You’re working on a big business deal, or maybe you’re just trying to verify a payment you’ve received. Everything seems in order, but you still need to double-check the company behind the EIN (Employer Identification Number) attached to the transaction. You’re not sure about the details, and you’re wondering if there’s a way to track down more information using just the EIN. Well, you’re in luck—because you absolutely can reverse search an EIN.
It’s a situation many small business owners, freelancers, and even accountants find themselves in. Whether you’re dealing with a potential partner or verifying the legitimacy of an invoice, knowing how to reverse search an EIN can give you the peace of mind you need. The process is simpler than you might think, and it can uncover crucial details like a company’s legal name, address, and even its tax-exempt status.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to reverse search an EIN, why it’s important, and the best methods for getting the info you need without all the confusion.
How To Reverse Search An EIN:
Try the following methods to Reverse Search an EIN:
1. Google Company Name
To know the EIN of other companies you’ll need to use some different methods, one of which is to look up EIN on Google.
Simply search by the name of the company or business on Google and you’ll be able to find all kinds of information about the company. While searching enter the word EIN along with the company name to get more accurate results.
2. IRS database
From the IRS database, you’ll be able to find the EIN of any nonprofit organization. Search for tax exemption organizations on the IRS website.
However, the IRS only provides the details of a company only in a few special cases. In case you want the EIN of a profit-based company, use the next method to get it.
3. Find Out About Tax-Exempt Status
For non-profits or other organizations, a reverse EIN search can reveal whether the company is tax-exempt or if it has any special tax status. This is particularly important for charitable organizations or businesses that may have unique financial structures, helping you determine if they align with your business goals or ethical considerations.
4. From Check SEC Reports
SEC reports or the Securities and Exchange Commission reports can help you find the EIN of some companies.
You need to look up the company on the EDGAR website to get its details. You’ll be asked to enter the company’s name, filing category, date range, etc while searching for the EIN.
5. Contact the company’s accountant
In case the above method couldn’t help you get the EIN of a company, you can seek help by contacting any accountant for the company.
If you have any internal networks in the company they will be able to help you get the EIN too. Approach the company formally if you have a valid reason for looking for their EIN.
6. Find Business Contact Details
If you’re looking to contact the company but don’t have their full details, reverse EIN searching can give you the company’s address and other vital contact information. This is helpful when you need to confirm payment details, get in touch with the right department, or just ensure you’re dealing with the right organization.
7. Business credit report
By checking the business credit report of any company you’ll be able to find their EIN. There is a good chance that the company whose EIN you’re searching for already has a credit report.
You need to manage getting hold of it to check the EIN from it. It can be done by searching for the credit report online or by taking the help of any officials from the company.
8. Fraud Prevention
One of the key reasons to reverse search an EIN is to prevent fraud. Scammers might try to trick you into making payments or entering into agreements using fake business info. By confirming the EIN against the IRS records, you can verify that the entity you’re dealing with is legitimate and not a fraudulent operation.
How To Find Your Employer Identification Number:
These are the following methods that you can try:
1. EIN Confirmation Letter
Finding your EIN isn’t a big deal but you’ll need to go through a few papers and documents. There is a good chance that you’ll find your EIN in your EIN confirmation letter issued by the IRS.
How to find EIN in a confirmation letter:
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: On the right side of your confirmation letter, you’ll find the Employer’s Identification Number.
Step 2: In case you’ve applied for EIN online when you may have saved the receipt which you can check to get the EIN.
Step 3: If you’ve applied for an EIN by mail, then you’ll be able to get your EIN from the email you’ve received from the IRS.
Step 4: In case it’s applied through fax, check the fax sent by the IRS to get the EIN.
2. Business licenses and permits
Your EIN can also be found on your business license and permit. While filling out the Basic License Application you are required to enter your EIN.
Therefore the business license granted to you after your business was approved by the state, has your EIN on it. It’s a 9-digit numeric code.
3. Business bank account
Your EIN can be found in your business bank account’s information. The bank account that belongs to your company or business is linked with your EIN. Therefore if you download your business bank account statement, you’ll be able to get your EIN or tax ID easily.
It’s mostly located on the right side of the account statement, along with the other details of your account.
4. Tax notices from the IRS
If you have an official tax notice sent to you by the IRS, use it for finding your EIN. The IRS often sends official notices when it charges a fine or penalty. On the top right side of your formal notice, you will find your EIN.
These are important documents which is why you should never lose them.
5. Federal tax returns
When you get a tax return from the IRS, you receive a document from them. On the copy of your tax return document, you’ll find your EIN or tax ID along with other details. Thus if you have any prior federal tax return documents, bring them up to see your EIN.
If you don’t have a copy of your tax return, then you can apply for it to the IRS. It can be done for free by using the 4506 form.
6. Loan applications
Have you applied for business loans previously? On the loan application, you’re required to enter your EIN to get a loan for your business. In case you have the loan application or a photocopy of the document, take it out for checking your EIN quickly.
🔴 How to find:
Point 1: Even if you’ve applied for your loan online, you can log in to your online loan portal to find the EIN.
Point 2: You might be able to get your EIN if you have kept a screenshot of your online loan application.
8. Calling the IRS
Call the IRS to know your EIN. The IRS won’t share the EIN of any other business with you except for your own. You need to call the IRS on their IRSs Business and Specialty Tax Line to know the tax ID.
They might ask you a few questions and the executive or the agent on the call will provide you with the tax ID or EIN. However, you can’t just call them at any hour but it’s only available from 7 am to 7 pm during the weekdays i.e Monday to Friday.
9. Payroll paperwork
If you’re an independent contractor, then you might have your payroll paperwork. It’s a form where you’re asked to provide different business-related information to the state tax department.
On the form, you are also asked to enter your EIN under RECIPIENT’S TIN. You can check it to get your EIN.
Final words:
EIN Finder is the best overall if you’re looking for comprehensive, reliable EIN data quickly. IRS TIN Match is great for those who need official verification, while Tax1099 offers bulk services for fast, efficient searches. If you’re more concerned about a company’s legal status, SOS Entity Search is a valuable complementary tool. Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you need — speed, bulk processing, or official verification.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, EIN is the same as the tax ID of a company. It’s a combination of some digits that’s unique for each company. It’s used for identifying a business for filing taxes or any other tax-related purposes
You can have a business without an EIN when you’re a sole proprietor and don’t have other workers working for your business. But if you need to hire employees to work for your company, you need to register your business and get an EIN.
When it comes to finding EINs, EIN Finder stands out as one of the most comprehensive tools available. With access to over 14 million EIN records tied to more than 35 million business names, it offers an extensive database that’s second only to official government sources. What sets EIN Finder apart is that all its data comes directly from state and federal government records, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Whether you’re looking up a business for verification or due diligence, EIN Finder gives you a powerful resource to quickly and easily access EIN information.
