How to Find a Business Tax ID Number?
What is a Business Tax ID Number?
Tax Identification Numbers, also known as Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), are assigned to a business by the federal government for identification and taxation reasons.
An EIN is similar to a Social Security number, except it pertains to businesses rather than individuals. Your own company’s EIN can be found by reviewing certain documents or by contacting the IRS.
A federal tax identification number is issued by the federal government, but your state’s government may also issue you an identification number. The state identification number and federal tax identification number are separate numbers, but each is unique to the business for which it is assigned.
As well as preparing tax returns, opening business bank accounts and applying for loans on behalf of the business, the numbers are used to hire and pay employees.
When Your Business Needs an EIN
Your business will need an EIN when:
- You have employees
- You are starting a business that is registered with a state, like a partnership, LLC, or corporation
- Your business must pay excise taxes, or you are subject to alcohol, tobacco, or firearms regulations
- You withhold taxes on income, not including wages, paid to a non-resident alien
Obtaining a Tax ID Number for Your Business
In order to obtain a federal tax ID number, you must apply through the IRS. This should be done, as soon as possible after registering your business with the state. Online applications are accepted, or you can send or fax your application. If you are not located in the United States but do business in the country, you can also apply by phone for an EIN.
How to Find the EIN for Your Business
There will more than likely be an occasion where you’re filling out a business document or application, and you encounter a question about your EIN. What if you don’t remember it? Here are three places where you can find your business EIN:
- Previous year’s business tax return
- A copy of your receipt or the receipt you received from the IRS when you applied for your EIN
- Website of your state’s business division, if you registered your partnership, LLC, or corporation there
How to Change or Cancel an EIN
If you obtain an EIN for your business, that tax ID stays with the business for the duration of its existence. There are situations where you might need a new business tax ID number.
If you need a new EIN, you can apply at the following times:
- When you incorporate the business for the first time or change your business entity
- A business that you buy or inherit
- You become a subsidiary of another company
- A sole proprietor establishes a retirement, profit-sharing, or pension plan
- Your state’s secretary of state issues you a new charter
- Your ownership structure has changed
How to Find Another Company’s EIN
Small business owners typically need to find their own company’s tax ID number, but they may need to look up the EIN of another company for which they don’t know who is the owner. It is possible, for example, to verify the information of a new supplier or client using an EIN. Additionally, in certain industries, such as business insurance, you might need the EINs of other companies on a daily basis.
The following options can be used to find another business’s federal tax ID number:
- Ask the company
- Search SEC filings
- Inquire with a credit bureau
- Use a paid EIN database
Finding a Tax ID Number for a Public Company
You can find a publicly-traded company’s tax ID number by reviewing the SEC filings. In addition to its quarterly and annual reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission requires public entities to publish certain public disclosures.
The SEC will provide financial information about the entity and its EIN in SEC filings, which are available on the SEC website. Simply searching the company’s business name will yield its financial information.
Finding a Tax ID Number for a Nonprofit Organization
In the case of a nonprofit organization, you can use the Melissa lookup website and search by name. There will be plenty of information about the nonprofit in the search results, including its federal EIN.
Pro Tips: Learn how to start a nonprofit business
Need Help Getting an EIN/Tax ID Number?
Don’t waste your time. Let us handle the paperwork.
You may use our services for the filing of your Tax ID / EIN by placing the order and a representative from Wise Business Plans will contact you to get the information needed to complete and file the Tax ID / EIN in the state of formation.
FAQs:
A Business Tax ID Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the IRS to identify businesses for tax purposes.
You can find your Business Tax ID Number by looking at your previous tax returns or any correspondence received from the IRS. You can also contact the IRS directly or check with your accountant or tax advisor for assistance.
No, you cannot search for another company’s Business Tax ID Number. This information is considered confidential and is not publicly available. You can request this information from the company directly or verify it through authorized channels, such as the IRS.
Yes, you can apply for a new Business Tax ID Number online through the IRS website. The online application process is straightforward and generally provides you with an EIN immediately upon completion.
Not all businesses require a Business Tax ID Number. Sole proprietors who do not have employees and operate under their social security number may not need an EIN. However, most businesses with employees or operating as partnerships or corporations are required to have an EIN for tax purposes.
