If you run a business, file taxes, or interact with U.S. companies, you'll come across the Federal Tax ID Number — also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
Knowing how to perform a federal tax ID lookup is essential for verification, compliance, and smooth business operations. This guide covers everything you need to know about federal tax ID lookup.
A Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify a business or entity for tax purposes.
For businesses, the EIN/FEIN is the primary identifier — similar to a Social Security Number but for organizations.
Verify a business before signing a contract
File taxes or apply for licenses/permits
Recover your EIN if you misplaced it
Check nonprofit status through the IRS database
Confirm details for banking, payroll, or compliance
If you lost or forgot your EIN, here's how to find it:
The IRS sends a confirmation letter (CP 575) when you first applied for your EIN. This is your official record.
Your EIN will appear on all filed business tax forms, including Form 1120, 1065, or Schedule C.
EINs are often required to open business bank accounts, apply for loans, or set up merchant accounts.
Call 800-829-4933, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time. You'll need proof you're the responsible party.
👉 Pro Tip: If you need a new EIN, we can help you apply quickly and correctly. Apply for your EIN here
Unlike your own EIN, finding someone else's isn't always straightforward due to privacy laws. Still, there are legitimate ways:
SEC filings (via EDGAR database) often list EINs. Search for the company's 10-K, 10-Q, or 8-K forms.
Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. This tool lists nonprofits' EINs, 501(c) status, and eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations.
Available at: irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
Don't confuse EIN with State Tax ID Numbers or Business License Numbers. Many states issue their own IDs for sales tax, payroll, or registration.
Important: A complete business verification may require both federal and state lookups. State IDs are separate from your federal EIN and serve different purposes.
Yes. The IRS uses "Employer Identification Number (EIN)" and "Federal Tax ID" interchangeably.
Not directly, but you can recover it via IRS records, past filings, or by calling the IRS at 800-829-4933.
Only if it's a nonprofit (IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search) or a public company (SEC filings). Otherwise, you need to request it directly from the business.
Online: immediate for eligible applicants. Fax: 4 business days. Mail: up to 4 weeks. With our professional service, we handle everything and provide same-day processing for express orders ($347).
If you have no employees, you can often use your SSN. But an EIN may still help with banking, privacy, and building business credit.
The IRS does not provide a public EIN lookup database for privacy reasons. You can only access your own EIN through IRS records or by calling them directly. For other businesses, you must use public records or request the information directly.
When calling the IRS for EIN lookup, you'll need: your business name, business address, your name as the responsible party, and your SSN or ITIN. Be prepared to verify your identity and authority to receive the information.
While some paid services claim to offer EIN lookups, be cautious. Many are scams or provide limited information. For legitimate needs, it's best to request the EIN directly from the business or use official IRS resources.
A federal tax ID lookup is straightforward when it comes to your own EIN or public data for nonprofits and public companies. For private companies, you'll need consent, proper documentation, or commercial tools.
If you're launching or running a business, securing and keeping track of your EIN is a must for taxes, compliance, and credibility.
Instead of searching for an EIN, get your own Federal Tax ID number today. Our professional service handles the entire IRS application process for you.