Finding an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for a non-publicly registered business can be challenging because EINs are not always publicly available, especially for private companies that are not required to disclose them in public filings. Below are some steps and resources to help you locate an EIN for a private business, based on the information available:
Directly Contact the Business: The most straightforward way to obtain an EIN for a non-publicly registered business is to contact the company directly. If you have a legitimate reason for needing the EIN, such as for tax reporting or business transactions, the business’s accounting or finance department may provide it. Be prepared to explain why you need the EIN, as they are not obligated to share it.
Check Business Documents: If you have a professional relationship with the business (e.g., as an employee, contractor, or partner), check documents like:
Form W-2 or 1099: If you’re an employee or contractor, the EIN should be listed on your W-2 or 1099 forms.
Tax Returns or Pay Stubs: These may include the EIN if you’ve received payments from the business.
Business Contracts or Invoices: The EIN might appear on official correspondence or financial documents.
Secretary of State Websites: While Secretary of State (SOS) websites primarily provide state-issued business registration numbers, some states may include EINs in their records, depending on the documents filed. Search the SOS website for the state where the business is registered using the business name or registered agent. Note that some states may charge a fee or require an account to access records, and EINs are not always available.
Business Credit Reports: You can request a business credit report from agencies like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax. These reports may include the EIN, but they often require a fee or subscription, and you may need the business’s DUNS number for Dun & Bradstreet. This method is more effective if the business has established credit.
IRS Contact: If you have a legitimate reason (e.g., you’re an authorized representative or need the EIN for tax purposes), you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. You’ll need to provide identifying information to verify your authorization. The IRS does not offer a public EIN lookup tool, so this is only viable if you’re directly associated with the business.
Third-Party Services: Some third-party platforms, like Middesk or Tax1099, offer EIN lookup services by aggregating data from various sources. These services may require a fee and are more reliable for businesses with some public footprint. Be cautious and use reputable services to avoid scams, as the IRS warns against paying for free services like EIN applications.
Important Notes:
No Free Public EIN Database: The IRS does not maintain a free, publicly accessible database for EINs, especially for private businesses. Unlike publicly traded companies (where EINs can be found in SEC filings like Form 10-K or 10-Q) or nonprofits (available via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search or Guidestar), private business EINs are harder to access.
Privacy Concerns: EINs are considered public information in some contexts, but businesses may withhold them to prevent misuse. Always safeguard any EIN you obtain and share it only with trusted parties.
Avoid Paid Scams: Be wary of websites charging for EIN lookups or applications, as obtaining an EIN directly from the IRS is free. Use the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for official guidance or applications.
Recommended Action: Start by contacting the business directly, as this is the most reliable method for a non-publicly registered business. If that’s not possible, check any documents you have from the business or try the state’s SOS website. If you’re still unable to find the EIN, consider whether you have the authority to contact the IRS directly.
If you have specific details about the business (e.g., its name, state of registration, or your relationship to it), I can tailor these suggestions further. Let me know!