I lost my EIN — how do I find it?
The IRS doesn't reissue lost EINs the way Social Security replaces lost cards. But there are 4 reliable ways to recover yours.
Method 1: Check your portal (if we filed it for you)
If you got your EIN through FormationHub, the confirmation letter is in your customer portal:
Sign in at https://www.formationhub.com/member
Go to your business → Documents
Look for EIN Confirmation Letter (also called CP-575 or 147C)
The 9-digit number is at the top of the letter: XX-XXXXXXX.
Method 2: Old tax returns
If you've filed at least one tax return for the business, the EIN is on:
1065 (partnership LLC): page 1, top
1120 / 1120-S (corporation): page 1, top
Schedule C (single-member LLC sole prop): line D
Any 941 (payroll), 940 (unemployment), or W-2 (employee) form
Method 3: Bank statements
If you opened a business bank account, the EIN is on: - Your bank's signature card (often kept by the bank, ask them) - 1099-INT or 1099-MISC issued by the bank - Sometimes printed on monthly statements (varies by bank)
Method 4: Call the IRS (147C letter)
If methods 1-3 don't work:
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: 800-829-4933
Hours: M-F 7am-7pm local time (yours)
Tell them you need a 147C letter (EIN verification)
They'll verify your identity (typically 4-5 questions including the responsible-party name and business address)
They'll either: - Read the EIN to you over the phone, OR - Mail/fax you the 147C letter (allow 1-2 weeks for mail)
Tips for the call: - Be the responsible party (the person whose name is on the original SS-4 filing) OR have a Power of Attorney (Form 2848) on file - Have your business name, address, and approximate formation date ready - Be patient — average hold time is 30-60 minutes during tax season
What's the difference between CP-575 and 147C?
CP-575: the original EIN confirmation letter the IRS sends when you first apply. You only get ONE in your lifetime.
147C: a verification letter the IRS issues if you've lost your CP-575. Same EIN, different document. Banks and other institutions accept both as proof of EIN.
We don't have a way to retrieve another CP-575 from the IRS — only a 147C.
Common scams to avoid
⚠️ Several websites offer to "verify" your EIN for $50-200. Don't pay them. The IRS issues 147C letters for free. Anyone charging for an EIN verification is just calling the IRS for you while charging a markup.
⚠️ Phone scams: anyone calling you claiming to be from the IRS demanding immediate payment is a scam. The IRS only contacts you by mail first.
⚠️ Email scams: the IRS does not email you about your EIN, period. Any email asking you to "verify" or "update" your EIN by clicking a link is phishing.
How to never lose it again
Save a digital copy of your CP-575 / 147C in 2 places: your phone (encrypted) + cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud).
Print one physical copy and keep it with your other business records.
Add the EIN to your password manager as a secure note tied to your business name.
Need help?
If you got your EIN through us and can't find it in your portal, open a chat — we can look it up from our records. Our support team is available M-F 9am-6pm ET.