Public Company

• 1). Navigate to the Security and Exchange's Electronic Data Gathering Analysis & Retrieval (EDGAR) database (see Resources).
  
  
• 2). Type the company name into the "Company Name" text box, and press the "Return" key.
  
  
• 3). Click on the Central Index Key to the left of the company name.
  
  
• 4). Click on "Documents" in the Format to view a list of documents, and then click on a specific document in the "Document" column. The EIN is listed on the first page of most SEC filings.
  
  

Nonprofit Organization

• 1). Click on the "Guidestar" link (see Resources).
  
  
• 2). Type the company name into the "Organization name, EIN, City, State" text box.
  
  
• 3). Click "Start Your Search."
  
  
• 4). Click on the organization's name.
  
  
• 5). Click the "Forms" tab to view Form 990. You'll need to register to see the information; there is no charge. The EIN will be listed on the front page of Form 990.
  
  

Private Company

• 1). Check the company website to see whether it lists the EIN. It might be at the bottom of a page or on the "About" page.
  
  
• 2). Check any invoices or other documents you have received from the company, such as pay stubs. The EIN may be listed on those documents.
  
  
• 3). Search for the EIN with a fee-based service such as Westlaw BUS-TRACK or KnowX. One company, Free ERISA, offers three searches at no charge; after that, there is a fee. Type the company name into the "Enter a company name" text box, and then click "Search." You'll have to register for the service to view the information.