Requesting an EIN Confirmation Letter Online
After your new company has been formed and you have your Federal Tax ID Number (also known as an Employer Identification Number or EIN), your bank may reach out, asking to review your EIN confirmation letter. Banks and vendors request EIN confirmation to verify the legitimacy of a business and ensure the Tax ID matches records with the IRS. This is a relatively routine process that helps prevent fraud, so don’t sweat it. Oftentimes, you can respond with a copy of your EIN letter, called the CP-575.
What is IRS Form CP-575?
After you submit Form SS-4 to apply for an EIN, the IRS issues a letter to confirm that your business entity has been assigned the aforementioned EIN. This confirmation letter is called a CP-575 letter. The CP-575 includes your official EIN, the legal name and address of your business, and the date that the EIN was assigned. The IRS sends one of these letters out for every EIN application it processes. Instead of sending the EIN confirmation letter online or via fax, the IRS will send it via mail within eight to ten weeks of issuing your company a Federal Tax ID Number.
It's important to note that the CP-575 cannot be reissued if lost. If you need official proof of your EIN after the letter has been lost, you must request a 147C letter.
What is a 147C Letter?
Sometimes your bank or a vendor may request to see the official IRS EIN confirmation letter. If you've misplaced your original EIN letter or never received it in the first place, you can contact the IRS directly and request a replacement confirmation letter called an IRS 147C letter. This letter is only issued after the original EIN letter has been lost or never received. Similar to the CP-575, the 147C states your business name, your official EIN, your business address, and a statement confirming your EIN is active.
Requesting a Replacement EIN Letter from The IRS
If you are no longer in possession of the CP-575, you can request the 147C letter by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line toll-free at 1-800-829-4933. If you are calling from outside the United States, instead, you can dial 267-941-1099. These lines are usually available between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM EST.
After dialing, follow the prompts related to EINs or business account questions. When you reach a representative, you can request a 147C letter. Be prepared, as the IRS representative is going to ask you a few questions:
- They may ask some business verification questions
- They may ask if you are authorized to receive this document, such as an owner or a corporate officer
- They will ask if you can receive documents via fax. Say "Yes"
- They may also ask if you are near a fax machine. Say "Yes"
After that, you can provide them with your fax number. If you don’t have access to one, feel free to request that the 147C letter be faxed to us at (302) 645-1280. Once the fax has been received, we will email the IRS EIN letter to you as a courtesy.
What if I Lose My EIN Entirely?
If you lose track of your Tax ID number entirely and have no access to your CP-575 or 147C letter, there are still a few ways to recover it. You can learn how to recover a lost EIN on our website.
While it may be simplest to just keep track of your CP-575, the 147C letter is just as valid for proving your EIN. If you have any questions about obtaining an EIN letter from the IRS, feel free to contact us with your questions at 320-645-7400 x6910 or email us at filings@delawareinc.com.
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 36 comments left for Requesting an EIN Confirmation Letter Online
Haashim Pierson said: Saturday, October 17, 2020Have not received EIN number. My address has changed.
HBS Staff replied: Monday, October 19, 2020We appreciate your patience as we wait for the IRS to issue your EIN. They continue to face significant delays. Once your EIN has been issued, you can submit a change of address to the IRS to update their records. There is no action that needs to be taken before you receive the EIN.
Kevin lattisaw said: Friday, October 16, 2020Need copy of EIN
HBS Staff replied: Monday, October 19, 2020Kevin, please see the article above for information on how to obtain a replacement EIN confirmation from the IRS. If you did not obtain the EIN through our services, we won't have any record of your EIN.
randa kira said: Wednesday, August 5, 2020I have EIN i need now EIN Confirmation Letter contact IRS need send fax i haven't fax you can help me
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, August 5, 2020The IRS does not allow us to request a confirmation letter on your behalf. If you obtained your EIN through our services, you can ask the IRS to fax the letter to us at 1-302-645-1280.
Susan Goodhope said: Tuesday, August 4, 2020I have applied and gotten an EIN number for Robert Chris Goodhope Estate now the bank is asking me for a conformation letter Will you please email it to me at the above address so I can continue to open the estate account. In advance thank you for your assistance
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, August 4, 2020If you obtained the EIN through Harvard Business Services, our team will be happy to assist you. Just send an email to filings@delawareinc.com and include your company information. If you applied for the EIN directly with the IRS, you will need to contact them for support.
Aaerikiae Webb said: Thursday, July 23, 2020I just filed for my EIN and now it's not letting me print off my confirmation letter.
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, July 23, 2020If you applied for the EIN through Harvard Business Services, we would be happy to assist. Simply call or email us at filings@delawareinc.com for assistance. If you filed directly with the IRS, you can try calling them at 1-800-429-4933 for support.