Key takeaways. You don’t need a new EIN if you lose yours. Check the IRS notice you got when you applied, past business tax returns, your business bank or agencies that issued your licenses. The IRS can also give it to you by phone at 800-829-4933 after verifying your identity.
Your EIN stays with your business, so the job is finding the number, not replacing it. Start with your own records, then go to the IRS if they come up empty.
Where can I find my EIN?
Your EIN is printed on the confirmation notice the IRS sent when you applied, and on past business tax returns. Your bank and any agency that issued you a state or local license will also have it on file.
The IRS EIN page suggests looking in these places first.
- The notice the IRS issued when you applied (often a CP 575).
- Past federal business tax returns.
- The bank that holds your business account.
- Agencies where you applied for state or local licenses.
Payroll software, your accountant’s files and old loan applications are worth checking too.
How do I get my EIN from the IRS?
Call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The IRS typically gives you the number on the call once it verifies your identity and your authorization.
Hours can change, so check before you call. Alaska and Hawaii callers follow Pacific time, according to the IRS. Have your name, title and the business’s legal name and address ready.
Who is allowed to get the EIN from the IRS?
The IRS says it will verify your identity and give you the number over the phone if you’re authorized to receive it (IRS). It doesn’t list the roles on that page, so have your title and the business details ready.
If the person listed with the IRS has left the business, the IRS says to update the record with Form 8822-B.
How do I get written proof of my EIN?
Ask the IRS for a 147C letter, which confirms your EIN in writing. You request it by calling the Business and Specialty Tax Line.
The IRS lists two other ways to confirm an EIN. You can request an entity transcript, or, if you’re an eligible Business Tax Account user, download a digital CP 575. How to get an IRS Letter 147C covers the phone steps and wait times.
| What you need | Best option | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The number, today | Call 800-829-4933 | IRS |
| Written proof for a bank or agency | Letter 147C | IRS |
| A copy of your original confirmation | Download a digital CP 575 in your Business Tax Account (eligible users) | IRS |
| A record of your account details | Entity transcript | IRS |
Should I apply for a new EIN if I can’t find mine?
No. The IRS says “a business entity should have only one EIN” (IRS). Recover the existing number instead of reapplying.
A new EIN comes up in some cases when ownership or structure changes, depending on your entity type (IRS). When you need a new EIN has the full table.
FAQ
Eligible Business Tax Account users can download a digital CP 575, according to the IRS. Otherwise, call the Business and Specialty Tax Line for the number.
If you’re authorized, the IRS can give you the number during the call. Our 147C guide covers the wait times.
Once you have the number, save the confirmation with your LLC formation documents so you aren’t searching for it again at tax time.
Sources
- IRS: Employer identification number (reviewed Jul 17, 2026)
- IRS: When to get a new EIN (reviewed Jul 21, 2026)
- IRS: Responsible parties and nominees (reviewed Nov 8, 2026)