A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses and organizations operating in the United States. It is used to identify the business for tax purposes and is required for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing taxes.
There are several ways to check the validity of a FEIN. One way is to use the IRS’s online tool, the Business Name and Address Search. This tool allows you to search for a business by name or address and will return the business’s FEIN if it is on file with the IRS. Another way to check the validity of a FEIN is to call the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The IRS representative will be able to verify the FEIN and provide you with additional information about the business.
It is important to check the validity of a FEIN before doing business with a company. This will help to ensure that the company is legitimate and that you are not dealing with a scam artist.
1. Online
The internet has made it easier than ever to check the validity of a FEIN. There are a number of online tools available, including the IRS’s Business Name and Address Search, that allow you to search for a business by name or address and will return the business’s FEIN if it is on file with the IRS. These tools are quick and easy to use, and they provide immediate results.
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Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of using an online tool to check the validity of a FEIN is its convenience. You can check the FEIN of any business from anywhere with an internet connection, and you don’t have to wait for a response from the IRS. This can be especially helpful if you are doing business with a company that is located in another state or country.
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Accuracy
The IRS’s online tools are very accurate, and they will only return the FEIN of a business if it is on file with the IRS. This means that you can be confident that the FEIN you are checking is valid.
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Speed
The IRS’s online tools are very fast, and they will typically return the FEIN of a business within a few seconds. This can be especially helpful if you are in a hurry to check the validity of a FEIN.
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Free
The IRS’s online tools are free to use. This means that you don’t have to pay anything to check the validity of a FEIN.
Overall, using an online tool to check the validity of a FEIN is a quick, easy, and accurate way to verify the identity of a business. It is a valuable tool for anyone who does business with other companies.
2. By phone
Calling the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 is another option for checking the validity of a FEIN. This method is generally less convenient than using the IRS’s online tool, but it may be necessary if you do not have access to the internet or if you need to speak to an IRS representative directly.
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Convenience
One of the benefits of calling the IRS to check the validity of a FEIN is that you can speak to a live representative who can answer your questions and help you with the process. This can be especially helpful if you have any complex questions about your business or its taxes.
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Accuracy
The IRS representatives who answer the Business & Specialty Tax Line are trained to help you with your tax questions, including verifying the validity of FEINs. You can be confident that the information you receive from the IRS is accurate and up-to-date.
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Speed
Calling the IRS to check the validity of a FEIN is generally faster than mailing in a request. You can typically get your answer within a few minutes.
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Cost
Calling the IRS to check the validity of a FEIN is free of charge.
Overall, calling the IRS to check the validity of a FEIN is a convenient and accurate way to verify the identity of a business. It is a good option for businesses that do not have access to the internet or that need to speak to an IRS representative directly.
3. In person
Visiting your local IRS office in person is the most traditional method of checking a FEIN. While it may not be as convenient as the online or phone methods, it does offer some advantages.
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Accuracy
When you check a FEIN in person, you can be confident that the information you receive is accurate and up-to-date. This is because the IRS representative will have access to the most recent information on file.
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Security
Checking a FEIN in person is also more secure than doing it online or over the phone. This is because you will not need to provide any personal information, such as your Social Security number, when you visit the IRS office.
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Convenience
While visiting the IRS office in person may not be as convenient as the online or phone methods, it is still a relatively easy process. The IRS has offices in most major cities, and the staff is typically helpful and knowledgeable.
Overall, checking a FEIN in person is a good option for businesses that need to verify the validity of a FEIN and want to be sure that the information they receive is accurate and secure.
FAQs About How to Check FEIN
The following are some frequently asked questions about how to check a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):
Question 1: What is a FEIN?
A FEIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses and organizations operating in the United States. It is used to identify the business for tax purposes and is required for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing taxes.
Question 2: Why should I check a FEIN?
There are several reasons why you may need to check a FEIN. For example, you may need to check a FEIN before doing business with a company to ensure that the company is legitimate. You may also need to check a FEIN if you are considering hiring an employee or if you are receiving a tax refund.
Question 3: How can I check a FEIN?
There are three ways to check a FEIN: online, by phone, or in person. The most convenient way to check a FEIN is to use the IRS’s online tool, the Business Name and Address Search. You can also check a FEIN by calling the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Finally, you can also check a FEIN in person at your local IRS office.
Question 4: What information do I need to check a FEIN?
To check a FEIN, you will need the business’s name and address. If you are checking a FEIN online, you will also need the business’s EIN. If you are checking a FEIN by phone or in person, you will need to provide the IRS representative with the business’s name, address, and EIN.
Question 5: What do I do if the FEIN is invalid?
If the FEIN is invalid, you should contact the business and ask for the correct FEIN. You should also be cautious about doing business with a company that has an invalid FEIN.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about FEINs?
You can find more information about FEINs on the IRS website. You can also contact the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about how to check a FEIN. If you have any other questions, please contact the IRS.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know how to check a FEIN, you can be confident that you are doing business with legitimate companies and that you are receiving the correct tax refunds.
Tips for Checking FEINs
The following are some tips for checking FEINs:
Tip 1: Use the IRS’s online tool.
The IRS’s online tool, the Business Name and Address Search, is the most convenient way to check a FEIN. This tool allows you to search for a business by name or address and will return the business’s FEIN if it is on file with the IRS. This tool is quick and easy to use, and it provides immediate results.
Tip 2: Call the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line.
You can also check a FEIN by calling the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The IRS representative will be able to verify the FEIN and provide you with additional information about the business. This method is generally less convenient than using the IRS’s online tool, but it may be necessary if you do not have access to the internet or if you need to speak to an IRS representative directly.
Tip 3: Check the FEIN in person.
Finally, you can also check a FEIN in person at your local IRS office. You will need to bring a copy of the business’s tax return or other documentation that shows the FEIN. This method is the most traditional way to check a FEIN, but it may not be as convenient as the online or phone methods.
Tip 4: Be sure to check the FEIN before doing business with a company.
It is important to check the FEIN of a company before doing business with them. This will help to ensure that the company is legitimate and that you are not dealing with a scam artist.
Tip 5: Keep a record of the FEINs you check.
It is a good idea to keep a record of the FEINs you check. This will help you to keep track of the companies you do business with and will make it easier to check the FEINs again in the future if necessary.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you are checking FEINs correctly and that you are doing business with legitimate companies.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Checking FEINs is important to ensure that you are doing business with legitimate companies.
- There are three ways to check a FEIN: online, by phone, and in person.
- The IRS’s online tool is the most convenient way to check a FEIN.
- It is a good idea to keep a record of the FEINs you check.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
By following these tips, you can be confident that you are checking FEINs correctly and that you are doing business with legitimate companies. This will help you to protect yourself from fraud and ensure that you are getting the most out of your business relationships.
Closing Remarks on Checking FEINs
Knowing how to check a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is essential for businesses and individuals alike. By verifying the validity of a FEIN, you can ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate entity and protect yourself from potential fraud. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the various methods available for checking FEINs, including online, by phone, and in person. It is important to remember that checking a FEIN is a simple and effective way to safeguard your business interests.
In today’s increasingly complex business environment, it is more important than ever to be vigilant about verifying the identities of the companies and individuals you do business with. By taking the time to check FEINs, you can help to protect yourself from financial loss and other potential risks.