What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to businesses for purposes like tax reporting. An EIN allows the IRS to identify businesses and is required for essential operations like paying taxes and establishing business credit.
Unlike Social Security numbers for individuals, an EIN is necessary for businesses and offers privacy protection from identity theft dangers.
Checking EIN Validity and Status
To check if your EIN is valid and active:
- Call the IRS at 800-829-4933 to verify a number.
- An EIN does not expire and becomes inactive if the IRS closes the account, but it will always belong to that business entity.
- To close an EIN account, write to the IRS and indicate the reason for the closure, including a copy of the EIN Assignment Notice.
Searching for a Company’s EIN
- Company EINs can be verified by searching SEC filings, where the EIN is listed with the title "I.R.S. Employer Identification Number" on recent 10-Q or 10K forms.
- All business EINs are public information and are used by the IRS to identify businesses for tax reporting.
- Business owners need an EIN to file business tax returns, apply for business permits, and open bank accounts.
Applying for an EIN
Businesses located in the US can apply for an EIN online, but are limited to one EIN per responsible party per day. Unique situations, such as a business name too closely resembling another, may result in the denial of an online EIN application.