Is a business tax ID number confidential?
No, EINs are not kept confidential and are a matter of public record. Therefore, it is important that you keep your EIN safe and secure to ensure that no one attempts to commit fraud by using your EIN.
Does an LLC need an EIN?
An LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below. Most new single-member LLCs classified as disregarded entities will need to obtain an EIN. An LLC applies for an EIN by filing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
Is tax ID the same as SSN?
A social security number (SSN) is a tax code used by an individual, while a tax ID is a nine-digit tax code for a business entity. Just like an individual uses their social security number to uniquely identify themselves on their tax paperwork, a business entity uses it in the same way.
Can you look up someone’s EIN?
Finding Someone Else’s EIN You can search for free in the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system. If the company has used its EIN on any forms filed with your local city or county government – taking out a business license, for instance – the forms are probably a public record.
Is it OK to give out your EIN number?
You can think of an EIN as a social security number for your business. Don’t worry about keeping it secure though, because unlike a social security number, an EIN is not considered sensitive information. Be careful to never give out your EIN unless you need to—in the wrong hands, it can be used for identity theft.
Can you look up an EIN number?
You can locate your EIN on your confirmation letter from the IRS, old tax returns, old business loan applications, your business credit report, or payroll paperwork. You can also call the IRS to look up your federal tax ID number. There are also free and paid databases that can help you find a business’s tax ID number.
Can you look up a company’s EIN?
If the company you need the EIN for is a publicly traded company, you will be able to obtain its EIN through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR database. Input the company name into the Company and Person Lookup search field, and check its latest Form 10-Q or Form 10-K filing for the company’s EIN.