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Jun 30, 2026
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How To Find Your EIN Number
Lost or forgotten your EIN? Learn how to find your EIN and what to do if you can't locate it.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
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Key Takeaways
- Check your business records before requesting a new EIN.
- Don't apply for a new EIN unless the IRS requires one due to a qualifying business change.
- Applying for an EIN through the IRS is free, and online applications are typically approved immediately.
Lost your EIN? Whether you’ve misplaced your EIN confirmation notice or simply can’t remember the number, there are several ways to recover it without applying for a new one.
This guide explains how to find your EIN, when you’ll need it, and what to do if you can’t locate it.
Table of Contents
What Is An EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number the IRS assigns to identify a business for tax purposes. Similar to a Social Security number for an individual, an EIN is commonly used to file taxes, hire employees, open business bank accounts, and apply for business financing or licenses.
Most corporations, partnerships, and businesses with employees are required to have an EIN. While many sole proprietors and single-member LLCs without employees can use a Social Security number instead, they can also choose to obtain an EIN.
Why Do You Need An EIN?
Even if your business isn’t required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), obtaining one can offer several advantages. An EIN helps separate your business from your personal identity and is often required when working with banks, lenders, and government agencies.
Common reasons businesses obtain an EIN include:
- Opening a business bank account
- Building business credit
- Applying for business financing
- Filing federal and state business taxes
- Registering your business or obtaining business licenses
- Getting business insurance
- Hiring employees and running payroll
How To Find Your EIN
If you’ve lost or forgotten your Employer Identification Number (EIN), don’t apply for a new one just yet. In most cases, you can recover your EIN using one of the methods below.
Can You Find Another Business’s EIN?
Whether you can find another business’s EIN depends on the type of business and whether the information is publicly available.
How To Get An EIN
If you discover that your business has never been issued an EIN — or you’ve determined that your business needs a new EIN because of a qualifying business change — you can apply directly through the IRS.
The fastest way to apply is online. If your principal business is located in the United States or a U.S. territory and you have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (such as a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you can complete the IRS online application in just a few minutes.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive your EIN immediately. Be sure to download or print your EIN confirmation notice and store it in a safe place.
Erica Seppala
Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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