A 147C letter — officially called the EIN Verification Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned — is an IRS-issued document that confirms your business's Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, and address exactly as they appear in federal records. It is the official replacement for the CP 575, the original EIN confirmation letter the IRS sends only once when you first apply for an EIN.
Most LLC owners need an IRS letter 147C because they lost their CP 575, never downloaded it after applying online, or because a bank, payment processor, or vendor requires documented proof of their EIN. The good news: the letter is free, and if you choose to receive it by fax, you can have it in your hands the same day you call. If you still need to get your EIN first, read our full guide on how to get an EIN before continuing.
This guide explains exactly what the IRS 147C letter is, when you need one, how to request it step by step, how long it takes, and what to do if something goes wrong. It covers every situation the competition misses — including the 30-day waiting rule, what to do if your address on file is wrong, and how non-U.S. founders can request the letter.
IRS Letter 147C — At a Glance: Free to request · Phone only to initiate · Fax delivery = same day · Mail delivery = 4–6 weeks · No email option · Only authorized parties can request · Not available if EIN was issued in last 30 days
What Is a 147C Letter?
An IRS 147C letter is an official document issued by the Internal Revenue Service that verifies your business's existing EIN. It is not a new EIN — the IRS only issues this letter to confirm an EIN that was already assigned to your business. The full official name is EIN Verification Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned, and it contains three pieces of information: your nine-digit EIN, your legal business name exactly as it appears in IRS records, and your registered business address.
Think of it as your business's federal tax ID card. Just as your Social Security number identifies you as an individual, your EIN identifies your LLC, corporation, or other business entity to the IRS. The 147C letter is official proof that this number is real, active, and tied to your specific legal business name. Banks, lenders, payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, payroll providers, and state licensing agencies use it to verify your business identity before doing business with you.
The IRS sends a CP 575 automatically when you first receive your EIN. The problem is that the IRS only sends the CP 575 once — and if you applied online and did not download it immediately, or if you've since misplaced it, you cannot get another copy. The letter 147C is the permanent solution: you can request it at any time, and it carries exactly the same legal weight as the original CP 575.
147C and CP 575 are legally interchangeable
Every bank, lender, payroll provider, and government agency in the United States accepts the IRS 147C letter as a valid substitute for the CP 575. There is no legal distinction between them for business purposes. The only practical difference is how they are obtained — and the 147C is actually more versatile because you can receive it by fax the same day.
CP 575 vs. 147C Letter — Key Differences
Most guides treat the CP 575 and 147C as interchangeable without explaining why they exist as separate documents. Here is the full picture — because understanding the difference saves you a phone call to the IRS.
Feature
CP 575
147C Letter
Official name
EIN Confirmation Letter
EIN Verification Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned
When issued
Automatically when EIN is first assigned
Only when you request it later
How many times issued
Once — never reissued
Requestable any time after the 30-day waiting period
How to get it
Automatic (mail or online download)
Phone call to IRS at 1-800-829-4933
Delivery options
Mail only (4–6 weeks)
Fax (same day) or mail (4–6 weeks)
Email delivery
Not available
Not available
Cost
Free
Free
Accepted by banks/lenders
Yes
Yes — equally valid
Can you get a replacement?
No — lost CP 575 cannot be reissued
Yes — this is the replacement
ℹWhy can't you get another CP 575?
The "CP" designation means the letter was auto-generated by a computer at the moment the EIN was assigned. No IRS agent can recreate it — even if you call. The 147C exists specifically for this situation. Once your CP 575 is lost, the 147C is your permanent replacement, and every institution will accept it without question.
When Do You Need an IRS Letter 147C?
You need a 147C EIN verification letter any time a third party requires documented proof of your EIN and you cannot produce your original CP 575. These are the most common situations:
Common Situations That Require a 147C Letter
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Opening a business bank accountEvery U.S. bank requires official EIN verification before opening a business bank account. The 147C is fully accepted in place of the CP 575.
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Applying for a business loan or corporate credit cardLenders and credit issuers use your EIN to verify your business identity and check your business credit file. A 147C satisfies this requirement at every major lender.
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Setting up payment processors — Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Seller CentralPayment platforms require EIN verification to confirm your business is legitimate before processing payments or disbursements.
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Setting up payrollPayroll providers including QuickBooks, Gusto, and ADP require documented EIN proof before processing employee payroll or direct deposits.
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State licensing applicationsMany state and local agencies require proof of your federal EIN as part of the business license or professional license application process.
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Vendor and wholesale partnershipsVendors who require tax ID verification before establishing a wholesale relationship — or before adding you to their supplier network — will accept the 147C as proof.
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Medicare enrollment for healthcare providersHealthcare facilities enrolling as institutional providers with CMS must submit written EIN confirmation — CP 575 or 147C — as part of the application.
The IRS applies strict authorization rules to the 147C letter request process. Under 26 U.S.C. § 6103, your business's EIN records are confidential, and the IRS will only release them to an authorized individual. This is not a bureaucratic technicality — it is an anti-fraud protection. Before calling, confirm that you qualify.
Authorized Parties — Who Can Request a 147C Letter
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The responsible party on the EIN applicationThe individual listed as the responsible party on the original Form SS-4 is always authorized. For most single-member LLCs, this is the sole owner.
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LLC members and managing membersAny member of a multi-member LLC who is listed in IRS records as a responsible party can call. On the phone, refer to yourself as a "partner" — not a "member" — to avoid confusion with the IRS agent's terminology.
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Corporate officersFor corporations, the president, secretary, treasurer, or any other corporate officer is authorized to request the letter.
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Third parties with Power of Attorney (Form 2848)Accountants, attorneys, and tax professionals can request the 147C on your behalf — but only if they have a valid, active Form 2848 Power of Attorney on file with the IRS. No POA, no access.
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Formation services or registered agentsA formation service or your registered agent cannot request the 147C on your behalf unless they hold an active POA. This is a common point of confusion — the service that formed your LLC does not have automatic authorization to access your IRS records.
Single-member LLC tip — say "owner," not "member"
When the IRS agent asks about your role, say you are the owner of a single-member LLC. Saying "member" sometimes causes agents to assume a multi-member structure, which slows down the verification process. Similarly, if you have a multi-member LLC, say "partner" rather than "member" — this matches the IRS's internal terminology for LLC owners filing as partnerships.
How to Get a 147C Letter — Step by Step
There are two ways to request a 147C letter from the IRS: by phone or by mail. There is no online form, no IRS website portal, and no email option — all guides that suggest otherwise are wrong. Phone is always faster, and if you choose fax delivery, you can receive your letter during the same call.
Method 1: By Phone (Fastest — Recommended)
Calling the IRS is the only way to get your IRS 147C letter the same day. Have your EIN, legal business name, and business address ready before you dial — the agent will verify all three against IRS records before issuing the letter.
Step 1 — Call the IRS and Navigate the Menu
Dial 1-800-829-4933 — the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line. This line is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in your local time zone (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time). The call is free. Best times to call: Tuesday through Thursday, between 7–10 AM. Avoid Monday — it is consistently the busiest day and hold times are longest.
Once connected, navigate the automated menu: Press 1 for English → Press 1 for Employer Identification Numbers → Press 3 for "If you already have an EIN but can't remember it or need verification." Wait to be connected to a live IRS agent.
Step 2 — Verify Your Identity with the IRS Agent
The agent will ask security questions to confirm you are authorized to receive the letter. They will verify your EIN, your legal business name exactly as it appears in IRS records, your business address on file, and the responsible party's Social Security Number or ITIN. Answer every question accurately — even a small mismatch like "Inc." vs "Incorporated" will cause the agent to deny the request.
Once identity is confirmed, say: "I have an LLC and need an EIN Verification Letter, also called Letter 147C." The agent will generate it on the spot.
Step 3 — Choose Fax or Mail Delivery
The agent will ask how you want to receive the letter. Choose fax if you need it fast — the IRS will fax the 147C to you while you are still on the phone. If you use a digital fax service like eFax or FaxZero, give them that number and say yes when they ask if your fax is "private and secure." Stay on the line until you confirm the fax was received successfully on your end — do not hang up before verifying, as technical issues can prevent transmission.
If you choose mail, the letter will arrive in 4–6 weeks at the address currently on file with the IRS.
Method 2: By Mail (Slower — 4 to 6 Weeks)
You can also request your IRS letter 147C by sending a written request to the IRS by mail. This method takes significantly longer but is useful if you cannot make the phone call yourself. Your written request must include:
Required Information for Mail Request
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Your legal business nameExactly as it appears on your original EIN application — do not abbreviate or alter it.
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Your EINThe nine-digit number in XX-XXXXXXX format.
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Your business address on file with the IRSThis must match what the IRS has on record — not necessarily your current address if you haven't updated it.
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A clear written request statementInclude the phrase: "Please issue an EIN Verification Letter (147C) for the above entity."
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Your signatureThe request must be signed by an authorized party — the same individuals who qualify to make the phone call.
You cannot request the 147C by fax, email, or any online IRS form
Despite what some sites claim, there is no IRS online portal to request a 147C letter, and the IRS does not accept fax requests for the initial 147C submission. You must either call or write a letter. The fax option only applies to how you receive the letter after your phone call — not how you request it.
How Long Does It Take to Get a 147C Letter?
Delivery Method
Time to Receive
Notes
Fax (during phone call)
Same day — minutes
Fastest option; agent faxes during the call; confirm before hanging up
Mail (requested by phone)
4–6 weeks
Mailed to the address currently on file with the IRS
Mail (requested by written letter)
4–6+ weeks
Add mailing time on top of IRS processing
Email
Not available
IRS never sends sensitive documents by email
Online
Not available
No IRS portal exists for this request
If you need your EIN verification letter urgently for a bank account, loan application, or Stripe verification, always choose the phone call with fax delivery. Using a free digital fax service like FaxZero or eFax means you receive a PDF instantly — no fax machine needed.
The 30-Day Rule Most Guides Skip
This is the detail that almost no guide explains clearly — and it catches new LLC owners off guard at the worst possible moment.
The IRS will not issue a 147C if your EIN is less than 30 days old
According to IRS procedures (IRM 21.7.13), agents cannot issue a 147C letter if the EIN was assigned within the last 30 days, or if a 147C was already sent within the last 30 days. During this initial window, the CP 575 is your official confirmation document. If you applied for your EIN online and did not download the CP 575 at the time of approval — or if you experienced a technical issue — you must wait out the full 30 days before you can request a 147C. Plan accordingly if you are trying to open a bank account on a tight timeline immediately after forming your LLC.
The practical implication: if you just formed your LLC and applied for your EIN online, download your CP 575 immediately at the time of approval. If you missed that window, mark your calendar for 30 days from your EIN assignment date — that is the earliest you can call for the 147C.
What If Your IRS Address Is Wrong?
The 147C letter reflects exactly whatever name and address the IRS currently has on file for your business. If you have moved or changed your business address since applying for your EIN, the letter will show the old address — which can cause problems when submitting it to banks or agencies that expect it to match your current information.
Before calling for your 147C letter request, update your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business). Submit this form first, wait for the IRS to process the update (typically 4–6 weeks), then call for your 147C. This ensures the letter reflects your current address and avoids rejection by whoever you're submitting it to.
Address mismatch is the most common reason 147C requests fail
When the IRS agent cannot match your stated address to their records, they will deny the request — even if your EIN and business name are correct. A mismatch as small as "Suite 100" vs "Ste 100" can cause issues. If you're unsure what address the IRS has on file, check your most recent tax return or any prior IRS correspondence — that address is what the agent will compare against.
Non-U.S. Founders: How to Request a 147C Letter
If you formed a U.S. LLC as a non-resident or foreign national, you can still request a 147C letter — but the process has a few additional considerations. Non-U.S. founders cannot call the IRS from abroad using the 1-800 number in most cases, as toll-free numbers typically do not work on international lines.
The options for non-U.S. residents are:
Options for Non-U.S. Founders
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Call via VoIP or international calling serviceUse a VoIP service (Google Voice, Skype, or similar) with a U.S. number to dial 1-800-829-4933. Many non-U.S. founders report this works reliably.
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Request by mailSend a written request to the IRS from your country. This takes 4–6 weeks plus international mailing time — plan well in advance.
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Use a Power of Attorney (Form 2848)Authorize a U.S.-based tax professional or attorney to call on your behalf with an active POA. They can make the call and have the 147C faxed immediately.
Non-U.S. founders who formed a U.S. LLC using an ITIN rather than an SSN follow the same process — the IRS will verify your ITIN as part of the security questions. For more detail on forming a U.S. LLC without a Social Security Number, see our guide on LLC con ITIN.
What Does a 147C Letter Look Like?
An IRS letter 147C sample contains the following elements, printed on official IRS letterhead:
Contents of a 147C Letter
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IRS letterhead and the heading "Letter 147C"The document is clearly identified as an IRS communication with the official IRS logo and address block at the top.
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Your legal business nameExactly as registered with the IRS — capitalization, punctuation, and spacing included.
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Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)Formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. The letter confirms this number is active and assigned to your specific business name.
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Your business address as it appears in IRS recordsThis is why keeping your IRS address current matters — the 147C shows whatever address they have on file, not necessarily your current one.
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The date the letter was issuedNo expiration date — the 147C letter does not expire. However, if your business name or address changes, request an updated copy.
ℹThe 147C letter does not expire
Unlike some business documents, a 147C letter has no official expiration date. Banks and institutions may occasionally ask for a recently issued copy if yours is several years old, but legally the document remains valid indefinitely as long as your EIN, business name, and address have not changed. If any of those details have changed, request a fresh 147C after updating your IRS records.
What to Do After You Receive Your 147C Letter
Once your IRS 147C letter arrives — whether by fax or mail — treat it like the critical business document it is. Losing it a second time means another call to the IRS.
147C Letter — Storage Checklist
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Make at least 3 copies immediatelyKeep one physical copy in your business files, one digital copy in secure cloud storage, and provide one to your accountant or bookkeeper.
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Save the PDF if received by faxDigital fax services deliver a PDF — save it to Google Drive, Dropbox, or a secure business folder immediately. Do not leave it only in your email inbox.
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Use it to open your business bank accountIf you haven't already, the 147C is exactly what you need to open a business bank account and keep your personal and business finances properly separated.
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Complete your post-formation checklistYour 147C confirms your EIN is verified — now complete the remaining steps in our what to do after forming an LLC checklist to make sure your business is fully set up.
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A 147C letter — officially called the EIN Verification Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned — is an official IRS document that confirms your business's Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, and address as they appear in federal records. It serves as the permanent replacement for the CP 575 EIN confirmation letter, which the IRS only issues once. Banks, lenders, payment processors, and state agencies all accept the 147C as valid proof of your EIN.
What is an IRS letter 147C and when do I need one?
An IRS letter 147C is the official EIN verification document you need any time a third party requires documented proof of your business's EIN and you cannot produce your original CP 575. Common situations include opening a business bank account, applying for a business loan, setting up Stripe or PayPal, running payroll, or applying for state licenses. You also need it if you simply lost your CP 575 and need an official replacement.
CP 575 vs. 147C Letter
What is the difference between a CP 575 and a 147C letter?
The CP 575 is the original EIN confirmation letter issued automatically when the IRS first assigns your EIN — it is only ever sent once, and the IRS cannot reissue it. The 147C letter is the official replacement you can request any time after that. Both documents confirm the same information: your EIN, legal business name, and registered address. All banks and institutions accept them as equally valid proof of your EIN.
What is a 147C letter from the IRS — does it expire?
A 147C letter from the IRS does not have an official expiration date. It remains valid indefinitely as long as your business's EIN, legal name, and address have not changed. If you update your business name, address, or responsible party information with the IRS after receiving a 147C, you should request a new one to ensure the letter reflects your current information.
What a 147C Letter Contains
What is a 147C letter sample — what does it contain?
An IRS 147C letter sample shows official IRS letterhead, your legal business name exactly as registered, your nine-digit EIN in XX-XXXXXXX format, your business address as it appears in IRS records, and the date the letter was issued. The document is printed under the heading "Letter 147C" and serves as government-issued verification of your business's tax identity.
Can I request a 147C letter online?
No. There is no IRS online portal, website form, or digital submission option for requesting a 147C letter. The IRS also does not accept 147C requests by email or fax. The only way to request one is by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933, or by sending a written request by mail. Once you call, you can choose to receive the letter by fax immediately or by mail in 4–6 weeks.
How to Request a 147C Letter
How do I get a 147C letter from the IRS?
Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933, Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM local time. Press 1 for English, then 1 for EIN matters, then 3 for verification. The agent will verify your identity with security questions and generate the letter on the spot. Choose fax delivery to receive it immediately during the call, or mail delivery for a 4–6 week turnaround.
How long does it take to get a 147C letter?
If you request your 147C letter by fax during the phone call, you receive it within minutes — while you are still on the line with the IRS agent. If you choose mail delivery, it takes 4–6 weeks. There is no expedited mail option. For urgent situations — a bank deadline or loan application — always choose fax via a digital fax service.
Special Situations
Can I request a 147C letter if my EIN was just issued?
No. If your EIN was assigned within the last 30 days, the IRS cannot issue a 147C letter. During this window, your CP 575 serves as the official confirmation document. If you applied online and did not download your CP 575 immediately, wait 30 days from your EIN assignment date before calling to request the 147C.
Can someone else request the 147C letter for me?
Yes — but only if they have a valid Form 2848 Power of Attorney on file with the IRS. Accountants, tax attorneys, and payroll professionals can request the 147C on your behalf with an active POA. Formation services and registered agents cannot do this unless they specifically hold a POA. Without authorization on file, the IRS will not release your EIN information to any third party.
