How to Obtain a Past Employer's Tax ID Number
- 1). Check your old paychecks, paystubs, or W2s. The EIN should be listed on these documents but may be listed on others. Check any invoices or correspondence you have from the company.
- 2). Call your employer and ask for the EIN number. The accounting or payroll department should have this information. State that you are a past employee and tell them why you need the number (for example, to report your earnings to the IRS).
- 3). Locate the EIN number on the first page of Securities and Exchange (SEC) filings for public companies through the SEC's EDGAR database. The EIN is printed on the first page of many filings including 10-Ks and 20-Fs. For non profits, try searching for Form 990 through GuideStar. Both of these services are free.
- 4). Visit your local public library and ask to speak to the reference librarian. Explain that you are trying to locate your past employer's EIN. Public libraries often have access to databases that are unavailable to the general public (like ReferenceUSA or Lexis) and the librarian may be able to help you to locate the number.
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