liability company

  5. Nonprofit organization

  6. Partnership

  7. Personal service corporation

  8. S-corporation

  9. Sole proprietorship/individual

  10. Trust

Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR)

The Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) System is the easiest way to search for a federal tax ID number. 

The EDGAR system, maintained by the SEC, is a database that includes information about for-profit companies. This online service is entirely free. 

The database includes several forms that may contain a business's EIN, this includes the: 

  • 8-K

  • 10-K

  • 10-Q forms  

Before you start your EDGAR search, remember that searching just the first few letters of a business's name will provide you with better results, as many businesses are not listed under their full names.

Melissa Data

There is an organization known as Melissa Data whose mission is to provide individuals with information about non-profit organizations.

For instance, this organization provides a free public online database to search for business information using:

  • The business's name

  • The business's EIN

  • The business's zip code 

When you search for a business using the Melissa Data database, you will receive its tax identification number. 

You may also be able to find a business's tax ID number by contacting their accounting department.

Methods to Look up a Federal Tax ID

One of the easiest ways to obtain a company's Federal Tax ID or Employer Identification Number is to simply call the business and ask for it. This information is public record. 

Most keep this information readily available because they're asked for it pretty frequently. In most cases, when you call and ask a business for their FTIN, you'll have it in seconds.  

This is particularly true when dealing with non-profit businesses and organizations, as their FTIN is usually required when claiming tax deductions. 

If, for some reason, the company is unable or unwilling to provide you with their Federal Tax Identification Number, you can always contact the Internal Revenue Service and get it from them.  

The IRS is the government agency directly responsible for issuing Employee Identification Numbers to new businesses, so they always have this information on hand.  

Again, this is public record, so the IRS will have no problems giving you this information. 

If this doesn’t work, most public libraries and even some college libraries have a reference desk on-site, manned by a reference librarian.  

Reference librarians are specialized professionals who can help you find specific types of information, such as a company's FTIN and EIN details.  

If your local library has a reference librarian, they'll normally have access to databases that will most likely contain the information you're interested in.

Common Reasons for Needing a Federal Tax ID Lookup

There are several situations in which you might need to look up a federal tax ID:

  • Verifying a business identity

  • Filing taxes

  • Opening a business account

  • Hiring vendors or contractors

  • Compliance with regulations

  • Fraud prevention

  • Getting business licenses or permits

  • Business-to-business transactions

  • Updating business information

  • Filing for payroll taxes

How to Apply for a Federal Tax ID (EIN)

This is the general path you’ll follow when applying for a Federal Tax ID: 

EIN Eligibility: Ensure your business or other entity qualifies to receive an EIN. The applicant must have a valid US Social Security Number (or other Taxpayer Identification Number). 

Gather Information: Gather details about your business, such as the legal name, mailing address, the responsible party’s name and Social Security Number, and the type of entity (sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership). 

Apply Online: You can apply for an EIN at the IRS EIN application page. This is the fastest way to get an EIN because it’s instant. However, the application is available only at certain times (typically weekdays). 

After filling it out, you will receive your EIN immediately (if you applied online) or within a few days (if you applied by mail or fax). Print your confirmation notice to keep it for your records.  

Use Your EIN: You can open business accounts at the bank, file business tax returns with the IRS or your state, and apply for business licenses.

Conclusion

Many people have a much harder time than they need to when searching for a company's information. These tips will help reduce frustration and quickly get you the information you want. 

To get expert help performing a federal tax ID lookup, post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5% of lawyers on its site.  

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FAQs

Can I look up my EIN online?

You can’t look it up online if you've lost your EIN.  

It will be listed on your previous tax return, the original letter the IRS mailed you when you first received your EIN, or your business's bank account statements.  

You can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-4933 if you can't find it.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

If you apply online through the IRS website, you will receive your EIN as soon as the application is completed.  

Applications by fax typically take four business days, while mail-in applications can take four to six weeks.

What if I lose my federal tax ID number?

If you misplace your EIN, you can look it up on a prior-year federal income tax return, your copy of the IRS letter confirming the EIN's issuance, or correspondence from your bank.  

If you can’t locate it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. The IRS will, of course, require proof you are the person who is entitled to the EIN before it tells you the numbers.  

Visit this article next to learn more about how to obtain a copy of your EIN verification letter from the IRS.

Can you look up a TIN online?

You won’t easily find a TIN (whether an SSN or an EIN) online because they are unavailable for privacy and security reasons. When in doubt, try contacting the relevant financial institution or the IRS. 

Is EIN lookup free by name?

No, this is not provided through the IRS. You might get lucky and find a business’s EIN in SEC filings, credit reports, or other public documents, but you cannot look up an EIN by name through the IRS.  

The IRS does not provide an online search option because organizations are entitled to some privacy. 

These FAQs cover common questions about federal tax IDs and offer guidance for specific situations regarding EINs and TINs.