You need your EIN for a bank application, tax filing, or business transaction—but you can’t find it anywhere. Don’t panic. Your EIN still exists, and there are several ways to recover it without starting over.
Where to Find Your EIN
Before contacting the IRS, check these common locations where your EIN likely appears.
1. EIN Confirmation Notice (CP 575)
When the IRS assigned your EIN, they sent a confirmation notice called CP 575. This is the official record of your EIN assignment.
Where to look:
- Original business formation files
- Tax document folders
- Digital files (search for “CP 575” or “EIN”)
- Email from when you applied online
The CP 575 is a single-page document showing your:
- EIN
- Legal business name
- Address at time of application
- Date EIN was assigned
2. Previously Filed Tax Returns
Your EIN appears on every federal tax return you’ve filed.
Check these forms:
- Form 1120 (C-Corporation)
- Form 1120-S (S-Corporation)
- Form 1065 (Partnership)
- Form 941 (Quarterly Employment Tax)
- Form 940 (Annual Unemployment Tax)
- Schedule C (Sole Proprietorship, may show EIN if obtained)
Look at the top of the first page where business identification information appears.
3. Bank Account Documents
Your business bank account was opened using your EIN.
Check:
- Bank statements (sometimes show EIN)
- Original account opening documents
- Online banking profile
- Call your bank—they have it on file
4. Business Licenses and Registrations
Your EIN may appear on state and local filings.
Look at:
- State business registration
- Professional licenses
- Local business licenses
- Florida Sunbiz records (if registered)
5. IRS Correspondence
Any letter from the IRS regarding your business should include your EIN.
Check for:
- Tax notices
- Penalty letters
- Informational mailings
- Any IRS envelope addressed to your business
6. Previous W-9 Forms
If you’ve provided W-9 forms to clients or vendors, you may have copies.
Look for:
- W-9 copies in your files
- Email attachments
- PDF copies on your computer
7. Accountant or Tax Preparer
If you use an accountant or tax preparer, they have your EIN on file.
Contact:
- Current accountant
- Previous tax preparers
- Bookkeeping service
8. Business Formation Service
If you used a formation service to create your LLC or corporation, they may have applied for your EIN.
Check with:
- LegalZoom
- Incfile
- ZenBusiness
- Other formation service used
9. Payroll Provider
If you have employees, your payroll service has your EIN.
Contact:
- ADP
- Paychex
- Gusto
- QuickBooks Payroll
- Your payroll provider
How to Request Your EIN from the IRS
If you’ve exhausted other options, contact the IRS directly.
Phone Request
Call: 800-829-4933 (Business & Specialty Tax Line)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM local time
What you’ll need:
- Business name
- Business address
- Responsible party name and SSN
- Date business was started
- State of incorporation/formation
Process:
- Call the number above
- Navigate menu to “EIN assistance”
- Verify your identity as authorized representative
- IRS agent will provide your EIN verbally
- Request written confirmation (147C letter) if needed
Written Request (147C Letter)
You can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C letter) as official confirmation of your EIN.
By phone: Request during your call
By fax: Fax a request to the IRS (number provided during phone call)
The 147C letter includes:
- Your EIN
- Legal business name
- Address
- Date of assignment
Who Can Request EIN Information?
The IRS only provides EIN information to authorized persons.
Authorized Representatives
| Entity Type | Who Can Request |
|---|---|
| Corporation | Principal officer, director, or authorized employee |
| LLC | Member or manager |
| Partnership | General partner |
| Sole proprietorship | Owner |
Third-Party Authorization
If you want someone else to request your EIN (like your accountant), you must authorize them using:
- Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)
- Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization)
What If You Have Multiple EINs?
Some businesses accidentally apply for multiple EINs. This can happen when:
- Different people applied at different times
- The business changed structure
- Previous EIN was forgotten
IRS guidance: Use only the first EIN assigned. If you have multiple EINs for the same entity, contact the IRS to clarify which to use.
Searching Public Records
Nonprofits
If your organization is tax-exempt, your EIN may be publicly available:
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (irs.gov)
- GuideStar/Candid
- Foundation Center
SEC Filings
Public companies have EINs disclosed in SEC filings.
Court Records
EINs sometimes appear in public court filings, bankruptcy records, or lien documents.
Note: Private businesses’ EINs are not searchable in public databases.
Can You Get a New EIN Instead?
When You Cannot Get a New EIN
If your existing business still operates under the same legal structure, you cannot simply get a new EIN because you lost the old one. The IRS maintains records of all EINs issued.
When You Need a New EIN
Certain changes require a new EIN anyway:
| Change | New EIN Required? |
|---|---|
| Corporation gets new charter | Yes |
| Partnership becomes sole prop | Yes |
| Sole prop incorporates | Yes |
| Business is purchased | Yes |
| Lost EIN (same structure) | No—recover existing |
Preventing Future EIN Loss
Once you find your EIN, protect it.
Create Multiple Records
- Save CP 575 in multiple locations
- Add EIN to digital password manager
- Include in business continuity files
- Give copy to accountant
Document Key Business Information
Create a “business essential information” document including:
- EIN
- State registration numbers
- Incorporation date
- Registered agent information
- Key account numbers
Store securely with backup copies.
Use Consistent Filing
Keep all tax documents in a dedicated location (physical or digital) where EIN-containing documents are easy to find.
Need Help Finding Your EIN?
If you’re struggling to locate your EIN, Critical Compliance Services can help. We assist Florida businesses with:
- EIN recovery assistance
- IRS correspondence
- New EIN applications (when appropriate)
- Ongoing compliance management
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my EIN from the IRS?
If you call, you’ll receive your EIN verbally during the call. A written 147C letter takes 4-6 weeks by mail.
Can I look up my EIN online?
There’s no public database to look up your own EIN. You must find it in your records or contact the IRS.
What if the IRS has a different address than my current one?
The IRS will use the address on file for your EIN. You can update your address while recovering your EIN.
My business partner applied for the EIN. Can I get it?
Yes, if you’re an authorized representative of the business (member, officer, partner). The IRS will verify your authority.
What if I never received my EIN confirmation?
If you applied and the application was processed, your EIN exists. Contact the IRS to retrieve it.