EIN Confirmation Letter
Your new company has been formed, the Federal Tax ID Number (also known as an Employer Identification Number or EIN) has been obtained and everything seems to be in place, until your bank asks for confirmation of the EIN issued by the IRS. Now what?
IRS Form CP 575
The IRS sends out an EIN confirmation letter for every EIN application it processes. This EIN confirmation letter is called CP 575, and the IRS only mails the letter to the mailing address listed on line 4 of the SS-4 application. Unfortunately, you cannot get a copy of the IRS EIN confirmation letter online. The IRS will not email or fax the letter, they will send it via mail within eight to ten weeks of issuing your company a Federal Tax ID Number.
What to Do if You Need the Letter Immediately?
Sometimes your bank or a vendor may request to see the official IRS EIN confirmation letter. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to misplace the letter; in addition, it seems as if many international business owners never receive the EIN confirmation letter—it appears to get lost in transit.
If either of these scenarios happens to you, don’t worry—there is a solution if you don’t have possession of the IRS EIN letter. You can contact the IRS directly and request a replacement confirmation letter called a 147C letter.
Start by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line toll free at 1-800-829-4933 (or if you are calling outside the United States at 267-941-1099) between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM EST. Press 1, Press 1 again, then Press 3. When you reach them, request a 147C letter. The IRS representative is going to ask you:
- Verification identity questions
- They will ask if you can receive documents via fax. You have to say "Yes"
- Are you near the fax machine - "Yes" (Don't mention that you are using an e-fax)
Provide them with your fax number. If you do not have one and Harvard Business Services, Inc. obtained the EIN number on behalf of your company, 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.
If you have any questions about obtaining an EIN for your Delaware company or requesting a 147C letter from the IRS, feel free to contact us with your questions at 320-645-7400 x6910 or email us at filings@delawareinc.com .
Next: What Is an EIN Responsible Party?
*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.
There are 36 comments left for EIN Confirmation Letter
didi said: Thursday, December 12, 2019Can I fax the request to you at 302 645-1280 or I have to call the IRS directly? Do they need POA of the company in order to assist us with our 147C letter?
HBS Staff replied: Friday, December 13, 2019Unfortunately, we are not able to contact the IRS on behalf of your company due to its strict privacy policies. Typically, it must be the Responsible Party on record with the IRS who makes this request. For more on responsible parties, please see https://www.delawareinc.com/blog/ein-responsible-party-for-a-business-entity/.
Can I have my letter faxed as will please said: Sunday, June 9, 2019Can I plz have letter sent
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, June 12, 2019This letter can only be obtained directly from the IRS. Unfortunately, they will not allow us to obtain it on your behalf. You can contact the IRS directly at (267) 941-1099 (if you are not in the U.S.) or at 800-829-4933 (if you are in the U.S.) and request a replacement confirmation letter called a 147C letter; the IRS will fax it to you upon request.
Amber Hanna said: Thursday, January 17, 2019I’ve lost my ein number. Can you please fax,email, or mail it to me. Thanks in advance
HBS Staff replied: Friday, January 18, 2019Hi Amber - Unfortunately the IRS will not allow us to request your EIN. However, we are happy to help you with the process. Please contact us by phone, email, or chat.
Lisa M Loving said: Tuesday, January 15, 2019I seemed to misplace my EIN confirmation letter so thank you in advance for the courtesy of emailing it to me once you get it.
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, January 17, 2019Lisa - Please contact us via phone, email or chat if you need assistance with your 147C letter or finding your EIN.
Kesmonds International University said: Wednesday, June 21, 2017Dear Sir, is this applicable to overseas companies like mine?
HBS Staff replied: Monday, June 26, 2017You can contact the IRS directly at (267) 941-1099 and request a replacement confirmation letter called a 147C letter; the IRS will fax it to you upon request. However, the IRS will not fax to international or non-U.S. numbers. If we obtained the EIN number on behalf of your company, 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 letter to you as a courtesy.