http://smallbusiness.chron.com/look-up-ein-number-4268.htmlHow to Look Up an EIN Numberby W D Adkins, Demand MediaA federal Employer Identification Number--commonly abbreviated EIN--is the tax ID number the Internal Revenue Service issues to employers. Any employer must have an EIN, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state or local government agencies. This widespread use makes the EIN a handy reference number for finding information about organizations. You can often look up an EIN for free, although occasionally you may have to resort to a fee-based database service. If you just want to know your employer’s EIN, you can find it on your W2 Form.Step 1Look up an EIN number for a publicly traded company on their Investor Relations website. Most have an SEC Filings page. On the filings page, open any Securities and Exchange Commission filing document. The EIN must be listed on the first page of the document.How to Close an EIN for Sole Proprietorshipby Alia Nikolakopulos, Demand MediaThe IRS provides specific instructions for closing an account related to an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Reasons for closing the account vary and can be for any reason you decide to stop operating the sole proprietorship. When you make a request to close an account associated with the EIN, the IRS places the number in inactive status. If after closing the business account you wish to use the EIN again in the future, the IRS reactivates the account when you use it again. The IRS uses this method to ensure the EIN is never assigned to another entity.Step 1Verify that no business tax returns or tax liabilities associated with your EIN are outstanding. If you have taxes due or need to file a tax return, you must resolve the issue before you close your business account.Step 2Write the IRS a letter and state the reason you wish to close the account associated with your EIN. For example, if you no longer need the EIN to report employment-related taxes, you may state that as your reason. If you acquire the EIN and do not ever begin operating the sole proprietorship, you may state that as your reason.Related Reading: How to Close a Sole Proprietorship in ColoradoStep 3Attach a copy of the EIN assignment letter you received from the IRS if you have the letter available. If you do not have a copy of the letter, you may send your request without it.Step 4Mail your letter to the IRS at:Internal Revenue ServiceCincinnati, OH 45999There is no street number or P.O. box number associated with this address.References (1) IRS.gov: Canceling an EIN -- Closing Your AccountAbout the AuthorWith a background in taxation and financial consulting, Alia Nikolakopulos has over a decade of experience resolving tax and finance issues. She is an IRS Enrolled Agent and has been a writer for these topics since 2010. Nikolakopulos is pursuing Bachelor of Science in accounting at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.