How to Verify an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Quick answer

• The IRS is the only official source for verifying an EIN.
• You can request a verification letter from the IRS if you have the business’s EIN.
• If you don’t have the EIN, you generally cannot obtain it from the IRS due to privacy rules.
• Businesses can often find their EIN on past tax returns or official correspondence from the IRS.
• Third parties often cannot verify an EIN directly due to data privacy.
• If you suspect fraud, report it to the IRS and relevant authorities.

Who this is for

• Business owners who have lost or misplaced their EIN.
• Individuals or organizations who need to confirm the legitimacy of a business they are interacting with.
• Professionals who work with businesses and require EIN verification for compliance or due diligence.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Reason for Verification

Before attempting to verify an EIN, clearly define why you need this information. Is it for a new business filing, a tax matter, a vendor relationship, or a legal concern? Your specific need will influence the information you can legally obtain and the steps you should take.

Access to the Business’s Information

Do you have the explicit permission of the business owner or authorized representative to request their EIN? The IRS protects taxpayer information, and they will not release an EIN to a third party without proper authorization or a compelling legal reason.

The EIN Itself

If you are trying to verify an EIN, you likely already have it. Ensure you have the correct nine-digit number, formatted with a hyphen (e.g., XX-XXXXXXX). Typos are a common reason for verification failures.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Determine if You Have the EIN

What to do: Locate the nine-digit EIN.
What “good” looks like: You have a clear, confirmed EIN for the business.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Relying on an EIN provided verbally or from an unofficial source. Always try to get it in writing from the business.

2. Check Business Documentation (If You Are the Business Owner)

What to do: Review past tax filings (Form 1120, 1065, 941, etc.), official IRS correspondence, or business licenses.
What “good” looks like: You find the EIN on a document you’ve previously received.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming a document is correct without double-checking the EIN. Verify it against any other records you might have.

3. Contact the IRS Directly (If You Are the Business Owner)

What to do: If you are the business owner and cannot locate your EIN, you can contact the IRS directly. You will need to provide information to verify your identity and your business’s information.
What “good” looks like: The IRS confirms your EIN or provides you with a replacement.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Calling the wrong IRS number or providing incomplete information, leading to delays. Visit the IRS website for the correct contact numbers for businesses.

4. Request an EIN Verification Letter (If You Are the Business Owner)

What to do: As the business owner, you can write to the IRS to request a verification letter of your EIN. This typically involves sending a written request to the IRS address where your business files its tax returns.
What “good” looks like: You receive an official letter from the IRS confirming your EIN.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not including all necessary information in your written request, such as the business name, address, and responsible party’s Social Security number.

5. Understand Third-Party Limitations

What to do: Recognize that the IRS generally will not provide an EIN to a third party, even if they have the EIN, due to privacy regulations.
What “good” looks like: You understand the limitations and don’t waste time trying to get information you’re not entitled to.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Believing that any online EIN checker or service can definitively verify an EIN for you. These are often unreliable or may be phishing attempts.

6. Verify Legitimacy Through Other Means (If You Are a Third Party)

What to do: If you need to confirm a business’s legitimacy and can’t directly verify its EIN, look for other indicators: a physical address, a working phone number, a professional website, and clear business registration with your state.
What “good” looks like: You have multiple pieces of evidence that confirm the business is real and operating legitimately.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Focusing solely on the EIN as the only proof of legitimacy. A real business might have a valid EIN but still be fraudulent in its dealings.

7. Report Suspected Fraud

What to do: If you believe an EIN is being used fraudulently or that you are dealing with a scam, report it to the IRS and potentially to your state’s Attorney General or Secretary of State.
What “good” looks like: You have taken action to report potential illegal activity.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Ignoring suspicious activity out of fear or uncertainty. Reporting is crucial to protecting yourself and others.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using unofficial online EIN checkers	False sense of security or confirmation of a fraudulent EIN; potential data theft.	Rely solely on the IRS or official business documentation.
Assuming a business is legitimate because it provided an EIN	Engaging with fraudulent businesses, leading to financial loss or identity theft.	Verify through multiple channels and exercise due diligence.
Trying to obtain another business’s EIN without authorization	Violating privacy laws; the IRS will not provide this information.	Only seek information you are legally entitled to or have permission for.
Misplacing your own EIN	Difficulty filing taxes, opening bank accounts, or conducting other business operations.	Store your EIN securely and make multiple copies.
Not having a process to store and retrieve EINs securely	Inability to access your EIN when needed, causing delays and stress.	Establish a secure digital or physical filing system.
Believing all businesses with EINs are reputable	Falling victim to scams or unethical business practices.	Understand that an EIN is just a tax ID, not a mark of integrity.
Not verifying EINs for critical transactions	Risking significant financial loss if dealing with a fraudulent entity.	Implement verification steps for all important business dealings.
Relying on outdated or incorrect business contact information	Inability to reach the business for verification or to resolve issues.	Always confirm current contact details and physical addresses.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are the business owner and lost your EIN, then contact the IRS directly because they are the only source for recovering it.
• If you are a third party needing to verify a business’s EIN, then understand the IRS will not provide it to you due to privacy rules because taxpayer information is protected.
• If you have the EIN and need to confirm it, then try to find it on official IRS correspondence or past tax filings for that business because these are reliable sources.
• If you suspect an EIN is being used for fraudulent purposes, then report it to the IRS and relevant authorities because this helps prevent further harm.
• If you are establishing a new business relationship, then ask the business for their EIN and then look for it on official documents they provide because this is a standard due diligence step.
• If you are a third party and cannot get an EIN verification, then look for other indicators of legitimacy like a state business registration and professional online presence because these provide a broader picture.
• If you are a business owner and need to provide your EIN, then have it readily available on official documents and in your secure records because it’s essential for many transactions.
• If you receive an EIN from an unofficial source, then treat it with extreme skepticism and try to get it verified through official channels because unofficial sources are often unreliable or malicious.
• If you are a tax professional verifying a client’s EIN, then use your professional access and secure methods to confirm it with the IRS or through your practice management software because accuracy is paramount.

FAQ

Can I look up any business’s EIN online?

No, you generally cannot look up any business’s EIN online. The IRS does not provide a public database of EINs due to privacy regulations.

How can I find my business’s EIN if I lost it?

If you are the business owner and have lost your EIN, you can contact the IRS directly. You will need to provide information to verify your identity and your business.

What if a business won’t provide its EIN?

If a business is unwilling to provide its EIN when requested for legitimate purposes, it could be a red flag. Consider proceeding with caution or seeking alternative partners.

Can a third party verify an EIN for me?

Generally, no. The IRS will not confirm an EIN for a third party due to privacy rules. You would need to have a legitimate reason and potentially authorization from the business owner.

Is an EIN a guarantee that a business is legitimate?

No, an EIN is simply a tax identification number issued by the IRS. It confirms the business is registered for tax purposes but does not guarantee its ethical practices or legitimacy in all dealings.

What should I do if I suspect an EIN is fraudulent?

If you suspect an EIN is being used fraudulently, report it to the IRS. You may also want to report it to your state’s consumer protection agency or Attorney General’s office.

How long does it take to get an EIN verification letter from the IRS?

The time it takes to receive an EIN verification letter can vary. It’s best to check with the IRS for current processing times when you submit your request.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Applying for a new EIN.
• The process of obtaining an EIN for specific business structures (e.g., sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations).
• International business tax identification numbers.
• Detailed explanations of IRS privacy laws and regulations.

Next steps could include researching how to apply for an EIN, understanding different business tax structures, or learning about reporting tax fraud.