selah* asked, “Last year someone asked us for our Federal ID Number (04-*****) in order to verify us. Anyone know what this is and/or how to get one? (This is not the IRS number.
The Federal ID number is the same as the FEIN, or the IRS ID number – an identifying number for corporations, associations and other such entities, regardless of whether the organization is tax exempt, and regardless of whether the organization has employees. This number begins with two digits, which usually indicate the state where the organization is located (91- here in Washington state) and is followed by seven additional digits, which are given out in numerical order, so can give a rough indication of how long the organization has been in existence. If you are quite certain the folks asking for your number do not want this number (and the number of digits specified seems to indicate that is the case) they may be seeking what is sometimes called a “tax exempt number.” Unfortunately, this number does not really exist. Years ago, all IRS letters recognizing tax exempt status were given numbers by the IRS.
