How to Find My Employer's Federal Tax ID Number

Employees of companies located in the United States need their employer's federal tax identification number to file taxes. The tax ID number is used by the Internal Revenue Service to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. The number is equivalent to an individual's Social Security number. Companies are required to obtain a number to pay its employees and pay taxes. If you need to file your personal taxes, you can obtain your employer's tax ID number in various ways.

• 1

  Request your employer's federal tax ID number from the company's payroll department. You may be required to fill out a request form to obtain the number.

• 2

  Locate your W-2 forms for previous years. If you worked for the company in previous tax years, the tax ID number can be found on an old W-2 form. The number is listed as "Employer Identification Number."

• 3

  Access the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval, or EDGAR, database online. The free database is operated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The database features SEC filings from numerous companies located within the United States. Perform a search for your employer by visiting the SEC website and clicking "Search for Company Filings." Select "Company or Fund Name" and enter your employer's name. Select a filing to review. Your employer's tax ID number is listed as "IRS No" on the filing.