Lookup Guide
Free EIN Lookup: 5 Ways to Find an EIN (2026)
You do not need to pay a third-party service to find an EIN number. There are five free methods that work depending on the type of organization you are searching for. This guide covers every method step by step.
Short Answer
You can find EINs for free using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (for nonprofits), SEC EDGAR (for public companies), state business registries, direct requests to the business, or by calling the IRS at (800) 829-4933 for your own EIN. Each method works for different situations. No paid EIN lookup service is necessary for these five approaches.
| Method | Where | Cost | Speed | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search | apps.irs.gov/app/eos | Free | Instant | 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt orgs only; no for-profit businesses |
| SEC EDGAR Company Search | sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar | Free | Instant | Public companies and SEC-reporting entities only |
| State Business Registries | Secretary of State websites (50 states) | Free | Instant | Most states show state tax ID, not federal EIN; varies by state |
| Ask the Business (W-9 Request) | Direct contact with the business | Free | 1-5 business days | Business may refuse; requires existing business relationship |
| Call IRS at (800) 829-4933 | IRS Business Tax Line | Free | Same day (after hold) | Your own EIN only; requires identity verification; Mon-Fri 7 AM - 7 PM |
How Do You Find a Nonprofit's EIN Using IRS Tax Exempt Search?
Searching the IRS Database
The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search is the most reliable free method for finding EINs of nonprofits, charities, churches, and other tax-exempt organizations. The IRS maintains this public database at apps.irs.gov/app/eos and updates it regularly. Every 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt entity that has filed with the IRS appears in this database.
To use it, visit the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search page and enter the organization name, city, or state. The search results display the organization's EIN, name, city, state, country, and tax-exempt status. You can also download the full database as a CSV file if you need to search in bulk. This tool also shows whether the organization has had its tax-exempt status revoked, which is valuable for due diligence before making donations.
Nonprofits Only: For-Profit Alternatives Below
This method only works for tax-exempt organizations. For-profit businesses like LLCs and corporations do not appear in this database. If you need to find the EIN of a for-profit company, use one of the other four methods below. For more on EIN lookup methods, see our comprehensive EIN lookup guide.
How Do You Find a Public Company's EIN on SEC EDGAR?
Finding EINs in SEC Filings
The SEC EDGAR database contains filings from all publicly traded companies and certain private companies that have issued public securities. Every filing includes the company's EIN (listed as "IRS Number" or "Employer Identification Number"). This makes SEC EDGAR one of the fastest ways to find a public company's EIN for free.
Go to sec.gov and use the EDGAR Company Search. Enter the company name or ticker symbol. Click on the company's CIK number to view its filing page. The EIN appears in the company header information. You can also find the EIN in the body of 10-K (annual report) and 10-Q (quarterly report) filings, usually on the cover page.
This method is limited to SEC-reporting companies. Private LLCs, partnerships, and small businesses that do not file with the SEC will not appear in EDGAR. For those entities, you need to use state registries, direct contact, or other methods. Understanding the EIN number format helps you identify the EIN when scanning filings.
Can You Find an EIN Through State Business Registries?
State-Level Business Entity Searches
State business registries maintained by each state's Secretary of State office contain registration information for LLCs, corporations, and other business entities formed in that state. Some states include EINs in their public records, though most display only state-level tax identification numbers rather than the federal EIN.
To search, visit the Secretary of State website for the state where the business is registered. Use their business entity search tool and enter the company name. If the state publishes EINs, it will appear in the entity details alongside the registered agent, formation date, and status. States that commonly display EINs include some smaller states with more open records policies.
Even when a state does not display the EIN directly, the registry still provides useful information. You can find the business's registered agent, principal office address, and officer names, which you can use to contact the business directly and request the EIN. This is particularly useful for vendor verification and due diligence.
Can You Ask a Business for Their EIN Directly?
The W-9 Form: Standard EIN Request
Yes, and this is often the simplest method. Businesses routinely share their EINs with vendors, contractors, financial institutions, and anyone who has a legitimate business reason to request it. The EIN is a business identifier, not a personal one, so there is no privacy violation in asking for it or sharing it.
Request the EIN by asking for a completed W-9 form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). The W-9 is the standard IRS form that businesses use to share their EIN with other parties. Any legitimate business should be willing to provide a W-9 when you have a valid business relationship, such as a vendor-client arrangement, a partnership, or a tax reporting obligation.
Backup Withholding at 24% If Business Refuses
If the business refuses to provide their EIN and you need it for tax reporting purposes (such as issuing a 1099), you may need to withhold taxes at the backup withholding rate of 24%. The IRS requires you to make a reasonable effort to obtain the EIN before resorting to backup withholding. For more on what an EIN is and why businesses have them, read our introductory guide.
How Do You Retrieve Your Own EIN by Calling the IRS?
IRS Business Tax Line: (800) 829-4933
If you lost your own EIN and cannot find it in your records, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The line operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. An IRS agent will verify your identity by asking for information about the business entity and the responsible party, then provide your EIN over the phone.
What to Have Ready Before Calling
Before calling, have the following ready: your business name as registered with the IRS, the responsible party's full name and SSN or ITIN, the business address on file, and the approximate date the EIN was issued. The IRS agent uses this information to locate your record and confirm you are authorized to receive the EIN. Only authorized parties (the responsible party, an officer, a partner, or a properly authorized representative with Form 8821 or 2848 on file) can request the EIN by phone.
This method works only for retrieving your own EIN. The IRS will not provide another business's EIN over the phone. For other businesses, use the public database methods described above. If you need a brand new EIN rather than retrieving a lost one, apply through ein.so for fast, reliable processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up any company's EIN for free?
You can look up EINs for free for nonprofits (using IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search), publicly traded companies (using SEC EDGAR), and businesses registered in states that publish EINs in their business registries. However, private companies are not required to disclose their EINs publicly, so not every EIN is freely available online.
How do I find my own EIN if I lost it?
Check your original IRS confirmation letter (CP 575), previously filed tax returns, bank account opening documents, or any IRS correspondence. If you cannot find it in your records, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The IRS will verify your identity and provide your EIN over the phone.
Is the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search really free?
Yes, completely free. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov/app/eos is a public database maintained by the IRS. It contains EINs, filing status, and Form 990 data for all tax-exempt organizations including nonprofits, charities, and religious organizations. No registration or payment is required to search.
Can I find an EIN on SEC EDGAR?
Yes, but only for companies that file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This includes publicly traded companies and certain private companies that have issued public securities. Search at sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar and the company's CIK page will display its EIN (listed as IRS Number).
Do state business registries show EIN numbers?
Some states display EINs in their online business registries, but most do not. States like California, New York, and Texas do not publish EINs. You are more likely to find state tax identification numbers rather than federal EINs. Check your specific state's Secretary of State website to see what information they make public.
Can I call the IRS to look up another company's EIN?
No. The IRS will only provide EIN information to authorized representatives of the business entity. You cannot call the IRS to look up someone else's EIN. However, you can ask the business directly, check public records, or use the free lookup methods described in this guide for nonprofits and public companies.
What is the difference between an EIN lookup and an EIN verification?
An EIN lookup means finding an EIN number you do not already have. An EIN verification means confirming that a specific EIN is valid and belongs to a particular business. The IRS does not offer a public EIN verification tool. You can verify EINs for nonprofits through the Tax Exempt Organization Search or ask the business for their IRS confirmation letter.
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