Once you have been assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN), it will not expire. There are, however, occasional situations in which you may be required to apply for a new EIN or change your existing one. These include if you decide to change the structure of your business, or need to take on employees, expanding your sole proprietorship.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the important information you need to know about your EIN as a business owner or manager. 

Why you might be confused about EIN expiration

Back in 2014, the Internal Revenue Service said that any Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) would expire if they were not used when submitting tax returns for 5 years in a row. Their initial statement was not entirely clear on whether or not this included Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and EINs. 

To clarify once and for all, this statement does not include EINs or SSNs. Once you have applied for and been assigned these numbers, it remains yours permanently. EINs, therefore, do not expire. 

How to verify an EIN

You may need to verify your own business’ EIN if you have lost or misplaced this piece of information. You may also want to verify another business’ EIN before you enter into a business agreement with them, especially if you choose to use them as a supplier. There are several ways in which you can verify another company’s EIN or your own. 

If you want to verify another business’ EIN, then the easiest way to do this is to ask them for it. If they do not have this information to hand, then the best thing to do would be to use an EIN lookup service like EINsearch. To verify your own EIN, you can take a look at the documentation you may have previously submitted to the IRS when you filed a tax return on behalf of your business. If you cannot find this information, then you can also use an EIN lookup service. 

As someone who has the authority to deal with a business’s sensitive information, then you can also phone the IRS on their EIN phone number – (800) 829-4933. The operator will ask you a few simple questions and tell you your EIN once you have answered all the security questions correctly. 

Changing an EIN

If you’re a business owner, you may have obtained an EIN when you initially started the company. However, as circumstances change, there are instances where you might need to consider changing your EIN. This is not a common occurrence, but understanding when it’s necessary can save you from potential legal and administrative complications. The following are examples of when changing an EIN becomes necessary. 

  • Change in ownership or organizational structure: If an existing business is inherited or purchased, and the new owner intends to operate it as a sole proprietorship, a new EIN is typically required.
  • The transition from sole proprietorship: When a sole proprietorship undergoes a significant change and transforms into a corporation or partnership, obtaining a new EIN becomes necessary.
  • Corporate restructuring: If there is a structural shift within a corporation and becomes a sole proprietorship or partnership, or vice versa, a new EIN will be needed to reflect the updated legal status.
  • Changes in partnership: A partnership that evolves into a corporation or sole proprietorship, or undergoes any other substantial change, will require a new EIN.
  • Transfer of business control: If the business is taken over by their estate, a new EIN may be required.

Whether prompted by a change in ownership, organizational structure, or other significant shifts, changing your EIN is a straightforward but essential process. It not only aligns your business with legal standards but also contributes to safeguarding your sensitive information. 

How to find your EIN

If you need to find an existing EIN or your own one, then EINsearch offers you a quick and easy way to locate it. You won’t have to wait for ages on the phone with the IRS or apply for a new one. EINsearch’s extensive database offers customers access to either verify their own EINs or to find information about another company. Our services include comprehensive packages to suit any of your business needs and budget. 

If you need to find your or another business’ EIN or confirm other information about the company, get in touch with our team at EINsearch today. We’d be happy to assist you with our EIN lookup services.