If you are searching for a specific company’s EIN number in California, you are not alone. Many individuals wonder how and where to find the Tax ID numbers (also known as Business ID Numbers) that relate to a business they are a part of or interested in.
However, your access to these nine digits relies on your access to the business. EIN Numbers are considered private, so therefore companies try to keep these numbers out of the public sphere.
If you are the owner or shareholder of a company, you should be able to find your EIN number. But if you are not associated with a business, it may be difficult to obtain their EIN number, and for a good reason. Federal agencies and California’s own state agencies should not give this information out to the public since it is a matter of both safety and privacy for businesses everywhere.
Why do we use EIN numbers?
EIN Numbers, or numbers for employer identification, are issued through the IRS to companies. Also called Employer ID Numbers and Tax ID Numbers, these nine-digit numbers are essential to both possess and understand when running a business. Since EIN numbers are dictated by the federal government, the Tax ID you use federally will be the same as the one you use in California. Since this number is the way in which your business is classified by the IRS, you simply cannot run your business without it.
Think of your company’s EIN Number in the same way that you do your own Social Security Number. Your SSN works to identify you with various agencies, both state and federal, and is an important part of your identity as a U.S. citizen. Your Tax ID is also an essential piece of information and works to identify your business as a taxable entity.
How do I find the EIN for my California Company?
As tax season approaches, you might find yourself receiving requests for your EIN from other businesses you have worked with in the past year. They need your business’ EIN so that they can file tax forms, just as you may need the EIN numbers from other companies you have done business with. You will also find that you need your EIN in order to file taxes federally and with the state.
If you have already set up your new company, you already have an EIN number. Do not worry if you cannot remember it now; we will get to that. But if you are running a business, then you either filed a request online or submitted an application to the IRS (A form called SS-4) through the mail or by fax. When the application was accepted, you would have been given a copy of a document that clearly stated the EIN that belongs to your company. In many ways, an EIN makes a business “official” and registers the company with the correct agencies. With an EIN, you are ready to run your company.
What if I still can’t find my EIN?
If you still don’t know what your EIN is or where to find it, just relax. There are many solutions we can look at here. For example, have you filed forms (in California or federally) that are related to income tax, excise tax, sales tax, tax withholding for employees, or worker’s compensation? If so, your EIN will be clearly printed on those documents. Also, check your financial statements from banks, creditors, and other business forms you have from the past year.
Many times, the EIN you are looking for can be found on business documents that you have saved as paper copies or PDFs online. However, if, for some reason, you cannot find your California EIN anywhere, then we have a few more suggestions.
You can try contacting institutions you have done business with over the past year. These may include banks, insurance companies, creditors, lenders, or any agencies that might have this information. You are also welcome to contact the state: California has a Division of Business Entities that could be helpful, with easy-to-navigate links online.
Finally, the website of the Internal Revenue Service will have your EIN. However, they will not simply give you the nine-digit number, and for a good reason. Instead, they will ask for some pertinent information to make sure that you truly are associated with—or running—the business.
What about my employer’s EIN Number?
If you work for a business and would like to find the EIN, check your paychecks, W2s, and any. Other tax documents you have received. You can also simply contact your boss or manager and ask them.
What about other companies’ EIN numbers?
All business structures are different, and we realize you might need the Tax ID Number of a business you have done business with in the past. Perhaps you need to fill out tax forms or other documents. Luckily, there is a specific form for this. All you need to do is download and print out a request through the IRS (W-9) and send it to the business.
What if I still have questions about how to find an EIN in California?
If you are looking for more information, our California law firm of Nakase Wade is a great place to start. Our business attorneys have expertise in business law and can help you figure out everything you need to know about EIN numbers. Good luck!
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