How Do I Find My EIN Confirmation Letter?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for businesses, similar to a Social Security Number for individuals. Upon receiving an EIN, businesses are issued an official document, IRS Notice CP 575, which serves as formal proof of your business’s federal tax identity.

Understanding Your EIN Confirmation Letter

The EIN confirmation letter, IRS Notice CP 575, verifies your business’s unique Employer Identification Number. This letter typically includes your business’s nine-digit EIN, its full legal name, official business address, and the effective date the EIN was assigned. It may also outline certain federal tax forms your company is required to file.

Businesses often need to present their CP 575 to open a bank account, apply for licenses or permits, or secure loans. It is also necessary when hiring employees, as the EIN is used for reporting payroll taxes and issuing wage statements. The original CP 575 is usually sent by mail after a business applies for an EIN, whether online or by submitting Form SS-4 via fax or mail.

Retrieving Your Lost EIN Confirmation Letter

If you have misplaced your original EIN confirmation letter (IRS Notice CP 575), the IRS does not typically reissue an exact duplicate. Instead, the IRS provides an alternative: the EIN Verification Letter, or Form 147C.

To request a copy of your EIN Verification Letter (Form 147C), contact the IRS directly by phone. The Business and Specialty Tax Line is 1-800-829-4933. The line operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, with Alaska and Hawaii following Pacific Time. An IRS representative will ask for specific information to verify your identity and authorization.

You will need to provide details such as the responsible party’s Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the legal business name, its address, and the type of tax return your business files. Once your identity is confirmed, you can choose to receive the 147C letter either by mail or by fax. The IRS does not send these letters via email. If you opt for fax delivery, the letter can often be sent immediately or within a few business days. Mail delivery generally takes longer, with estimated timeframes ranging from four to ten weeks.

Alternative Ways to Find Your EIN

If you need your EIN quickly or prefer to locate it through existing records, various business documents commonly contain your Employer Identification Number. Check previously filed federal tax returns, such as Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, or Form 941 for employer’s quarterly federal tax returns.

Your EIN can also be found on business bank statements, as banks typically require it to establish and maintain business accounts. Other financial or legal documents, including business loan applications, state or local business licenses, and payroll paperwork like W-2s or 1099s, are also likely to include your EIN. If your business uses professional services, your payroll provider, accountant, or attorney may have your EIN on file and can provide it to you.

If these methods do not yield your EIN, the IRS can provide the number verbally over the phone to an authorized party after identity verification. This is distinct from requesting the 147C letter, as it only provides the number itself, not a physical document. You can call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 for this purpose.