An Employer Identification Number (EIN) can often be found, but the process is not centralized or guaranteed for every entity. This nine-digit identifier is foundational to a business’s legal and financial identity, serving as a unique marker for all dealings with the federal government. While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not publish a single, comprehensive public directory, various regulatory requirements mandate that many companies must disclose this number in public filings. The accessibility of a specific company’s EIN therefore depends entirely on its legal structure and whether it is subject to public disclosure laws.
What is an Employer Identification Number?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities operating in the United States for federal tax reporting purposes. The EIN is formatted as XX-XXXXXXX, and its function is to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns.
This number is often described as the federal tax ID for a business, similar to how a Social Security Number identifies an individual taxpayer. Corporations, partnerships, multi-member limited liability companies, and any business with employees are required to obtain an EIN. It establishes a distinct legal and financial identity for the entity, which is separate from the personal identity of its owners.
The Public Accessibility of EINs
The IRS policy is not to maintain a public, searchable database or directory of all assigned Employer Identification Numbers. The agency treats the EIN information it collects as confidential taxpayer data, protecting it from general public disclosure. This lack of a central registry means a simple, universal search for a private company’s EIN will not be successful through official IRS channels.
Despite this policy, the number itself is not classified as confidential in the same way as an individual’s Social Security Number. Federal and state laws often require businesses to disclose their EINs in public filings, making the number accessible through secondary sources. This means the EIN is technically public information for many entities, even though the IRS does not actively publish it.
Official Sources for Obtaining a Company’s EIN
For many businesses, the EIN is routinely published in mandated filings with government agencies, which then become publicly accessible records.
Publicly Traded Companies
Publicly traded companies are required to include their EIN in filings submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This number is visible in major disclosure documents like the annual Form 10-K and quarterly Form 10-Q reports found in the SEC’s EDGAR database.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt, such as 501(c)(3) entities, must disclose their EIN publicly through their annual information return, IRS Form 990. These forms are often made available by the organization itself or through public databases maintained by third-party services like Guidestar. The IRS also provides a Tax Exempt Organization Search tool where the EIN for many non-profits can be located.
Common Business Situations Where EINs Are Accessible
Beyond mandated regulatory filings, the EIN is routinely disclosed in various common business and transactional interactions. When a business contracts with a vendor or independent contractor, it is standard practice to request the completion of a Form W-9, which requires the entity to provide its EIN for tax reporting purposes. This form is used to collect the necessary information for the payer to issue a Form 1099 at the end of the year.
The number may also be found in certain state-level business registration databases, particularly when a company registers its entity type or applies for specific licenses or permits. While the inclusion of the EIN varies significantly by state and jurisdiction, some state Secretary of State websites provide this information in their publicly searchable corporate records. The EIN is also frequently included on substantial contractual agreements, loan applications, and official invoices from large vendors.
Reasons for Needing a Company’s EIN
Individuals and businesses seek a company’s EIN for several practical and administrative reasons, most of which relate to financial or legal verification.
One of the most common requirements is for accurate tax reporting, such as when a business needs to fill out a Form W-9 before issuing a Form 1099 for services rendered. The EIN ensures that the payment is correctly attributed to the recipient for IRS purposes.
The number is also necessary for due diligence during vendor verification, helping a business confirm the legal identity of a partner or supplier before entering into a contract. Researchers and potential donors often need the EIN for non-profit organizations to access and analyze the organization’s Form 990, which provides insights into its financial health and operational transparency. Finally, the EIN is often a required piece of information for background checks or when initiating legal proceedings against a corporate entity.