How to look up a company’s FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
As a company manager, it is essential to have accurate and up-to-date information about your business. One critical piece of information that you should always have on hand is the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This number is used by the IRS to identify businesses for tax purposes, and it is required for many business activities, such as opening a bank account or applying for credit.
What is a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)?
A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify businesses for tax purposes. The FEIN is used to open bank accounts, apply for credit, and file taxes. It is also required for many other business activities, such as hiring employees, obtaining licenses and permits, and registering with the government.
The FEIN is a critical piece of information for any business, and it is essential to have it on hand at all times. If you do not have your company’s FEIN, you may be unable to open a bank account or apply for credit, which can severely limit your ability to operate your business.
How to Look Up a Company’s FEIN: Step-by-Step Instructions
There are several ways to look up a company’s FEIN, depending on the information you have available. Here are some step-by-step instructions for each method:
Method 1: Using the IRS Website
The easiest way to find a company’s FEIN is to use the IRS website. The IRS provides a tool called the Employer Identification Number (EIN) lookup service, which allows you to search for a company’s FEIN by its name, address, or Social Security number.
- Visit the IRS website at irs.gov.
- Click on the “Tools” menu at the top of the page and select “EIN Lookup Service.”
- Enter the company’s name, address, or Social Security number in the search box.
- Click on the “Search” button to begin the search.
- The EIN lookup service will display the company’s FEIN if it is found. If the company is not found, you may be prompted to try again with different information.
Method 2: Using the Business Register
Another way to find a company’s FEIN is to use the business register in your state or county. The business register is a database of businesses that are registered with the government. It typically includes information such as the company’s name, address, and phone number, as well as its FEIN.
To access the business register, visit the website of your state or county government agency responsible for business registration. The process for searching the business register may vary depending on your location, but it typically involves entering the company’s name or other identifying information in a search box and viewing the results.
Method 3: Using the Secretary of State Website
In some states, you can find a company’s FEIN by searching the Secretary of State website. The Secretary of State website typically includes a database of businesses that are registered with the state, as well as their FEINs.
To access the Secretary of State website, visit the website of your state government agency responsible for business registration. The process for searching the Secretary of State website may vary depending on your location, but it typically involves entering the company’s name or other identifying information in a search box and viewing the results.