validating an old EIN

[Catherine]

Anyone know where I can see if an old EIN is still valid?  I can't get through to the IRS (maybe I can try Friday at 7pm, but we're not there yet). 

Situation:  friends had a small non-profit in another state.  Haven't filed tax returns in years.  I tried the "validate EIN" feature in Drake and it said the EIN was good - what I am not sure of is if it's valid for the type, or if it's valid (i.e., still exists) in the IRS database.  I also checked the other state's corporations database and they want significant sums of money before they'll tell me anything.  I've also found EIN verification tools online, all for a hefty subscription price.

Any ideas gratefully accepted!

[Lee B]

Supposedly EIN FINDER will allow you 3 searches for free after you register with them.

[Gail in Virginia]

If it was a tax-exempt entity, would they be listed in the IRS website database at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search-bulk-data-downloads

 

[Max W]

EIN's are valid forever. Once assigned they can't be changed to another person, or entity.

[Catherine]

18 hours ago, Max W said:

EIN's are valid forever. Once assigned they can't be changed to another person, or entity.

They may be non-assignable, but that doesn't mean the entity is still valid.  We had one where we tried to file a return but it was rejected because the EIN was rejected as not-existent.  We knew the number was right, because we had old returns!

[ILLMAS]

An EIN is like an accountant, they never lose their balance.

[jklcpa]

EINs are never reused or cancelled, but the IRS can and does "close" EINs.  Taxpayer can request this.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/canceling-an-ein-closing-your-account