EIN Verification: How to Verify an EIN Number (Free and Paid Methods)

Quick answer: To verify an EIN, collect it on a signed Form W-9, then confirm that the name and EIN match. If you file information returns such as Forms 1099, you can use the IRS TIN Matching program. Otherwise, cross-check the EIN against the company's IRS documents (Letter 147C or CP 575), SEC filings for public companies, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for nonprofits, or use an EIN verification API. The IRS doesn't offer a public EIN lookup.

This guide explains what an EIN is, how to find your own, and the free and paid ways to verify another business's EIN.

What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses and other entities, written in the format XX-XXXXXXX. It is a tax identifier, not a registration number: it shows the business is known to the IRS, not that it is registered or in good standing with a state.

EINs serve as unique identifiers for businesses that are separate from the identification number of their owner(s). This separation helps in distinguishing the tax records of the owner from those of the business. It also helps you keep your sensitive information safe by not having to share your SSN as a way to identify your business.

For the businesses you deal with, checking the EIN is one part of business verification. A matching EIN confirms the business is known to the IRS under that name, but it doesn't prove the company is legitimate or in good standing, so combine it with a state registration check. Our guide on how to check if a company is legitimate covers the other checks.

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The Complete EIN Guide

How to retrieve your EIN online

Knowing your business’ EIN can help you verify its identity to entities you interact with. In case you do not know your business’ EIN or have misplaced it, here’s how you can retrieve it:

• Find your EIN confirmation notice: When you apply online, the IRS shows your EIN immediately and lets you download the confirmation notice (CP 575). Fax and mail applicants receive their EIN by fax or post.
• Cross-reference business records: In case you are unable to find the letter or email confirming your business’ EIN, you can reference business records and documents that require inputting the EIN. Your business’ past tax returns are the best way to find your EIN, so start with those.
• Contact the IRS: Call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. An authorized person can ask for Letter 147C, which confirms the EIN previously assigned to the business.

How to Verify Another Business's EIN

Checking the EIN of a vendor, customer, or partner helps confirm you are dealing with the business it claims to be. Use one or more of these methods:

• Ask for a signed Form W-9: This is the standard way to collect a US business's legal name and EIN. The business certifies the information under penalties of perjury, and you can ask for a copy of its Letter 147C or CP 575 as supporting evidence.
• Use IRS TIN Matching (payers only): If you file information returns such as Forms 1099, you can register for IRS e-Services and check whether a name and EIN combination matches IRS records. It isn't open to the general public, and it confirms a match rather than revealing an EIN.
• Check SEC EDGAR: Companies that file with the SEC, mainly public companies, show their IRS employer identification number on the cover page of filings such as Form 10-K.
• Search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: For nonprofits, the IRS's free search lets you look up exempt organizations by name or EIN and confirm their status.
• Employ Professional Help: Apart from these publicly available sources of information, your business can also employ professional services that can integrate EIN verification into your business processes.

For more options, see our guides on how to look up a company's EIN, EIN search for business verification, and the best tools to verify an EIN.

EIN Verification with Signzy

As mentioned above, there are multiple sources to verify a business’ EIN. However, most of these sources require manual cross-referencing to verify the business’ identity. This manual process can be time-consuming and can leave room for error.

Signzy's EIN Verification API automates EIN verification, fetch, and lookup, returning results in about 0.9 seconds, so you can verify business customers and vendors without manual cross-checks.

So book a demo with Signzy, and streamline and expedite your KYB processes.

Conclusion

An EIN identifies a business to the IRS and keeps owners' Social Security numbers out of business paperwork. Verifying the EINs of the businesses you work with, together with a state registration check, helps you avoid paying or onboarding entities that aren't who they claim to be.