How to Verify an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) number is unique to each business. The IRS issues the EIN and uses it to identify the business in tax-related matters. If an individual wants to do business with a new company, he may want to verify the latter’s EIN beforehand. Furthermore, nonprofit organizations are exempt from sales tax with some companies. Consequently, he may need to verify the nonprofit organization’s status. He can conduct the EIN verification a number of ways.

IRS to Verify an EIN

You can call the IRS, at 877-829-5500, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., local time The IRS can verify the company’s EIN and give its status, such as whether it is exempt or not.

Fee-based Online Service to Verify an EIN

Use an online search company, such as KnowX, FEINSearch or Asset Searches. These companies can help you to find any businesses with an EIN. You can provide the company’s EIN number in order to verify it. A fee is generally required for these services, which vary by company. Some of these companies may offer a free trial. See if a trial is offered before purchasing the service. You will also need federal tax identification number in order to operate your business successfully. It is better if you get the Federal Tax Identification number along with the EIN for your company.

Nonprofit Search to Verify an EIN

Use GuideStar.org, if the company is nonprofit. GuideStar gathers and publicizes data regarding nonprofit companies. Its database includes a vast number of nonprofit organizations. These companies can share information about their companies fully and openly with GuideStar. The nonprofit organizations in GuideStar’s database can update (for free) data relating to mission, programs, leaders, objectives, accomplishments, and needs.

GuideStar merges the data that nonprofits supply with information from many other sources. Furthermore, Guidestar collects Form 990s that nonprofit organizations are required to publicly file. The form includes the company’s EIN. Create an account and password to use Guidestar’s free service.

EDGAR to Verify an EIN

Check EDGAR’s free online database. The law requires foreign and local companies to file periodic financial reports using the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system, which the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates. Organizations must include their EIN on these reports. Company filings starting from 1994 are available in EDGAR’s online database.

Tips to Verify an EIN

You can verify the EIN in many ways. It is important to check out the EIN before further procedure of a business. For verifying the EIN, you can

  • Visit the local library. Most libraries have a large database of companies, which includes the EIN and business operations, such as buyouts and mergers.

Some employees include their EIN on employee pay stubs and on company documents, such as purchase orders and sales invoices. You can check and verify the EIN from there.