EIN Lookup Guide
EIN Lookup: How to Find Any EIN Number (2026)
The IRS does not offer a free public EIN lookup tool. But there are multiple methods to find any EIN number, whether it belongs to a non-profit, a public company, or your own business. This guide covers every option available in 2026.
The Short Answer
There is no universal free EIN lookup tool. The IRS does not maintain a public database of all EINs. You can look up non-profit EINs through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, public company EINs through SEC EDGAR, and some business EINs through state business registries. For your own EIN, check your IRS confirmation letter (CP 575) or call the IRS at 800-829-4933.
The Reality
Can You Look Up an EIN Online for Free?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer is unfortunately limited. The IRS does not operate a universal public EIN lookup database. Unlike a business name search through your state's Secretary of State website, there is no single place where you can type in a company name and retrieve its EIN.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is considered sensitive taxpayer information by the IRS. Making all EINs publicly searchable would create significant privacy and fraud risks. As a result, the IRS only makes EINs publicly available in specific circumstances, primarily for tax-exempt non-profit organizations that are required to disclose financial information to the public.
That said, there are multiple legitimate methods to find an EIN depending on what type of organization you are looking for. Some methods are completely free, while others may require a small fee or direct outreach to the organization in question. The availability of the EIN depends largely on whether the entity is a non-profit, a publicly traded company, or a private business.
Why Third-Party Paid Databases Are Unreliable
Third-party paid databases do exist, but they are unreliable. These services scrape public records and compile them into searchable databases, but the data is frequently outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Paid services charge $15-$50 per lookup and still return incorrect results 30-40% of the time. We do not recommend relying on paid EIN lookup services when free government sources are available for the entity types they cover.
EIN Lookup Methods Comparison
| Method | Cost | Speed | Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Tax Exempt Org Search | Free | Instant | 501(c) nonprofits only | Verifying charities and foundations |
| SEC EDGAR | Free | Instant | Publicly traded companies only | Looking up Fortune 500 and public companies |
| State Business Registry | Free | Instant | EIN not always included; varies by state | Private businesses in states that publish EINs |
| Ask the Organization (W-9) | Free | 1-3 business days | Requires direct contact; not guaranteed | Vendors and contractors you work with |
| Call IRS (800-829-4933) | Free | Same day (after 30-120 min hold) | Your own EIN only; must verify identity | Recovering your own lost EIN |
| Third-Party Paid Services | $15-$50 per lookup | Instant | Data often outdated; 30-40% error rate | Not recommended |
Proven Methods
5 Methods to Look Up an EIN
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (Non-Profits Only)
The IRS maintains a free, searchable database of tax-exempt organizations at apps.irs.gov. You can search by organization name, city, or state to find any 501(c) non-profit's EIN. This database includes charities, foundations, religious organizations, and other tax-exempt entities. It also shows whether an organization's tax-exempt status is current or has been revoked. This is the most reliable free EIN lookup tool available, but it only works for non-profit organizations.
SEC EDGAR (Public Companies Only)
Every publicly traded company in the United States is required to file financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings, including 10-K annual reports, 10-Q quarterly reports, and 8-K current reports, are available through the SEC's EDGAR database at sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar. These filings include the company's EIN (listed as 'IRS Employer Identification No.' on most forms). Simply search for the company name and open any recent filing to find the EIN on the cover page.
State Business Registries
Many states include a business's EIN in their Secretary of State business registration records. However, this varies significantly by state. Some states display the EIN in online search results, while others do not. States like California, New York, and Texas maintain online business entity search tools, but the availability of EIN data in these results is inconsistent. It is worth checking your state's business registry, but do not rely on it as a guaranteed source.
Ask the Organization Directly
If you need a company's EIN for a legitimate purpose, such as filing a 1099 form or verifying a vendor, you can simply ask the organization directly. Businesses are accustomed to sharing their EIN with vendors, contractors, and partners for tax reporting purposes. Most companies will provide their EIN if you request it through their accounting or finance department. A W-9 form request is the standard way to obtain a company's EIN for tax reporting purposes.
Call the IRS (For Your Own EIN)
If you are looking for your own EIN, not someone else's, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. The line is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. You will need to verify your identity as an authorized person on the account. The IRS can confirm your EIN over the phone and, if needed, send you an official EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) by fax or mail.
Lost Your EIN?
How to Find Your Own EIN
Losing track of your own EIN is more common than most people expect. Businesses change accountants, move offices, or simply misplace paperwork over time. The good news is that once the IRS assigns an EIN to your entity, it is permanent. It does not expire or change. You just need to locate it. Here are the four best ways to recover your own EIN:
Check Your CP 575 Confirmation Letter
When the IRS originally issued your EIN, they sent you a confirmation notice called CP 575. This letter contains your EIN, entity name, and the date it was assigned. If you applied online, you also received an immediate confirmation. Search your email, filing cabinet, or document storage for 'CP 575' or 'EIN confirmation.'
Call the IRS at 800-829-4933
The IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line can look up your EIN over the phone. You will need to verify your identity. The IRS will ask for the name, address, and other details associated with the EIN. The authorized person (responsible party) listed on the original SS-4 application must be the one to call, or someone with a valid Power of Attorney (Form 2848) on file.
Check Previously Filed Tax Returns
Your EIN appears on every federal tax return you have filed, including Form 1120 (corporations), Form 1065 (partnerships), Form 1040 Schedule C (sole proprietors), and payroll tax returns (Form 941). If you have copies of any previous tax filings, your EIN will be printed on the first page.
Check Your Bank Account Records
When you opened a business bank account, your bank required your EIN. Contact your bank and ask them to provide the EIN on file for your business account. Your bank should be able to look this up quickly. This works for any financial institution where you used your EIN to open an account.
Official Verification
How to Get an EIN Verification Letter
What Is IRS Letter 147C?
An EIN verification letter, officially known as IRS Letter 147C, is an official document from the IRS that confirms your EIN has been assigned to your specific entity. This letter is different from the original CP 575 confirmation notice you received when your EIN was first issued. The 147C is a verification that can be requested at any time after your EIN has been assigned.
When Banks Require a 147C Letter
Many banks, payment processors, and financial institutions require a 147C letter when you open a business bank account or apply for merchant services. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will not accept the original CP 575 letter if it is more than 2 years old. Mercury and Relay are more flexible but still request a 147C for verification in some cases.
How to Request a 147C Letter
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Verify your identity as an authorized person on the account. Request the 147C letter and specify whether you want it sent by fax (same-day delivery) or by mail (4-6 weeks). Fax delivery is strongly recommended for speed.
147C Letter Cost and Eligibility
There is no fee for a 147C letter. The IRS provides this service free of charge. You can request a 147C letter as many times as you need. Only the responsible party listed on the EIN account (or someone with an active Power of Attorney via Form 2848) can request this letter.
Non-Profit EINs
Free EIN Lookup for Non-Profits
How the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Works
The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search is the only truly free, government-operated EIN lookup tool available to the public. It is available at apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ and covers all 1.8 million organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
What Information the Search Returns
This tool allows you to search by organization name, city, state, or country. The search results include the organization's EIN, name, city, state, deductibility status (whether donations to the organization are tax-deductible), and the type of tax exemption (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), etc.). You can also view the organization's most recent Form 990 filings, which provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, and executive compensation.
This is particularly useful if you need to verify a charity before making a donation, confirm a non-profit's tax-exempt status for grant applications, or obtain the EIN for a non-profit you are doing business with. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search is the most reliable free method available.
Public Companies
EIN Lookup for Public Companies
Using SEC EDGAR to Find a Public Company EIN
If you need the EIN for a publicly traded company, the SEC EDGAR database is your best resource. Every public company in the United States is required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and these filings are freely accessible at sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar. Over 8,000 public companies have filings available on EDGAR.
Step-by-Step EDGAR Lookup Process
Search for the company by name or ticker symbol. Open any recent filing -- a 10-K (annual report) or 10-Q (quarterly report) is the easiest. On the cover page of these filings, you will find the field labeled "IRS Employer Identification No." with the company's 9-digit EIN. This method works for large corporations, publicly traded partnerships, and real estate investment trusts (REITs). It does not work for private companies, LLCs, or sole proprietorships that are not required to file with the SEC.
Common Scenarios
Why You Might Need to Look Up an EIN
Filing a 1099 Form
If you paid a contractor or vendor more than $600 in a year, you need their EIN (or SSN) to file a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC with the IRS.
Verifying a Charity
Before donating to a non-profit, you may want to verify their tax-exempt status and confirm their EIN matches IRS records.
Opening a Bank Account
Banks require your EIN to open a business account. If you lost your EIN, you need to recover it before the bank will proceed.
Due Diligence Research
Investors, lenders, and business partners often verify a company's EIN as part of standard due diligence before entering a business relationship.
Grant Applications
Government and private grant applications almost always require the applicant organization's EIN as part of the application process.
Tax Return Preparation
Tax professionals and bookkeepers need EINs to accurately prepare business tax returns, payroll filings, and information returns.
Get Your EIN
Need Your Own EIN?
If you are not looking up an existing EIN but instead need to obtain a new EIN for your business, the process is straightforward, but the method varies based on whether you have a US-based Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
US residents with an SSN or ITIN can apply directly through the IRS online EIN Assistant at no cost. However, non-US residents without an SSN or ITIN cannot use the online system. Instead, they must file Form SS-4 with the IRS by fax or mail, a process that can be confusing and error-prone, especially if you are unfamiliar with IRS forms and terminology.
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Common Questions
EIN Lookup FAQ
Can I look up any company's EIN for free?
There is no single free database that lets you look up any company's EIN. The IRS does not provide a public EIN lookup tool. However, you can find non-profit EINs using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and public company EINs through SEC EDGAR filings. For other businesses, you may need to check state business registries or ask the company directly.
How do I find my own EIN if I lost it?
If you lost your own EIN, you have 4 options: check your original IRS confirmation letter (CP 575), look at previously filed tax returns, check your bank account records (your bank required your EIN to open a business account), or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time).
What is an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C)?
IRS Letter 147C is an official EIN verification letter. It confirms that a specific EIN has been assigned to a specific entity. You can request a 147C letter by calling the IRS at 800-829-4933. The IRS can fax the letter to you the same day or mail it within 4-6 weeks. Many banks and financial institutions accept Letter 147C as proof of your EIN.
Is there an official IRS EIN lookup tool?
No. The IRS does not offer a universal public EIN lookup tool. The closest thing is the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, which only covers organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501(c). There is no IRS tool to look up EINs for for-profit businesses, LLCs, or sole proprietorships.
Can I look up an EIN on the IRS website?
Only for non-profit organizations. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov lets you search for 501(c) organizations and view their EIN, filing status, and Form 990 data. For all other entity types, the IRS website does not provide EIN lookup capabilities.
How long does it take to get an EIN verification letter?
If you call the IRS at 800-829-4933 and request a 147C letter, they can fax it to you the same business day. If you request it by mail, delivery takes 4-6 weeks. You must be an authorized person on the EIN account to request a verification letter.
The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov is the best free EIN lookup method available to the public.
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