How to Find an EIN Using a Company Name

Tax forms need to have the company's EIN on them.

Private and public companies in America have an identifying number called an "EIN," which stands for "Employer Identification Number." Another common name for it is the "Tax ID Number." Nonprofit organizations and religious groups must also have an EIN. When the company is filing its taxes, it must include its identifying number for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Anyone can find a company's EIN online, since the information is public knowledge.

Instructions

For-Profit Companies

1. Go to the Electronic Data-Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) website, which is managed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This website lists the Tax ID numbers of for-profit corporations.

2. Type the name of the company in the box that says "Company name."

3. Click "Find Companies" to see the list of organizations that have the same name.

4. Click on the number next to the company's name to see a list of its documents. If there is a document entitled "Form 10-K" or "Form 10-Q/A," then click on it to see the EIN on the first page.

Nonprofits

1. Go to the GuideStar website, which compiles information about nonprofit groups.

2. Click "Register" on the left side of the page to create a free account.

3. Fill out the form to create a free account. Click "Submit" to log in.

4. Type in the group's name in the search box and then click "Start Your Search."

5. Click on the name of the nonprofit organization to see its documents. Click on the tab that says "Forms 990 & Docs" to see the EIN.

References

• GuideStar: Charity Check
• EDGAR: Company Search

Resources

• DOL: Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)