How To Find Employer Identification Number (Ein) - Simple Guide

There are several ways to find an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can find it on the IRS website, in business records, payroll records, business bank accounts, or even tax documents. 

Having access to your business or employer's EIN is important, especially when handling payroll or employee records. Most businesses use a paystub maker to generate accurate pay stubs, which often include the employer’s EIN for easy reference.

This article explains what an EIN is and why it’s important for your business. It will also explain how to find Employer Identification Number and how to handle situations when it’s missing. 

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique federal tax ID number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The EIN is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number, Business Tax ID or Federal Employer Identification Number.

What an EIN Is and Why the IRS Issues It

An EIN is a nine-digit taxpayer ID number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It identifies both a new business and an existing business entity. The IRS issues these federal tax identification numbers to track business tax activity, tax returns, and business tax purposes.

The EIN also helps the IRS identify businesses. As the public identifies firms by their legal name, the IRS identifies businesses by their EIN. It also helps the IRS identify businesses for tax filing.

Business EIN vs Business Name and Other Identifiers

An EIN is not the same as a business name. While a business name is the public identity of a company, an EIN is the company’s identity to the IRS. Thus, a business’s EIN remains the same even if its name changes.

Why Businesses Need an Employer Identification Number

Here is why businesses need an identification number:

Employer Identification for Taxes, Payroll and IRS Reporting

Without an EIN, employers cannot file taxes or meet federal payroll and reporting requirements. Here’s why:

• The IRS uses an EIN to process federal tax filings.

• Businesses must include the EIN on required tax returns and official tax forms.

• Employers also use this business tax ID number to report payroll taxes and submit employer reports.

EIN for Banking and Business Operations

Here is how EIN is used for banking and business operations:

• Banks require an EIN to open business bank accounts or approve a business loan. 

• Most lenders request an EIN before approving business-related services.

• Using an EIN allows owners to avoid sharing their personal Social Security Numbers (SSNs). 

• An EIN helps keep business operations professional.

Who Needs an Employer EIN?

Most businesses need an employer EIN for federal or state tax purposes and banking. You may need to apply for an EIN if you operate any of these business entities:

Sole Proprietorship

Many sole proprietors who own small businesses use their Social Security numbers for tax reporting. However, the IRS does require an EIN if you hire employees. You will also need one if you file tax returns, like employment or excise taxes. 

Partnerships 

Partnerships must own an EIN. Partnerships file separate tax returns; they cannot use the partner's individual taxpayer ID number for tax reporting. This means this business entity must have an EIN for tax reporting.

Corporations and LLCs

All corporations and most limited liability companies need an EIN. Corporations always require an EIN, even if they do not hire employees. 

How To Apply for an Employer EIN

The easiest way to apply for an EIN is directly from the IRS website. To do this, you’ll need the valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the responsible party. The responsible party is the individual in charge of the company and its business's ownership.

1. Apply for EIN Online

The fastest method of EIN application is using the IRS online tool. Fill in all the required fields to apply. Note that you may only be able to do this in one session. You can't save for later, as it expires after 15 minutes of inactivity. Once your details are validated, you will receive your EIN immediately, along with a downloadable confirmation notice. 

2. Via Fax or Mail

However, if you cannot apply for an EIN online or choose not to, you can apply using IRS Form SS-4. You can do this using fax or mail. If you include a return fax number, you'll get an EIN in about four business days. However, processing usually takes about four weeks when you apply by mail.

3. Via Phone

You can also apply by phone for an EIN for an international operation if your main place of business is outside the U.S. You can call 267-941-1099. They are available Monday to Friday between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, Eastern time.

4. EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)

The EIN confirmation letter, also called the EIN assignment notice, is officially called CP 575. It is the notice the IRS sends to confirm that your Employer Identification Number has been successfully issued. It shows your company's legal name, business address, and assigned EIN. 

The EIN confirmation letter is important because it serves as official proof that your EIN is valid and registered with the IRS. Businesses commonly use the CP 575 for verification purposes. The letter may be used to:

• Open business bank accounts

• Set up payroll

• File taxes

• Apply for business licenses

• Work with vendors and financial institutions that require EIN confirmation.

Where To Find Employer Identification Number

If you're wondering, “How do I find my employer ID number?” or “Where is the EIN number located?”, here is where to find it:

1. Check IRS and Business Records

Your EIN appears on official tax filings and IRS notices. You can easily find your identification number on these documents. 

2. Find EIN Through Payroll or Business Bank Accounts

The EIN is often included on payroll records. You also require this tax ID number to open business bank accounts, so that means you can find it through your bank. 

Where Is the EIN on a W2 and Other Tax Forms?

If you are asking, "Where is the EIN on a W2 and other forms?", below are places to find it:

EIN Number on W2

You will find the employer's EIN in Box b on your W-2. It is located in the top-left corner, above the employer’s name, address, and zip code. 

EIN on Form 1099

On a 1099 paystub like Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC, the EIN is often labeled "Payer's TIN,” which stands for Tax Identification Number. Since TIN can refer to an SSN or EIN, look for the nine-digit number. This is the Employer Identification Number.

EIN on Business Tax Returns

You will find your company's EIN in the header area of the business tax return form. It is often in a box near the business's name and address.

How To Find Employer Identification Number (If It’s Not Yours)

Here is how to find employer EIN number outside your company:

1. Ask Payroll or HR

The easiest way to find an employer’s EIN is to ask their payroll or HR department. This may be considered the safest and most accurate method.

2. Check Public Business Records

Some EINs appear in public records for certain businesses. This applies mainly to a nonprofit or publicly traded company. You can find an employer’s EIN by checking their public business records if it is included.

What To Do if You Cannot Find Your Company’s EIN

First, you can contact your company's payroll, HR, or accounting department. You could also check existing business tax documents and IRS notices. Forms such as W-2s, 1099s, or paystubs for tax filings often list the EIN.

If, for any reason, you can't find your EIN through these means, turn to the Internal Revenue Service as a last resort. Be prepared to provide the required details to verify your identity and business.

EIN Number vs Other Business Tax Identification Numbers

Here is how the Employer Identification Number EIN is different from other federal tax ID numbers:

EIN vs TIN

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) or taxpayer ID number is a broad term the IRS uses to refer to numbers that track taxpayers. Meanwhile, an Employer Identification Number EIN is a type of TIN. So, simply put, every EIN is a TIN, but not every TIN is an EIN.

EIN vs SSN and ITIN

The SSN and ITIN are tax ID numbers used to identify individuals, not business entities. The Internal Revenue Service requires them when you apply for an EIN. They are used to identify the business's responsible party.

Common EIN Lookup Issues and Mistakes

It is common for employers to make mistakes when handling their business’s EIN. Below are common issues employers face with their EIN and how to fix them.

Lost or Misplaced EIN

If you misplaced your existing EIN, you can find it on documents where you previously used it. This includes business tax returns or your bank opening document. 

Using the Wrong Identifier

Another common mistake is mixing up identifiers. A business name is not the same as an EIN; hence, they cannot be used interchangeably. Only the EIN is used for federal tax identification. 

Final Thoughts

Businesses need to know how to find an Employer Identification Number EIN to manage business finances. You can easily apply for one through the IRS website. And if you are asking how to find employer EIN, you can go through past documents, like a pay stub.

Need a paystub for quick reference? You can easily create one with our free paystub generator. It generates pay stubs in minutes and lets you download them. This way, you always have your business identification at hand for any financial or tax-related task.