How to Find a Federal Tax ID Number

A Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for businesses. From time to time, an employee may need to know their employer's tax ID number or a business owner may have misplaced theirs. It is not very difficult to find out a business's federal tax ID number.

Finding A Business's Tax ID Number

1. Check Documents: Look on any documents that you have received from the company. The federal tax ID number will be located on any tax documents, such as W-2 or 1099 forms.


2. Check Company's Website: Some companies will list their federal tax ID number on their website. It usually is in areas that pertain to financial information regarding the company.


3. Contact The Company: Place a call to the company. It is best to contact the payroll or accounting department to inquire about obtaining the federal tax ID number.


4. Search Online: You can also search for a company's federal tax ID number using a FEIN database search.

Finding Your Tax ID Number

1. Check Your Records: Check in your records for the letter that the IRS sent at the time when your tax ID number was received.


2. Check Your Email: If you applied for your federal tax ID number online, check your email to see if you may have saved the receipt sent from the IRS at the time of the application.


3. Contact Your Bank: You can call your bank if you have a business account. They should have your tax ID number on file, as a business account requires one for opening the account. You will probably have to verify your identity by answering some security questions before receiving information over the phone.


4. Check Past Tax Returns: Look on your prior year's tax return. It should be located on the tax forms, as it is required to file income taxes.


5. Contact the IRS: You can call the IRS. The agent will ask you to answer some questions to verify your identity before giving you the tax ID number over the phone.