How do I find my employer's EIN or Tax ID?
Where's the EIN located on a W-2 form?
The best place to look for your employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number) or Tax ID is in Box b of your W-2 form. Look for a 9-digit number with a dash separating the second and third digit (NN-NNNNNNN). It's usually right above your employer's name or below their address.
Do I have to wait until I receive my W-2 to find my employer’s EIN?
It's best to wait until you get it, either in the mail or electronically (if your company offers electronic delivery). Your employer is required to have your W-2 available by January 31.
If February 14 has rolled around and you're still without it, we can help you figure out what to do next.
Can I find my employer’s tax ID on pay stubs or payroll records?
Yes, you can often find it on your pay stub.
Many employers include their EIN on pay stubs. Look near the employer information section. The EIN is a 9-digit number with a dash (NN-NNNNNNN).
Other places to check:
Year-end payroll summaries
Benefits enrollment paperwork
Retirement account statements (like 401(k) statements)
If you don't see it on these documents, ask your payroll or HR department.
Can I look up my employer's EIN via public record?
EINs aren't confidential, but they're not easy to find online.
The IRS doesn't publish a public database of EINs. This info isn't a secret, but it's not readily available either.
For some businesses, you can find the EIN in:
SEC filings (for publicly traded companies)
State business registrations (varies by state)
Nonprofit tax returns (Form 990, available on sites like GuideStar)
These searches can be hit or miss. It's usually faster to get the EIN directly from your employer.
Where else can I find my employer's EIN while I'm waiting for my W-2?
Try asking your employer (specifically, their payroll, human resources, or accounting department).
Get it from last year's W-2, if you're still working for the same company. This is assuming your employer kept the same EIN (most of them do).
If you work for a publicly traded company (i.e., it has a stock symbol), try an online search for their 10-K.
On the 10-K, look for IRS Employer Identification No. or similar. It's usually on the first page. (This might not work if your employer has multiple EINs.)
We don't maintain, nor are we able to retrieve, your employer's EIN.
What should I do if my employer refuses to provide their EIN?
Contact the IRS if your employer won't share their EIN.
If you can't find it on your W-2, pay stub, or other paperwork, try asking your employer's:
Payroll department
HR or accounting team
If they still won't provide it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have this info ready:
Your employer's legal business name
Their business address
The reason you need the EIN
The IRS can help you get the number you need to file your taxes.
What are the steps to find an EIN for a business that has permanently closed?
You have a few options for finding an EIN from a closed business.
Try these steps:
Look for your last W-2 or pay stub from that employer. The EIN should be in Box b of your W-2.
If your employer went bankrupt, search for court documents. The EIN often appears on the docket sheet with the company name and address.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Give them the business name and address. They can help you get the EIN.
Some states keep business registration info online. Search your state's Secretary of State website.
You need the EIN to report your income correctly. Don't skip this step even if the business closed.
