Your business's success might depend on a single document - the EIN verification letter. This official IRS document displays your unique nine-digit Employer Identification Number and proves your business's legitimacy.
Most businesses need this documentation to open bank accounts, apply for loans, get permits, or complete important financial transactions. Missing an EIN verification letter (also known as a 147C letter) can create serious problems. Your applications might get denied and processes delayed, which affects your revenue directly.
Lost your original EIN confirmation letter? Need official verification? We'll help you get your IRS EIN verification letter. Our step-by-step process shows who can request this document and how to reach the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. You'll learn what happens during each stage of the process. Let's begin!
What Is an EIN Verification Letter and Why It Matters
An EIN verification letter is an official IRS document that confirms your business's Employer Identification Number. This letter proves your business's tax identity and legitimacy.
What is Form 147C?
Form 147C, also called the "EIN Verification Letter," is an IRS document that verifies an existing EIN. The letter includes key details about your business:
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Your business's legal name
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The principal business address
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Your assigned 9-digit EIN
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Information about getting additional IRS forms or publications
This document plays a vital role for businesses that need to prove their tax compliance status to banks, lenders, vendors, or government agencies. It helps prevent complications from clerical errors and reduces fraud risks.
Difference between CP-575 and 147C
People often mix up these two documents because they serve similar purposes:
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CP-575 Letter: This is the original EIN confirmation letter you get right after applying for an EIN. The IRS sends it once after assigning your EIN.
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147C Letter: This is a verification letter you can request anytime for an existing EIN. It works as an official replacement if you've lost your original CP-575 letter.
Both letters contain similar information, but the CP-575 confirms a new EIN while the 147C verifies a previously assigned one.
When do you need an EIN letter from IRS?
Your business might need an EIN verification letter in these situations:
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Opening business bank accounts or applying for corporate credit cards
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Applying for business loans or seeking investment
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Verifying your business identity with vendors or partners
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Applying for business licenses and permits
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Enrolling in Medicare as an institutional provider
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Filing certain payroll or income tax forms
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Establishing proof of your business's legitimacy for due diligence proceedings
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Correcting errors between your business name and EIN
A 147C letter provides official verification if you've lost your original EIN document or can't recall your EIN number. Having this official IRS document gives you concrete proof that meets formal requirements for business transactions, rather than just remembering the number.
How to Request an EIN Verification Letter from the IRS
The IRS has a simple process to help you get your EIN verification letter. You'll need to contact them directly since they don't accept online requests for this document.
Step 1: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-929-4933. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time. International callers should use 267-941-1099.
The best times to call are between 7-10 a.m. or 3-7 p.m. Avoid Mondays when call volumes peak. Once you're connected, here's how to direct yourself through the automated system:
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Press 1 for English
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Press 1 again for Employer Identification Numbers
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Press 3 for "If you already have an EIN but can't remember it"
Step 2: Verify your identity as an authorized person
The IRS only accepts requests from business owners or individuals with Power of Attorney. A representative will ask security questions to verify your authorization. Have this information ready:
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Your business's legal name
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Your position in the company (owner, partner, corporate officer)
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Your business's IRS-registered address
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Additional business identification details
Single-member LLC owners should say "owner" instead of "member." Partners in multi-member LLCs should use "partner" rather than "member" when speaking with the representative.
Step 3: Request the EIN verification letter 147C
After identity verification, ask for an "EIN Verification Letter" or "Form 147C." The agent will prepare your document using their system information.
Step 4: Choose delivery method (fax or mail)
The IRS provides two ways to receive your letter:
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Fax: Get your letter right away during the call (you'll need a fax number)
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Mail: Receive your letter at your registered business address in 4-6 weeks
Fax delivery works best for urgent needs. All the same, mail delivery remains an option if you don't have access to a fax machine, though it takes longer.
What to Expect After Requesting the Letter
You've submitted your request for an EIN verification letter. Now you need to wait for your document and understand the next steps. Let me guide you through the whole process.
How long it takes to receive the letter
Your 147C letter delivery time depends on your chosen method:
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Fax delivery: You'll receive your EIN verification letter right away when you request fax delivery during your IRS representative call [1]. This option works best when you need urgent delivery.
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Mail delivery: The letter takes about 4-6 weeks to arrive by mail [2]. The IRS sends these documents through first-class mail.
The wait time might be longer during tax season or when your form needs additional review [3].
What the 147C letter has
Your 147C letter will show key business details:
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Your business's legal name
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The assigned 9-digit Employer Identification Number
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Your business mailing address on file with the IRS
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Simple information about your business entity type
Banks, lenders, and other institutions accept this official document as proof of your business's tax identity [4].
What to do if your address has changed
You should update your address with the IRS before requesting your verification letter if your business has moved. The IRS will send your letter to your old address otherwise.
Submit Form 8822-B ("Change of Address or Responsible Party—Business") to update your [5]:
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Business mailing address
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Business location
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Identity of your responsible party
The IRS needs to know about responsible party changes within 60 days [5]. Your address change takes 4-6 weeks to process fully in the IRS system [6].
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Getting your EIN verification letter right needs careful attention. Small mistakes can delay or deny your request by a lot. Let's get into the most common issues and how to avoid them.
Incorrect or outdated business information
Your business information must match perfectly with IRS records. Any mismatch can create problems with your EIN verification letter.
Your business name should match exactly what the IRS has in their files. The IRS won't recognize your new name during verification if you changed it without telling them. You don't need a new EIN for simple name changes - just write to the IRS at the address where you filed your return.
Corporations and partnerships should mark the name change box on their current year tax return (Form 1120 or Form 1065). A written notification to your filing address works if you've already filed.
You shouldn't submit a new application if you find a typo on your original EIN application. Send a letter to the IRS that explains the error and provides correct information with an authorized representative's signature.
Not having proper authorization
The IRS gives EIN verification letters only to authorized people. Your request will face immediate rejection without proper authorization.
Who qualifies as "authorized"?
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Business owners, principal officers, or partners
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Responsible parties listed on the EIN application
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Those with Power of Attorney to represent the company
Security questions will test your identity and position during phone calls. Keep your personal ID and business details ready. Note that third-party designees have limited authority that ends once the EIN is assigned.
Delays due to address mismatches
Address differences can create unexpected problems. You must file Form 8822-B ("Change of Address or Responsible Party—Business") before asking for your verification letter if your business has moved since getting your EIN.
File this form within 60 days of any responsible party changes. The IRS takes 4-6 weeks to process address changes, so plan ahead. Your letter might get lost or delayed if you don't update your address since it will go to your old location.
The IRS sends verification letters only to your address on file and won't mail them to any new, unverified address.
Conclusion
Getting your EIN verification letter might look challenging, but our step-by-step guide makes the process simple and easy. This piece highlights how crucial this document is to run your business - you'll need it to open bank accounts, secure loans and get permits.
The CP-575 and 147C letters serve different purposes though they contain similar information. Your original CP-575 shows your first EIN assignment, while the 147C proves an existing EIN as needed. Without doubt, keeping these documents available saves time and prevents business disruptions.
Success with the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line depends on good preparation. You should have all your business details ready and prove you're authorized to make the call. You can ask them to fax the documents if you need them quickly instead of waiting weeks for mail delivery.
Your request could face delays if you don't avoid common mistakes. Make sure your business details match IRS records perfectly. Check if you're authorized and update any address changes with Form 8822-B before you ask for verification.
The EIN verification letter is a core document in your business toolkit. This knowledge and practical guidance will help you get this vital verification whenever your business needs it. Your business deals will run smoothly once you have this key document ready.
FAQ
To get a copy of your EIN verification letter, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. After verifying your identity, request a "147C letter" and choose between fax or mail delivery.
The CP-575 is the original EIN confirmation letter sent when you first obtain an EIN. The 147C is a verification letter for an existing EIN that can be requested at any time as an official replacement or proof of your EIN.
If you choose fax delivery, you'll receive the letter immediately during your call with the IRS. For mail delivery, expect to wait approximately 4-6 weeks for the letter to arrive at your business address on file.
Only legitimate business owners, principal officers, partners, or those with Power of Attorney can request an EIN verification letter. The IRS will verify your authorization through security questions during the request process.
If your address has changed, submit Form 8822-B ("Change of Address or Responsible Party—Business") to the IRS before requesting your verification letter. This ensures the letter will be sent to your current address and typically takes 4-6 weeks to process.
References
[1] - https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/hr-glossary/147c
[2] - https://www.llcuniversity.com/irs/ein-verification-letter-147c/
[3] - https://www.usestable.com/blog/form-8822-b-how-to-complete-and-submit-irs-form-8822-b
[4] - https://www.goco.io/hr-glossary/147c-letter
[5] - https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822-b
[6] - https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes/address-changes