Ever found yourself needing to verify a business's standing with the IRS, perhaps for a partnership, a donation, or simply due diligence? It can feel like navigating a maze, right? Don't worry, you're not alone! The good news is that the IRS provides several avenues to look up business information, especially concerning their tax-exempt status or Employer Identification Number (EIN). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it clear and manageable.
Understanding Why You Might Need to Look Up a Business with the IRS
Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly touch upon the "why." There are several legitimate reasons you might need to look up a business with the IRS:
- Verifying Tax-Exempt Status: If you're planning to donate to a charity or nonprofit, you'll want to ensure they are indeed tax-exempt so your contribution can be tax-deductible.
- Obtaining an EIN for Business Transactions: For business-to-business transactions, you might need a vendor's or client's EIN for reporting purposes.
- Due Diligence for Partnerships or Investments: Before entering into a significant business relationship, verifying their IRS standing can offer peace of mind and help assess their legitimacy.
- Tax Reporting Requirements: Sometimes, you might need a business's EIN to report income paid to them (e.g., for independent contractors on Form 1099).
- Your Own Business's EIN: If you've misplaced your own EIN, the IRS provides ways to retrieve it.
Now, let's get to the practical steps!
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| How To Look Up A Business With The Irs |
Step 1: Identify the Type of Business You're Looking Up
Before you start your search, it's crucial to understand what kind of business you're trying to find. This will significantly narrow down your options and lead you to the correct IRS tool or method.
Sub-heading: Is it a Charity or Nonprofit Organization?
If the business you're interested in is a charity, church, school, or other nonprofit organization, your primary tool will be the IRS's "Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS)." This is a publicly accessible database.
Sub-heading: Is it a For-Profit Business (e.g., Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship)?
For for-profit businesses, the IRS generally does not provide a publicly searchable database for their EINs due to privacy reasons. However, there are still ways to find the information, which we'll explore. This includes searching for your own business's EIN if you've misplaced it.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Step 2: Utilize the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) for Nonprofits
This is the go-to resource for verifying tax-exempt organizations.
Sub-heading: Accessing the TEOS Tool
- Go to the Official IRS Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the IRS website. You can typically find the "Tax Exempt Organization Search" by searching for it directly on IRS.gov or looking under the "Charities & Nonprofits" section.
- Direct Link (subject to change, but generally stable): Search for "IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search" on Google or your preferred search engine.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Search Options
Once on the TEOS page, you'll find various search options.
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Select Your Database: You can choose from several datasets in the dropdown list:
- Pub. 78 Data: This lists organizations that can receive tax-deductible contributions. This is often what individuals are looking for when donating.
- Automatic Revocation of Exemption List: Shows organizations whose tax-exempt status has been automatically revoked.
- Determination Letters: Contains copies of determination letters issued by the IRS, recognizing an organization as tax-exempt.
- Form 990 Series Returns: Allows you to view the annual information returns (like Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T) filed by tax-exempt organizations.
- Form 990-N (e-Postcard): For small tax-exempt organizations (gross receipts normally $50,000 or less).
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Choose Your Search Criteria: You can search by:
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you already have the EIN, this is the most direct way to search.
- Organization Name: Enter the full name or part of the name.
- Tip: Use quotation marks around the name for an exact phrase search (e.g., "Anytown General Hospital").
- Avoid common words like "the" or "foundation" unless they are critical to the unique name.
- Note: Organizations are listed under their legal name or a "doing business as" (DBA) name on file with the IRS. Popular or common names may not be listed. In Publication 78 data, DBA names are not listed.
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Refine Your Search (Optional):
- You can often narrow your search by adding a date range if you're looking for information within a specific period (e.g., for revocation dates).
Sub-heading: Interpreting the Search Results
Once you submit your search, carefully review the results.
- Verify the Name and EIN: Ensure the organization name and EIN (if provided) match the entity you're looking for.
- Check Status: The results will indicate the organization's tax-exempt status, revocation status, and possibly links to their filed forms.
- Download Forms: For Form 990 series returns, you can often download the actual forms to review their financial information.
Step 3: Strategies for Looking Up For-Profit Businesses (and Your Own EIN)
As mentioned, the IRS does not provide a public search tool for EINs of all for-profit businesses due to privacy. However, there are several effective indirect methods.
Sub-heading: If You're Looking for Your Own Business's EIN
If you've misplaced your own business's Employer Identification Number, don't fret! The IRS provides direct ways to retrieve it.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
- Check Your EIN Confirmation Letter: When you initially applied for your EIN, the IRS sent you a confirmation letter (either electronically or by mail/fax). This is the most reliable place to find it. Look for documents titled "EIN Confirmation Letter" or "EIN Assignment Notice."
- Review Past Tax Returns and Business Documents: Your EIN will be listed on all your federal business tax returns (e.g., Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, Schedule C for sole proprietors if they have an EIN).
- Also, check business licenses and permits, business bank account statements, loan applications, and payroll paperwork (like W-2s or 1099s you've issued or received).
- Contact Your Bank: If you opened a business bank account, your bank will likely have your EIN on file as it's required for account setup.
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: This is a direct and effective method.
- Phone Number: 1-800-829-4933
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
- Preparation: Be prepared to verify your identity by answering questions about your business, such as the business name, address, and your role (e.g., corporate officer, sole proprietor, partner, executor). The IRS will only provide the EIN to an authorized party.
Sub-heading: If You're Looking for Another For-Profit Business's EIN
This is generally more challenging due to privacy.
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- Simply Ask the Company: The most straightforward method, if appropriate, is to politely ask the company for their EIN. Explain why you need it (e.g., for tax reporting, vendor setup). Their accounting or finance department is usually the best point of contact.
- Search SEC Filings (for Publicly Traded Companies): If the business is a publicly traded company, they are required to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Their EIN is often listed in these public filings.
- Tool: Use the SEC's EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) system. Search by company name or ticker symbol. Look for their 10-K (annual report) or 10-Q (quarterly report) filings. The EIN is typically found in the company's legal or financial disclosures.
- Check Business Credit Reporting Agencies: Services like Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, or Equifax often include EINs in their business credit reports. While these reports usually come with a fee, they can provide comprehensive business information, including the EIN.
- State Business Registries/Secretary of State Websites: Some states might include EINs in their public business registration databases, though this is not universal. You can typically search by business name on your state's Secretary of State website to see what public information is available.
- Review Official Documents (if applicable): If you have any formal agreements, contracts, or invoices from the business, their EIN might be listed there.
- Paid Third-Party EIN Lookup Services: Several online services offer EIN lookup for a fee. Exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of these services before paying. Always prioritize official IRS or government sources when possible.
Step 4: What to Do if You Still Can't Find the Information
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the information might remain elusive.
- Re-evaluate Your Need: Is the EIN absolutely essential? Can your objective be achieved by other means?
- Consider Professional Help: If you have a critical need for the information and have exhausted all other avenues, consider consulting a tax professional or legal expert. They may have access to databases or methods not readily available to the public, or they can advise on alternative compliance strategies.
- IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line (for Your Own EIN): As a reminder, if it's your own EIN you're looking for, calling the IRS directly is the most reliable fallback.
Variety of Styling in Action
Throughout this guide, you've seen various styling elements used to enhance readability and highlight key information. For instance:
- Bold text is used for headings, subheadings, and important keywords to draw your eye.
- Italicized text is used for tips, notes, or to emphasize particular phrases, adding a conversational and guiding tone.
- Bullet points and numbered lists break down complex steps into manageable chunks.
This combination of styling helps to create a visually engaging and easy-to-follow guide, making the process of looking up a business with the IRS less daunting.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about looking up businesses with the IRS, with quick answers:
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
How to find the EIN of a tax-exempt organization?
You can find the EIN of a tax-exempt organization using the IRS's online Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool, searching by name or EIN.
How to look up my own business's EIN if I lost it?
You can find your own business's EIN on your original EIN confirmation letter, past federal tax returns, business bank account statements, or by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
How to find the EIN of a publicly traded company?
You can find the EIN of a publicly traded company by searching their filings on the SEC's EDGAR system; the EIN is typically listed in their 10-K or 10-Q reports.
How to verify if a charity is legitimate for tax-deductible donations?
Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and look for the organization in the "Pub. 78 Data" to confirm if your contributions are tax-deductible.
How to search for a business by name on the IRS website?
For tax-exempt organizations, you can search by name using the IRS TEOS tool. For other types of businesses, the IRS does not offer a public business name lookup for EINs.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
How to get an EIN for a new business?
You can apply for an EIN for free directly through the IRS website using their online application, which provides the EIN immediately upon approval.
How to know if a business needs an EIN?
Generally, a business needs an EIN if it has employees, operates as a corporation or partnership, files excise or employment taxes, or withholds taxes on income (other than wages) paid to a nonresident alien. Sole proprietors typically don't need one unless they have employees.
How to get a copy of my business tax transcript from the IRS?
You can get a business tax transcript by accessing your business tax account online, requesting it by mail using Form 4506-T, or by calling the IRS business and specialty tax line.
How to find a private company's EIN if it's not publicly available?
The best ways to find a private company's EIN are to politely ask the company directly or, if applicable, check existing contracts or invoices. Business credit reporting agencies may also have this information for a fee.
How to check if an EIN is valid?
While the IRS doesn't have a public EIN validation tool for all businesses, if you have a legitimate need (e.g., for certain tax-reporting payers), the IRS offers a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Matching service. For tax-exempt organizations, their listing on the TEOS confirms their status and implicitly, their EIN's validity.
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