If you lost your EIN, look first for the IRS notice issued when you applied, then check your business bank records, state or local license paperwork, and previous business tax returns. If those records do not turn it up, an owner or other authorized person can contact the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. The IRS can help locate an existing EIN after verifying the caller’s identity and authorization.
Where to look for a lost EIN
1. Find the original IRS notice
Search permanent business files for the notice the IRS issued when the entity applied for its EIN. The notice is the most direct record of the number. Keep it with the company’s permanent records once you find it.
2. Check records held by your bank and government agencies
- Ask the bank that holds the business checking or savings account to check its account-opening records.
- Review state and local license applications, registrations, and permits submitted for the business.
- Look at previously filed federal business tax returns, where the EIN is generally reported.
These are the IRS’s recommended searches before you call. They may reveal the number even when the original IRS notice is missing.
IRS ways to confirm an existing EIN
When your own records are insufficient, choose the confirmation route that matches your access and what the requesting institution needs.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- High-Quality Materials: Protect your files with ENGPOW fireproof accordion file organizer.It is made of 3-layered non-itchy silicone-coated fiberglass which withstand the temperature up to 2200℉.It has passed the UL94 -V0/5VA flame retardant test.Fireproof File Folder is fireproof＆Water-resistant,which can effectively protect your important documents in a fire,flood,and wet weather. They will further keep your files intact.Giving you time to save your important documents when disaster strikes
- Accordion File Organizer: A Safe Enough Folder to Keep Your Files. Say goodbye to cluttered files and disorganization with ENGPOW's file organizer folders. Compared with other folders,our fireproof folders is allows you to neatly store and classify letter/A4 files, receipts, cards, USB drives, pen, passports and more in a safe and orderly way. Perfect for daily file filing and storage.The Non-dusty material can prevent dust from sticking to the outside of our folder,always keep it neat and tidy.
- Large Capacity: 14.2" x 10.4" x 2", Compared with other folders, our Accordian File Organizer adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs.These include 13 accordion Pockets with labels(each expanding to 1.2 inches),1 zipper pocket,2 pen slot,6 card slots,4 small mesh bags,4 medium mesh bags,and 1 main pocket. You can securely store all your important documents and other items in this fireproof expanding file folder while effectively classifying and finding your files.
- Innovative Humanized Design: Design with a strong grab handle for carrying everything you needed easily. Featuring a double zipper for convenient opening and closing,you won't have to worry about losing any important documents. The included colorful labels make categorizing your files effortless. The fireproof file folder is suitable for business, travel, office, school, home storage, you can be 100% sure that your important documents are in a safe place.
- Trusted after sales service: In the event of an emergency, our fireproof accordion file organizer folders are lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. We only wish to present the best to customers,to protect your valuables.If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know.We promise to arrange a REPLACEMENT or 100% REFUND immediately. Ready to respond within a 24 hour time,your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products.
| Route | Best use | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Existing notice, bank record, license paperwork, or tax return | Fastest self-service search through records you already control | The record may be unavailable or may not satisfy a third party’s current proof requirement |
| Entity Transcript | An official IRS record route | You must follow the IRS access and request instructions |
| Business Tax Account digital CP575 | Downloadable written EIN confirmation for eligible entities | Eligibility varies by business type and filing history, and identity authentication is required |
| Phone request for Letter 147C | Help locating the EIN or obtaining a written “EIN Previously Assigned” letter | The IRS verifies identity and authorization; phone hours and contact details can change |
Entity Transcript
An Entity Transcript is an IRS confirmation option when your records are gone. Check the current IRS instructions for how your entity can request and access one at Employer identification number.
Business Tax Account and digital CP575
If your business qualifies for Business Tax Account, you may be able to download a digital CP575 notice. IRS account access requires identity authentication, and features depend on business type and filing history. An LLC filing as a sole proprietor on Schedule C or Schedule F is specifically not yet eligible through Business Tax Account, so use an Entity Transcript or phone request instead if that applies.
Rank #2
- Store (Family) Papers Safe & Sound: Keep all your essential papers safely in one spot with ZICOTOs’ important document organizer. Swiftly locate anything from legal to medical papers for the whole family. Ditch the paper chaos, embrace order & enjoy the simplicity with the Zicoto expanding file folder
- Organize It Like a Pro: Get super organized with 8 large, numbered envelopes (9.5x12”), each holding 40+ letter-sized sheets. Perfect for documents, passports, photos, and more. The document folder organizer transforms your paper clutter into a masterpiece of order!
- Customize to Your Needs: The important document folder organizer binder lets you label each section your way with a customizable table of contents, numbered envelopes and a sticker sheet with blank & pre-named stickers. Your Binder, your way - organizing has never been this easy!
- Ample Space for Everything: The 12.8x10.83” document organizer folio is perfect for your 8.5x11" letter size or A4 papers. Need more room? No worries, the life binder includes a handy back pocket for extra documents, notes and more. Keep everything neatly stored and easily accessible
- Stylish & Practical Premium Design: Featuring a chic linen cover in modern sage with classy golden edges, the expanding file folder looks as good as it functions. An elastic band keeps everything in place - no more loose papers flying around!
The digital CP575 substitutes for the original CP575A-J notice series. The IRS says banks and other institutions accept it as written EIN confirmation; still, ask the institution requesting proof which documents it will accept.
Letter 147C by phone
Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 and request Letter 147C, “EIN Previously Assigned,” when you need IRS assistance or a written confirmation. The IRS currently lists weekday service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time; Alaska and Hawaii callers use Pacific time. Verify the hours and number on the IRS page before calling because contact details can change.
Rank #3
- Eye-Catching Colors: Designed to stand out, this folder combines fresh, vibrant hues with sleek patterns, making organization not just functional but stylish. Perfect for adding a touch of charm and energy to your workspace
- Upgraded Spine for Larger Capacity: Our accordion file organizer with expandable spine design is more stretchy to fit over 250 sheets without bulking up too much. Unlike regular spines that can easily get dented, our spine is made for quality and not easy to deform in transit
- Easy Organization: This expanding file folder makes sorting and organizing your papers a breeze. Featuring 5 pockets with tabs and colorful labels for quick sorting and retrieval
- Made to Last: Reinforced plastic document folders resists tearing and creasing, with a secure snap closure to keep papers in place
- Portable & Lightweight: 13 x 9.5 inches. Fit A4/letter size documents. Compact and lightweight for easy carrying. Easily take your paperwork to a meeting or school
Only an authorized recipient should make the request. The IRS defines a responsible party as someone who owns, controls, or exercises effective control over the entity and directly or indirectly manages its funds and assets. Follow the IRS identity-verification process as the owner, responsible party, or another person authorized to receive the information. Nominees cannot apply for an EIN, and the cited IRS guidance does not provide a complete list of every acceptable caller authorization.
What to do if a bank or agency asks for proof
- Ask whether it needs the EIN itself or written IRS confirmation.
- Provide the original IRS notice if you have it.
- If the notice is missing, offer the digital CP575, an Entity Transcript, or Letter 147C, as appropriate.
- Confirm the institution’s own document rules before requesting a specific IRS record.
The IRS identifies the digital CP575 and Letter 147C as written confirmation alternatives to the original notice. It does not state a universal turnaround time for these routes.
Rank #4
- Ultimate Fireproof & Water-Resistant Protection: Keep your valuables safe with our DocSafe Hard-Shell fireproof file organizer. It is made of thickened silicone coated fireproof heat insulated cotton material and hard-shell material which can stands up against fire and passed the UL94 -V0/5VA flame retardant test. Fireproof box is both fireproof and water-resistant, ensuring your documents stay protected during fires, floods, or wet weather. It may fit both letter and legal-size files
- Upgraded Hard-Shell Design Fireproof Box: Our fireproof document box combines hard-shell construction with fireproof materials, offering unmatched protection and durability. Unlike traditional soft case, our design withstands extreme conditions while maintaining a sleek, professional look. The Non-dusty material actively repels dust,hair and stains, keeping your box clean and tidy for years. It’s the ultimate solution for safeguarding your important documents, laptop, and valuables
- Large-capacity: Outside size: 15.5" x 11.5" x 3"(Thickness can be expanded up to 4"). Our Accordion fireproof document box adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs. These include 13 accordion Pockets with labels,1 zipper pocket,4 pen slot,14 card slots,4 passport holder,4 small mesh bags,2 mesh bags,and 1 main pocket. It can store your important documents,money,passport,U Disk,cards,laptop,certificates in a safe and orderly way. Perfect for daily file filing and storage
- Fireproof File Organizer with Lock: Protect your valuables with the built-in high-quality combination lock (No keys required). Featuring a double metal zipper for convenient opening and closing. Design with a strong handle for carrying everything you needed easily. The fireproof file folder is suitable for business, travel, office, school, home storage, you can be 100% sure that your important documents are in a safe place. Of course, giving it as a gift to your family is also a good choice
- Trusted after sales service: Nothing is completely foolproof, but added protection is always a good idea. In an emergency, our fireproof document organizer ensures your files stay intact, giving you time to save your important documents. It is lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know. We are committed to solving your problem immediately, your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products
Finding an EIN is not the same as applying for one
Do not apply for a second EIN merely because the first one is misplaced. The IRS says an entity should have only one EIN. If you have multiple numbers and are unsure which to use, contact the Business and Specialty Tax Line.
If the business truly needs a new number, apply directly through the IRS for free using Get an employer identification number. The online tool is limited to qualifying domestic entities and an authorized responsible party or representative. An applicant whose principal place of business is outside the United States must use the IRS phone, fax, or mail process. Avoid paid intermediaries: the IRS does not charge for a direct EIN application.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-In-One Monthly Organizer: Keep all your important documents in one place with Sooez Accordion File Organizer. 13 pockets design works great for Monthly organizing and protecting all your important paperwork, bills, taxes, receipts, invoices and more. Perfect for letter size.
- Expandable Capacity: The accordion file folder can be stretched up to 12 inches. 13 pockets allow you to store more than 2000 sheets. No matter how many documents you need to store, this folder can accommodate your needs as it can be easily expanded according to your requirements.
- Efficient Organization & Easy Lookup: To enhance your file organization, we provide blank labels along with this folder. You can personalize them to suit your requirements, such as labeling sections by month for effortless file retrieval.
- Stable & Portable: Stand on its own on the desk and not easy to tip over. Designed with portability in mind, allowing you to effortlessly move it between your desk, cabinet, and any other preferred locations.
- Maximum Protection and Durability: Well made, made from durable wipe-clean polypropylene. Waterproof & sturdy. Tear-resistant plastic provides durable structure. Acid-free, PVC-free, and archival quality for safe storage. Adjustable snap closure helps keep contents secure. Use 2 additional front pockets for business cards, project title cards or notes.
Keep the number from getting lost again
- Store the IRS notice and any CP575 or Letter 147C in permanent business records.
- Maintain a secure digital copy with restricted access.
- Record the EIN in the business’s tax, banking, licensing, and accounting files.
- Do not share it publicly; provide it only to institutions or people who legitimately need it.
Official IRS references
- Employer identification number
- Responsible parties and nominees
- Get an employer identification number
- How to get an employer identification number for your business (August 10, 2026)
- Understanding your CP575 notice
- Business Tax Account
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
