As a business owner, you know that obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for legal and financial purposes. However, finding a company’s EIN number can be challenging, especially if you don’t have direct access to the company’s financial records or tax returns.
What is an Employer Identification Number?
Before we dive into the methods of finding a company’s EIN number, let’s first understand what it is. An EIN is a nine-digit number assigned to businesses by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in the United States. It serves as a taxpayer identification number for businesses, and it’s used to open bank accounts, apply for credit, and file taxes, among other things.
Why Do You Need to Find a Company’s EIN Number?
As mentioned earlier, an EIN is essential for legal and financial purposes. If you need to verify the identity of a business, check its tax compliance, or investigate potential fraudulent activity, you will likely need to obtain the company’s EIN number. Additionally, if you are working with a business or considering investing in one, having access to its EIN number can provide valuable insight into its financial health and legitimacy.
Methods of Finding a Company’s EIN Number
There are several methods you can use to find a company’s EIN number, depending on the information you have available. Here are some of the most effective methods:
- Check with the IRS
The most reliable way to obtain a company’s EIN number is by contacting the IRS directly. You can do this by calling the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 or visiting the IRS website. When you contact the IRS, you will need to provide as much information about the company as possible, such as its name, address, and date of incorporation. The IRS will then verify the information and provide you with the company’s EIN number.
- Use a Third-Party Service
There are several third-party services that can help you find a company’s EIN number quickly and easily. These services use publicly available data sources to retrieve the EIN number for you. Some popular options include Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Checker, Corporation Search, and Business Name Availability Checker. However, keep in mind that these services may not always have up-to-date or accurate information, so it’s still a good idea to verify the EIN number with the IRS if you can.
- Look at Business Records
If you have access to business records, such as financial statements, tax returns, or incorporation documents, you may be able to find the company’s EIN number there. EIN numbers are typically included in these types of documents, so it’s worth looking through them if you have them.
- Check with the Secretary of State
In some states, you can find a company’s EIN number by searching for its incorporation or business registration records on the Secretary of State website. However, this method may not always be reliable, as some companies may have changed their names or moved to a different state since obtaining their EIN.
Case Study: How to Find an EIN Number for a Startup
Let’s say you are starting a new business and need to obtain an EIN number. Here are the steps you can take to find your company’s EIN number quickly and easily:
