How To Find EIN Number: A Simple Guide (2026)

If your business needs to find its EIN number, you're not alone in the search. Tracking down a nine-digit number becomes stressful when you have no clear direction.

This guide shows you exactly how to find an EIN number, step by step. And if you need to create a pay stub generator free PDF along the way, we've got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Your EIN serves as a nine-digit tax identification number that the IRS provides to businesses for their tax needs
• The fastest way to find your EIN number is to check your CP 575 confirmation letter
• You can also find it on tax returns, business bank statements, or pay stubs
• Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 for free EIN retrieval if you can't locate it
• Never pay a website to look up your EIN. The official search methods are always free

What Is an EIN Number? (The Basics)

An EIN (employer identification number) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses. Think of it like a Social Security number, but for your business instead. You might also hear it called a Federal Tax Identification Number, FEIN, or business tax ID.

Wondering how to find FEIN number? FEIN stands for Federal Employer Identification Number, just another name for your EIN. Your employer FEIN number and EIN are identical.

If you run an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you need an EIN. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number, but an EIN protects their SSN on business documents.

How To Find Your EIN Number

If you're asking, "What's my EIN number?" or "Where do I find my EIN number?", start by checking your own records. Here's where to find EIN number without making a phone call.

1. Check Your Confirmation Letter (CP 575)

When the IRS approved your EIN, they sent Form CP 575. Search your email for "CP 575" if you applied online. If you mailed Form SS-4, the letter arrived by post in roughly four weeks.

2. Look Through Business Documents

Your EIN appears on more documents than you'd expect. The following tax forms contain the number you need:

Tax Form	EIN Location
W-2	Box b
1099-NEC	Payer's TIN
Schedule C	Box D
Form 1065	Box D, page 1
Form 1120	Box B, page 1

Also, check business bank account statements, loan applications, and business licenses. The information you need about "How to look up my EIN number" exists in your previous files. So, use your business tax return from last year as a trustworthy reference. Not sure what is Form W-2? Your employer distributes this document every January.

3. Check Your Bank or Accounting Software

If you want to access your EIN, go to the account settings area of your online banking portal. QuickBooks and similar tools save it in your company profile. This is often the quickest way to find EIN number if you use accounting software.

How To Find EIN Number Through the IRS

Can't find EIN number in your records? Here's how to find EIN through the IRS for free. The Business and Specialty Tax Line operates at 1-800-829-4933, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

Have these ready before calling:

• Business legal name
• Address on file
• The Social Security number of the person who applied.

The best hours to reach them are early morning, Tuesday through Thursday.

You can also request Form 147C (EIN verification letter). They'll process it through fax immediately or send it by mail within 7 to 14 business days. Wondering how to check EIN number accuracy? Form 147C is the official way to verify an EIN number.

How Fo Find EIN Number on a Pay Stub

If you're an employee asking, "How do I find my employer identification number?", your pay stub is the easiest place to start. The EIN typically appears in the employer information section near the top.

Look for labels containing "FEIN," "Fed EIN," "Employer ID," or simply "EIN." The format is XX-XXXXXXX. Not every pay stub includes this number. If you're trying to find employee ID number or know how to find EIN number on your pay stub, contact HR if it doesn't appear on the document.

Need to create a pay stub that includes your EIN? Browse our paystub templates to find a format that works for your business.

Payroll platforms like ADP, Paychex, Gusto, and QuickBooks Payroll display the employer's EIN on pay stubs and self-service portals.

Read more: How Long Does HR Have to Investigate a Complaint?

How To Find Employer Identification Number Without W2

Don't have a W-2? Here's how to find employer identification number without W2:

1. Check pay stubs. Most show the employer's EIN near the company name.
2. Call HR or payroll. They can provide it the same day.
3. Check last year's tax filing. Your previous return has the EIN on it.
4. Search the IRS Exempt Organization Search. This works for nonprofits.
5. Check your state's Secretary of State website. Business registrations are public records.

If you work for a large retailer, your EIN often appears on the Walmart paystub portal, the Family Dollar pay stub portal, or similar company employee portals. If you're wondering, "Where can I find my FEIN number?" or "How do I find my FEIN number?", any of the five methods above will work.

How To Find a Company's EIN Number

Need to find a company EIN number? Here's how to find a company's EIN:

• Ask the company directly. Simplest method.
• Search SEC EDGAR. Works for publicly traded companies.
• Use the IRS Exempt Organization Search. Works for nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations.
• Try commercial databases. Some offer employer EIN lookup services or EIN last 4 digits lookup, but these typically charge a fee.

For an employer ID number lookup on a private company, calling their accounting department directly is usually free and faster. To look up an employer ID number for a public or nonprofit entity, the SEC and IRS tools are your best bet. Learning how to find a company EIN number saves time when filing taxes. Wondering how to check EIN number accuracy? The IRS phone line can confirm it.

Common Mistakes When Trying To Find Your EIN Number

Before you start searching, avoid these traps:

• Confusing EIN with SSN: They're different numbers. One is for business, the other personal.
• Paying for "EIN Lookup" Sites: You can retrieve your EIN from the IRS for free.
• Applying for a New EIN: The IRS assigns one per entity. Duplicates cause tax filing problems.

If your employer recently changed payroll providers, your old Walmart W-2 or similar tax documents from the previous year still show the correct EIN.

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Final Thoughts

Now you know how to find EIN number through multiple methods. Start by examining your CP 575 letter, then check tax returns and business documents. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 if you still need help. Store your EIN in a password manager so you won't need to search again.

Need to create a pay stub that includes your EIN? Our easy-to-use paystub generator walks you through every step, no experience needed.