You’re staring at a stack of tax forms or maybe a bank application, and there’s a gaping hole where a nine-digit number should be. It happens. Honestly, losing track of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of those annoying "business owner" rites of passage that nobody warns you about when you’re filing your articles of incorporation.
The good news? You haven't "lost" it. It exists in the digital ether of the IRS database. But how to check federal id number details isn't always as simple as a quick Google search for your own company. Because this number is tied to your business's identity—and its credit—the IRS keeps it under a pretty tight lock and key.
If you’re panicking because you need to open a merchant account or file a quarterly return by midnight, take a breath. You've got several ways to dig this up, ranging from the "check your junk drawer" method to "wait on hold with a government agent for two hours."
The First Place You Should Look (And Usually Don't)
Most people assume they need to call the IRS immediately. Don't do that yet. Your first move should be a digital scavenger hunt through your own history.
Remember when you first applied for the number? The IRS sends a confirmation notice, usually called a CP 575. It’s the "birth certificate" of your business's tax identity. If you applied online, you received a PDF version of this. Search your email for "CP 575" or "EIN Confirmation." You’d be surprised how often it’s just sitting in a "Tax Stuff" folder from three years ago.
If you can’t find the original notice, check your bank. If you have a business bank account, you had to provide your EIN to open it. Look at your original account opening documents or, better yet, just call your local branch manager. They have it on file. They usually won't give it to you over the phone for security reasons, but if you walk into the branch with your ID, they’ll hand it over in thirty seconds.
Another sneaky spot? Previous tax returns. If you filed a Form 1120 or 1065 in the past, that number is plastered right at the top. Even if you haven't filed a full return yet, did you apply for a local business license? Those applications almost always require a federal ID.
Checking Public Records for Others
Sometimes you aren't looking for your own number. Maybe you’re a contractor trying to verify a client, or you’re doing due diligence on a vendor.
If the company is publicly traded, you’re in luck. The SEC’s EDGAR database is a goldmine. You can search for a company’s 10-K or 10-Q filings, and the EIN is usually listed right on the front page of the filing. It's public, it's free, and it's 100% accurate.
For nonprofits, it’s even easier. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool. Since charities have to be transparent to maintain their status, their EINs are basically public knowledge. You can search by the organization's name and location, and the tool will spit out the number along with their recent Form 990 filings.
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How to Check Federal ID Number Records via the IRS
Okay, let's say the paper trail is cold. You've checked the bank, you've checked your email, and you've checked the safe. Nothing.
Now it’s time to call the professionals. The IRS has a specific department for this: the Business & Specialty Tax Line.
The Number: 800-829-4933
The Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Here is the thing—you can't just be "the guy who works there." To get the number, you must be an authorized person. This means you need to be a sole proprietor, a partner in a partnership, a corporate officer, or a trustee. The agent is going to grill you. They will ask for your Social Security Number, your legal name, and the exact address you used when you registered the business. If you’ve moved three times since you started the company, have your old addresses ready.
Wait times are a nightmare. Honestly, call at 7:00 a.m. sharp. If you call at lunch, expect to hear hold music for a very long time.
Misconceptions About the "Federal ID"
A common mistake is confusing the EIN with a state tax ID. They aren't the same. Your federal ID is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes. Your state might issue you a separate "State Tax ID" or a "Sales Tax Permit" number. If you try to use your state ID number on a federal W-9 form, it’s going to get rejected, and it might trigger a "B-Notice" from the IRS, which is a headache you don't want.
Also, don't confuse an EIN with a Social Security Number (SSN). While a sole proprietor can use their SSN for business, most choose to get an EIN to keep their personal identity separate. If you’re a freelancer wondering how to check federal id number stats for yourself, and you never specifically applied for an EIN, your "federal ID" is just your SSN.
Why You Might Not Find It
If you’re searching for a business and coming up empty, it’s possible they don’t have one.
- Sole Proprietors: As mentioned, many just use their SSN.
- New Businesses: It can take a few weeks for a new EIN to propagate through all government databases.
- Foreign Entities: If the company is based outside the US, they might have a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) but not an EIN.
Verifying a Vendor's EIN
If you are a business owner and you’ve collected a W-9 from a vendor, you have a responsibility to make sure that number is legit. If you pay someone more than $600 and file a 1099 with a fake or "mismatched" EIN, the IRS might come knocking on your door for backup withholding.
The IRS offers an TIN Matching e-services tool. It’s not for the casual user. You have to register your business with the IRS e-services portal, which takes about a week because they mail you a physical confirmation code. Once you’re in, you can bulk-check up to 25 names and EINs at a time to ensure they match IRS records. It’s a bit of a hurdle to set up, but if you’re managing hundreds of contractors, it’s a lifesaver.
What to Do If Your EIN is Compromised
Identity theft isn't just for individuals. Business identity theft is a growing racket. If you check your federal ID and find that someone else has been using it to open credit lines or file fraudulent tax returns, you need to act fast.
First, notify the IRS by filing Form 14039-B, the Business Identity Theft Affidavit. This alerts the IRS that your EIN has been compromised. You’ll also want to check your business credit reports through Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Small Business. Unlike personal credit, you often have to pay to see these, but it's worth it to see if there are any unauthorized "ghost" accounts attached to your number.
Practical Steps to Get Your Number Right Now
If you are currently stuck and need that number immediately, follow this checklist in order:
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- Search your computer for "Form CP 575" or "SS-4". The SS-4 is the application you filled out; the CP 575 is the letter they sent back.
- Call your bank. If you have a business checking account, they have the number. This is usually the fastest "human" way to get it.
- Check your last filed tax return. Look at the top right corner of Page 1.
- Check your payroll service. If you use Gusto, ADP, or Paychex, your EIN is in your company profile settings.
- Search the SEC EDGAR database if the company is large and publicly traded.
- Call the IRS at 800-829-4933 as a last resort. Be prepared for a wait and have your personal identifiers ready.
Once you find it, do yourself a massive favor. Save the PDF to a secure, encrypted cloud folder. Put a physical copy in a fireproof safe. Label it clearly. You don't want to go through this hunt again next tax season.
If you realize you never actually had an EIN and need one, the application is free on the IRS website. Never pay a third-party website $200 to "file" an EIN for you. It takes ten minutes on the official .gov site, and you get the number instantly.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your records: Find your CP 575 notice today and digitize it.
- Verify your vendors: If you're paying contractors, use the IRS TIN Matching service before tax season hits.
- Secure your ID: Check your business credit report at least once a year to ensure your EIN isn't being misused by scammers.