Key Takeaways

  • An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is public information but should be safeguarded due to identity theft risks.
  • You can perform an EIN number lookup using business filings, databases, and even by contacting the IRS.
  • EINs can be found on tax returns, business licenses, and bank records.
  • Online tools, like EDGAR or state business search portals, help verify EINs.
  • Corporate identity theft via EIN misuse can result in serious financial and legal consequences.
  • Preventative steps include using secure networks, encrypting data, and running regular checks.

Is EIN public information? Yes, it is, but should be strictly guarded. An employer identification number (EIN) is a number exclusively assigned to an entity to enable the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to easily identify such an entity.

EIN Overview

Every business entity is assigned an EIN. An EIN is made up of nine digits and can be acquired in person or via the internet. It can be used for business banking needs like opening an account or getting a loan. It is also used to acquire state or federal licensing for businesses. The EIN enables its owner to do business and give financial information to the IRS. EIN makes a business entity vulnerable to other entities because it isn't strictly confidential.

Finding Your EIN

To find out what your own EIN is, reach out to the IRS through their Business and Specialty Tax Line. The toll-free numbers (1-800-829-4933 or 1-800-829-4059) are active from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday. The IRS will help you find your EIN if you're a business entity. Unless you got into business recently, there's a chance you can find your EIN on the tax returns you previously filed.

Corporate officers, persons with power of attorney, and partners in a partnership can all reach out to the IRS to help find their EIN. However, no entity is permitted to request the EIN of another entity. Also, check the original notice you got from the IRS when you turned in your EIN application. If your business has a license, your EIN could be found there as well.

Verifying an Entity's EIN

You can verify the EIN of an entity by doing the following:

  • Visit their website and check their about page, privacy policy page, and terms of service page
  • Check the website of the entity's home state
  • Subscribe to commercial databases online

Online EIN Number Lookup Tools

When verifying an EIN, online databases can be particularly useful. Here are several trusted resources you can use:

  • EDGAR (SEC database): Public companies file documents that often include their EIN. Search by company name at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
  • State Business Entity Searches: Many Secretaries of State offer public business lookups where EINs may be displayed or linked via registration numbers.
  • Nonprofit EIN Lookup: Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to find EINs of 501(c)(3) organizations.
  • Form 990: For nonprofits, IRS Form 990 filings often include EINs and can be accessed through services like GuideStar or ProPublica.

Tip: While not every database will list the EIN directly, many will offer related identifying information to assist your EIN number lookup.

Other Means of Finding an EIN

If you couldn't get help with all of those options, you can try engaging a private investigator. Typically, private investigators have access to confidential records and know how to dig for information. They can assist with finding a corporation's EIN number or hunt down companies that pulled the plug after raising funds by scamming their customers.

Free Ways to Look Up Your EIN

If you’ve lost your EIN or need to confirm it, here are free, simple methods for retrieval:

  1. Check Prior Tax Filings: Your EIN appears on federal tax returns like Form 1120 or Form 941.
  2. Review IRS Confirmation Letter (CP 575): This is the original IRS notice issued when the EIN was assigned.
  3. Banking Documents: Banks often include your EIN on account opening documentation or loan applications.
  4. Business Licenses or Permits: Many state and local licenses include EINs.
  5. Call the IRS: Business owners can call 1-800-829-4933 to request their EIN with proper identification.

Corporate Identity Theft

Like the theft of personal identity, theft of an entity's EIN is the first move in stealing its corporate identity. The moment someone gets access to an entity's EIN, they can use it to open business banking accounts, corporate credit accounts, and even acquire personal credit. Such criminals can access an entity's mail, claim customers checks in the name of their victim, deposit money into an account they opened in their victim's name, and make cash withdrawals.

Impostors can also acquire wholesale goods that are tax-free. Impostor, usually employees in this case, may use their own money to purchase the products, but the company will still be listed as the recipient. Despite being unaware of these activities, if the entity's business undergoes an IRS audit and the entity isn't able to properly account for transactions or seemingly evaded taxes on purchased goods they actually didn't order, they'll be held responsible.

Preventing Identity Theft

If a website isn't secured by encryption, online hackers may gains access and steal sensitive information. Furthermore, the University of Virginia stated that if an entity provides their EIN using a wireless network that's not secure, like the ones at an eatery, coffee shop, library, and other similar public amenities, they're risking exploitation by hackers.

The following are some preventive measures an entity can take to stay safe from identity theft:

  • Run a yearly EIN credit check to detect suspicious activity.
  • Before disclosing an EIN on the internet, make sure the site address begins with “https,” which stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure and means that the site uses an encryption-technology-enabled server to send and receive information.
  • Don't position your EIN certificate for everyone to see. File it in a secure place to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Use prepaid business card accounts instead of a regular corporate card. That way deactivation can be done in real time in the event of identity theft.

Tips to Avoid EIN Misuse

In addition to basic security measures, businesses should consider these additional strategies to prevent EIN abuse:

  • Limit EIN Disclosure: Only provide your EIN when legally or operationally necessary (e.g., to banks, government agencies).
  • Use a Virtual Business Address: Avoid linking EIN records to your home address for privacy protection.
  • Monitor Business Credit Reports: Services like Dun & Bradstreet and Experian allow EIN-linked activity monitoring.
  • Create a DBA (Doing Business As): This adds a layer of separation between your EIN and your operating brand.

Who Can Access EIN Information

While EINs are not treated as confidential like Social Security Numbers, they are still sensitive identifiers. Here's who might access your EIN:

  • Government Agencies: For tax and regulatory purposes.
  • Financial Institutions: When applying for credit or opening accounts.
  • Vendors or Clients: Occasionally requested on W-9 forms.
  • Public Filings: EINs may be published on certain documents like SEC filings, nonprofit disclosures, and court records.

Although EINs are part of the public record, you should only disclose yours to trusted entities to avoid fraud risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is an EIN number public information?
    Yes, it is. While not confidential, it should still be safeguarded to prevent fraud.
  2. How do I perform an EIN number lookup?
    You can use IRS tools, public business registries, SEC filings, and nonprofit databases like GuideStar.
  3. Can I find someone else’s EIN?
    Sometimes, yes. Publicly available documents such as SEC filings or nonprofit Form 990s may include EINs.
  4. Is my EIN the same as a tax ID number?
    Yes. EINs are often referred to as Federal Tax ID Numbers.
  5. What should I do if my EIN is stolen?
    Report identity theft to the IRS and consider placing alerts on business credit profiles. You may also want legal counsel.

If you need help with EIN protection, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.