When the IRS assigns an Employer Identification Number, it sends a CP-575 notice confirming the number and your business name. Most business owners file it away and don't think about it again—until they need to prove their EIN to a bank, government agency, or vendor and can't find the original.
The IRS doesn't have an online portal where you can download a replacement. But it does offer a phone-based process to request an official EIN verification letter, called a 147c letter. The 147c serves the same purpose as the original CP-575: it confirms your EIN and business name on official IRS letterhead, and most institutions that require EIN verification will accept it.
This article explains when you need the 147c, how to request it, and what to have ready before you call.
What Is the 147c Letter?
The 147c is an official letter from the IRS that confirms your business's Employer Identification Number and legal name as they appear in the IRS's records. It's not the same as the CP-575 (the original EIN assignment notice), but it serves as an official verification document when the original isn't available.
Banks, financial institutions, and some government agencies accept the 147c as proof of EIN when you're opening accounts, applying for loans, or completing other business formalities. If you're opening a business bank account and the bank asks for EIN verification, a 147c letter will satisfy that requirement.
When You Need a 147c Letter
You might need EIN verification documentation in situations like:
Opening a business bank account for the first time or at a new institution
Applying for a business line of credit or loan
Updating your information with a payroll provider
Verifying your business identity for a government contract
Completing onboarding with a new client who needs your tax information
In many of these cases, a completed W-9 with your EIN filled in is sufficient. But when an institution specifically asks for IRS-issued verification, the 147c is what you need.
How to Request a 147c Letter
The IRS doesn't accept 147c requests online or by mail. The only way to get one is by phone.
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: 1-800-829-4933
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
When you call, you'll work through the phone system and then speak with an IRS representative. Here's what to expect:
1. Navigate the phone menu. Press the option for EIN or business tax questions. The IRS phone system has multiple menus—listen carefully and select the options for business accounts or EIN-related inquiries.
2. Wait for a representative. Hold times vary. Morning calls (especially early in the week) tend to be shorter, but expect some wait time.
3. Verify your identity. The IRS will confirm that you're an authorized individual before releasing any information or sending a letter. You'll need to provide:
Your EIN (or at least enough information to locate your account)
Your business name as it appears in IRS records
Your name and title as an authorized individual (owner, officer, or authorized third-party representative)
Your business address
4. Request the 147c letter. Tell the representative you need a 147c EIN verification letter. You can choose to have it sent by mail or fax. Fax is significantly faster—if you have access to a fax number, the letter can arrive the same day or the next business day. Mail typically takes seven to ten business days.
Who Can Request the 147c
The IRS will only send the 147c to an authorized individual. Authorized parties include:
The business owner (sole proprietor)
A corporate officer or partner listed on the business's IRS records
An authorized third-party representative with a valid Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) on file
If you work with an accountant or enrolled agent, they can call on your behalf and receive the letter—provided they have the proper authorization in place. This is often the easiest route if you have a tax professional who handles your business filings regularly.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
The IRS sends official correspondence to the address on file for your business. If your address has changed since you originally applied for your EIN, the 147c letter will still be sent to whatever address the IRS currently has—which may not be your current location.
If your business address has changed, update it with the IRS using Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party—Business). If your personal address has changed, file Form 8822 (Change of Address). Both forms are filed by mail and typically take four to six weeks to process.
If you need the letter urgently and haven't updated your address, the fax option bypasses the issue entirely—you can provide any fax number to receive the letter directly, regardless of what mailing address the IRS has on file.
Can My Bank Help?
Before calling the IRS, it's worth checking with your business bank. If you provided an EIN verification letter when you opened your account, your bank may have a scan of it on file. A bank-provided scan isn't an official IRS letter, but some institutions and vendors will accept it depending on what they need the document for. It's a faster first step if the full 147c process isn't strictly necessary for your situation.
After You Receive Your Letter
The 147c letter doesn't expire, but it reflects your business information as of the date it was issued. If your legal business name has changed since your EIN was assigned, the letter will show the name in IRS records, which may not match your current operating name. Correcting a business name with the IRS involves a separate process and may require documentation depending on how your business is structured.
Once you have your 147c, store it with your articles of organization and EIN confirmation—these are the documents banks ask for when you open a business account. If you're at that stage, Relay is worth a look: up to 20 checking accounts1 with no monthly fees, direct connections to QuickBooks Online and Xero, and a fast online setup. Open a Relay account and get started today.
1Relay is a financial technology company and is not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services are provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a CP-575 and a 147c Letter?
The CP-575 is the original EIN assignment notice the IRS sends when you first apply for an EIN. The 147c is a replacement verification letter you can request if you've lost the original. Both confirm your EIN and business name on official IRS letterhead, and most banks and institutions accept either.
Can I Get My 147c Letter Online?
No. The IRS doesn't offer an online portal for requesting or downloading EIN verification letters. The 147c can only be requested by phone at 1-800-829-4933.
How Long Does It Take to Get a 147c Letter?
If you request the letter by fax, it typically arrives the same day or the next business day. If sent by mail, expect seven to ten business days.
Can My Accountant Request the 147c on My Behalf?
Yes, if they are an authorized representative with a Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) on file with the IRS. Many business owners let their accountants handle this call since they're already familiar with the business's tax records.
Does the 147c Letter Expire?
No. The 147c doesn't have an expiration date. However, it reflects the information in IRS records at the time of issuance. If your business name or structure has changed, the letter may not match your current records.
What If I Don't Know My EIN at All?
If you've never had an EIN or truly have no record of it, you can still call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. Representatives can search for your account using your business name and other identifying information. If there's no record of an EIN for your business, you can apply for one during the same call or online at IRS.gov.
