EIN Lookup

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number which is a unique number assigned to businesses or organisations liable to pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service or IRS. Also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, an EIN is issued to businesses, employers, government organisations, NGOs or any business which fits criteria specified by the IRS.

As opposed to a Social Security Number which is assigned individually, an EIN is assigned to the business or organisation and not to every employee, such that all employees working in the same company would have the same EIN.

As an EIN number does not hold confidential data or data that could be used against the concerned employer, thus an EIN lookup is possible on the internet. The main resource of EIN numbers is the IRS and it can be explored either online at www.irs.gov or by applying to the nearest IRS office. Apart from the IRS, there are quite a few websites offering the service, some for free; some for a fee while some require registration. These websites usually have extensive information on EIN numbers and the companies’ enrolment status, its worth, any exemptions in tax or allowances given. All this can help verify an employer’s authenticity before a potential client intends to do business with the concerned firm or before an individual decides to join the firm.

An employer can find his company’s EIN number in the letter of confirmation which he must have received from the IRS after registering. The IRS also runs a Business and Specialty Tax Line which can provide useful information and the EIN number after verification of the employer.

As for existing employees, the EIN is usually printed on the pay slip. Alternatively they can approach their employer for the same. The employees would need to mention their firm’s EIN number for tax purposes.