For individuals and businesses navigating the world of U.S. federal taxes, one essential piece of information is the Employer Identification Number (EIN). This unique nine-digit number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is crucial for identifying a business entity for tax purposes. Whether you’re setting up payroll, filing returns, opening a bank account, or applying for business licenses, the EIN is often required.
But what happens if you lose your EIN or need to look one up? That’s where services like GovPlus can come into play. In this article, you’ll learn how to find an EIN number using GovPlus, what GovPlus offers, and what alternatives are available to retrieve your EIN if needed.
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is sometimes referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number. It is used by the IRS to identify a business entity, much like how a Social Security number (SSN) is used to identify individuals. Any business entity, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, non-profits, and trusts, may need an EIN at some point.
What Is GovPlus?
GovPlus is a third-party service provider that simplifies interactions with various U.S. government agencies. While not a government agency itself, GovPlus acts as an intermediary that helps individuals and businesses complete and manage government forms online — including EIN applications. They offer services for things like passport applications, Social Security changes, IRS forms, and more — including help with EIN lookups and applications.
Can You Use GovPlus to Find an Existing EIN?
The short answer is: Yes — under specific circumstances.
GovPlus does not provide a public EIN lookup database, but it can help retrieve your EIN if:
You used GovPlus to apply for your EIN in the first place.
You have a registered GovPlus account and access to the email or phone number you used during the original application.
Steps to Retrieve Your EIN via GovPlus:
Visit GovPlus: Go to the official GovPlus website.
Log into Your Account: Use your email and password to log into your customer dashboard.
Access EIN Services: Navigate to the EIN section under “My Documents” or “My Services.”
Download EIN Confirmation: If available, your EIN letter or application confirmation will be stored in your account dashboard.
Contact Support if Needed: If you can’t find your EIN, contact GovPlus support for help retrieving it.
Alternative Ways to Find Your EIN
If you didn’t use GovPlus or can’t access your account, there are still several ways to retrieve your EIN:
Look at IRS Documents
When you first receive your EIN, the IRS sends a CP 575 confirmation letter. If you saved this document — either digitally or physically — it contains your EIN. GovPlus will not give EINs to unauthorized individuals, so make sure you are legally permitted to receive this information.
Check with Your Bank
If you used your EIN to open a business bank account, your bank may be able to provide it to you after verifying your identity.
Check State or Local Filings
If your business is registered with a state agency (like the Secretary of State), your EIN might be part of those records. Visit your state’s official business entity search tool.
Why Use GovPlus Instead of Going Directly to the IRS?
While you can get an EIN for free directly through the IRS website, many people prefer using GovPlus for its streamlined, user-friendly process. The IRS forms can be confusing or intimidating, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. If you used GovPlus in the past, it’s a great option for retrieving lost documents such as your EIN confirmation letter.
Things to Watch Out For
While GovPlus offers legitimate services, you should always:
Ensure you’re on the official GovPlus website (watch for phishing or copycat domains)
Keep copies of all your application documents
Be cautious of additional fees — GovPlus charges a service fee, unlike the IRS, which is free
Also, remember that GovPlus is not affiliated with the U.S. government, so you are under no obligation to use their services.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting your business journey or have been operating for years, knowing your EIN — and how to retrieve it — is essential. If you used GovPlus to obtain your EIN, the retrieval process is simple: log into your account and download your EIN confirmation letter. For those who applied through the IRS directly, several other options exist, such as checking previous documents, contacting the IRS, or speaking to your bank.
While GovPlus adds convenience and support to government form processing, make sure you’re using it appropriately and understanding any associated costs.
