Introduction
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identification number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses and organizations for tax purposes. It is an essential number that is used to identify businesses and organizations for tax reporting purposes, opening a business bank account, creating a payroll system, and hiring employees. A W-2 form is a document that an employer is required to issue to their employees that contains information about the employee’s wages, taxes withheld, and other earnings. In some cases, an individual may need to find their EIN without having a W-2 form, and this article will explore the different ways this can be done.
Step-By-Step Guide
When an individual needs to find their Employer Identification Number, there are a few different options available to them.
Step 1: Gathering Necessary Information
Before beginning the process of finding the EIN, it’s important to gather all the necessary information needed to complete the different steps. This information includes the name of the business or organization, its mailing address, and any other details that may be relevant.
Step 2: Contacting the IRS to Request the EIN
One option for finding the EIN is to contact the IRS directly. This can be done by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm in the local time zone. When speaking with an IRS representative, they will ask for certain information to verify the individual’s identity and determine whether they are authorized to receive the EIN. The IRS representative may then provide the EIN over the phone, or they may mail it to the individual’s address.
Step 3: Contacting the Employer to Request the EIN
The next option is to reach out to the employer directly to request the EIN. This can be accomplished by contacting the employer’s human resources department or accounting department. It’s important to have all the necessary information, including the employer’s name, address, and contact information, to make the request. The employer may provide the EIN over the phone, by email, or by mail to the individual’s address.
Step 4: Filling out Form SS-4 to Apply for a New EIN
If the first two options do not work, or if the individual cannot reach the employer, they can apply for a new EIN by filling out Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. This form can be completed online at the IRS website or by mail or fax. It’s important to note that this option should only be used as a last resort, as it will result in the creation of a new EIN, which can cause complications with tax reporting.
Online Search
Another option for finding the EIN is to conduct an online search using public business databases. These databases contain information about businesses and organizations, including their EIN, and can be accessed through various websites. One common database is the Business Entities Search offered by the Secretary of State in each state. To use this database, the individual will need to input the state in which the business is located and its name. They can then view the business’s information, including its EIN.
Employing the Services of a Tax Professional
If the individual is still unable to locate their EIN, they may want to consider employing the services of a tax professional. Tax professionals are experienced in working with the IRS and can help individuals navigate the process of finding their EIN. To find a reputable tax professional, individuals can check professional organizations such as the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Additionally, they should consider the cost of hiring a tax professional and ensure it fits within their budget.
Reaching Out to Relevant Agencies
In some cases, contacting relevant state or federal agencies can help individuals find their EIN. These agencies may have access to public business databases or other resources that can assist in locating the EIN. Examples of agencies that may be able to help include the state’s Department of Revenue or the Small Business Administration. To contact these agencies, the individual will need to gather their contact information and any necessary documents or details that may be needed to request the EIN.
Contacting a Former Employer
If the individual needs to find the EIN of a former employer, they can try reaching out to the employer directly. This can be done by calling the company’s human resources department or reaching out to a former supervisor. It’s important to be polite and professional when making the request and to provide all the necessary information about the former employer, such as the name and contact information. If the individual is unable to reach the former employer, they may want to try searching for the company’s information using public business databases.
Conclusion
While not having a W-2 form can make finding the EIN more challenging, there are several options available to individuals who need to locate their EIN. By following the steps outlined in this article, individuals can contact the IRS, their employer, or relevant agencies, conduct an online search, or employ the services of a tax professional to find their EIN. It’s important for individuals to take action and solve the problem so that they can efficiently submit their tax returns and carry out business activities without delay.
