Recovery
Lost Your EIN? 3 Ways to Recover It Guide
Lost your EIN? Recover by calling IRS at 800-829-4933, checking old tax returns, or requesting Letter 147C. Only authorized persons can request EIN info.
3 Methods
3 Ways to Find Your Lost EIN
Method 1: Call the IRS
- Number: 800-829-4933 (domestic) / 267-941-1099 (international)
- Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm ET
- Who can call: Responsible party or Power of Attorney (Form 2848)
- Result: EIN provided verbally during call
Method 2: Check Existing Documents
Your EIN appears on:
- CP 575 (original EIN confirmation letter)
- Prior tax returns (1120, 1065, Schedule C)
- Bank account opening documents
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- State business filings
- IRS correspondence
Method 3: Request Letter 147C
- Call 800-829-4933 and request Letter 147C
- IRS faxes within 24-48 hours or mails within 10 days
- Banks accept 147C for account verification
- See EIN confirmation letter
Prevention
Prevent Future Loss
- Save CP 575 digitally — Cloud storage backup
- Record EIN in multiple places — Accounting software, password manager
- Request 147C backup — Get a second verification letter
- Keep tax returns accessible — EIN is on every return
Key Facts
Key Facts
- Your EIN is permanent — it never expires or changes
- Only the responsible party can recover it from the IRS
- No online recovery tool exists
- Letter 147C is the official verification document
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More: What is an EIN | EIN format | Multiple EINs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my lost EIN?
Call IRS at 800-829-4933 as the responsible party. Or check old tax returns, bank documents, or IRS letters. Your EIN appears on all these documents.
Can I look up my EIN online?
No. The IRS does not offer online EIN recovery. You must call or check physical/digital documents.
What is Letter 147C?
An EIN verification letter from the IRS. Confirms your EIN, entity name, and address. Request by calling 800-829-4933. Faxed in 24-48 hours.
Can someone else recover my EIN?
Only the responsible party or someone with Power of Attorney (Form 2848) can request EIN information from the IRS.
Does my EIN still exist if I lost it?
Yes. EINs are permanent. Losing the paperwork does not cancel the EIN. It still exists in IRS records.
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