That sinking feeling when you realize you can't find your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a familiar one for many business owners. The good news is your EIN is a permanent federal tax ID, so it never expires and is almost always hiding in documents you already have.
Think of it as misplacing your keys. It's stressful, but solvable. Before you even think about calling the IRS, let’s run through a quick action plan to find it in your own records. This is by far the fastest way to get back on track.
Where Should I Look First When I've Lost My EIN?#
Your EIN is crucial for filing taxes, opening a business bank account, or hiring your first employee. Since you've likely used it for these tasks before, the number is probably printed on several key documents.
This simple flowchart breaks down the first two things you should do the moment you realize your EIN is missing.
The key takeaway here is simple: always check your own paperwork first. It’s quicker than waiting on hold with a government agency.
What are the Quickest Ways to Find My Lost EIN?#
This table summarizes the fastest places to locate your EIN using documents you likely have on hand. It’s your go-to checklist for a speedy recovery.
| Method | Document Needed | Where to Look on Document | Time to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check Bank Records | Business Bank Statements or Loan Applications | Usually in the header or account details section. | < 5 Minutes |
| Review Tax Filings | Prior Year's Business Tax Return (e.g., Form 1120, 1065) | Top right corner of the first page. | < 5 Minutes |
| Find Formation Docs | Original EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) | Top right corner. | < 10 Minutes |
| Scan Business Licenses | State or Local Business License/Permit | Often listed near your business name or address. | < 10 Minutes |
Running through these options first can save you a ton of time and hassle.
Of course, if your records are disorganized or you're dealing with more complex compliance issues, expert help can be a lifesaver. For those situations, you might consider getting in touch with a service like Taxsym for end-to-end support with EIN retrieval and other business formation needs.
How Can I Search My Business Records for My EIN?#
That "I lost my EIN number" panic is a familiar feeling, but before you pick up the phone to call the IRS, take a deep breath. The solution is often hiding in plain sight, tucked away in your own files. Your nine-digit number is printed on dozens of documents you already have.
Your first stop should be your past federal tax returns. Grab your copy of Form 1120 (for corporations) or Form 1065 (for partnerships). In almost every case, the EIN is clearly printed in the top right-hand corner of the first page.
Next, dig into your business banking and financial paperwork. Your EIN is a key identifier for financial institutions, so it will be on documents like:
The original application you filled out to open your business bank account.
Business loan applications or credit line agreements.
* State or local business license and permit forms.
How Do I Call the IRS to Recover My EIN?#
If digging through your old files comes up empty, your next best move is to get the IRS on the phone. A little prep work before you dial can save you from endless hold music or, worse, having to call back and start all over again.
Let's get you ready so you can solve the "I lost my EIN number" headache in one go.
What Information Do I Need to Prepare for My IRS Call?#
Before you even think about dialing, pull together all the info you'll need to prove you're an authorized person for the business. The IRS agent can't just hand out an EIN to anyone who asks. They need to verify your identity and your connection to the company first.
Have this information handy:
Your full name and your official title (like owner, partner, or corporate officer).
Your personal tax ID number, which is either your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The exact legal name of the business and its mailing address on file with the IRS.
The type of business entity (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation).
Once you've got everything in front of you, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
The agent will walk you through a few verification questions and then give you the EIN right over the phone. You can also ask them to mail or fax you an official verification letter, which looks a lot like the original EIN letter from the IRS.
Why Is Protecting My EIN So Important?#
Your EIN is way more than just a number you use for taxes; it’s the entire financial identity of your business. Think of it as the Social Security Number for your company. It's what you use to open bank accounts, apply for credit, hire employees, and manage payroll.
Understanding its role is the first step to protecting it.
When you're dealing with a lost EIN, the problem isn't just about administrative headaches. If that number gets into the wrong hands, criminals can use it to commit business identity theft. They could file fraudulent tax returns to steal refunds, open lines of credit in your company's name, or create all sorts of financial chaos.
It's a bigger problem than you might think. The Internal Revenue Service loses billions of dollars every year to criminals who use stolen EINs for tax fraud. You can read more about the IRS's challenges with EIN fraud to see just how critical it is to keep your number safe and secure.
What Are the Best Practices for Storing My EIN Securely?#
Now that you have your EIN back, let's make sure you never have to go through that headache again. Setting up a simple, secure storage system is the best defense against future "I lost my EIN" moments. Think of it as creating a permanent, safe home for one of your company's most important numbers.
A great strategy is to keep both a digital and a physical backup. This little bit of redundancy is a lifesaver. If one copy ever gets lost, damaged, or you just can't get to it, you'll always have a fallback.
How Should I Store My EIN Digitally and Physically?#
For your digital copy, use a secure password manager or an encrypted cloud folder with strictly limited access. Whatever you do, avoid saving it in a plain text file on your desktop where anyone could find it.
For the physical copy, take that original Form CP 575 or the confirmation letter you received from the IRS and put it somewhere safe. A fireproof safe or a locked filing cabinet is perfect.
A simple company policy that dictates who can access the EIN and how it's shared goes a long way. It builds a secure foundation to protect one of your business's most vital assets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost EINs#
Losing your EIN can stir up a lot of questions. Let's cut through the noise and get you some clear, straightforward answers to the most common worries business owners have.
Can I Find My EIN Online?#
In short, no. The IRS doesn't have an online EIN lookup tool, and that’s a good thing. It’s a deliberate security measure to protect your business from identity theft. You can't just type your business name into a public database and pull up your number.
The only legitimate ways to get it are by checking your own secure documents or calling the IRS directly. An agent will need to verify you're authorized to have that number before they'll give it to you.
Does an EIN Ever Expire?#
Nope, an EIN is for life. Once the IRS assigns it to your business, it never expires, gets canceled, or gets reissued, even if the business goes dormant or closes down completely. The only time you'd need a new EIN is if your business structure fundamentally changes, like a sole proprietorship becoming a corporation.
The EIN Confirmation Letter, known officially as Form CP 575, is the original document the IRS mails you. If you lose it, the IRS won’t send another one. Instead, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C), which serves the same official purpose for banks, payroll, and other needs.
How Long Does It Take to Get My EIN from the IRS?#
If you call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line, you can get your EIN over the phone almost instantly, right after you pass their security questions.
Need it in writing? Ask the agent for an EIN Verification Letter (147C). They can often fax it to you within a few business days. If you opt for mail, expect it to take about four to six weeks to arrive.
The IRS knows that new businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. Census Bureau data shows around 700,000 new employer businesses are formed each year. To keep things moving, they've made the phone verification process pretty efficient so a lost number doesn't halt your operations. You can learn more about the EIN system from the IRS.