What Is an IRS Letter 147-C and How to Get One?
An IRS Letter 147-C officially confirms your business name and EIN for banks or vendors. Learn the straightforward process for requesting this verification.
An IRS Letter 147-C is an official document from the Internal Revenue Service that verifies a business’s legal name and Employer Identification Number (EIN). Businesses that have misplaced their original EIN assignment notice, Form CP 575, or never received one can request this letter as an official substitute. The Letter 147-C is a confirmation of an existing EIN, not an application for a new one.
Purpose of an IRS Letter 147-C
The primary purpose of a Letter 147-C is to provide official, third-party-verifiable proof of a business’s EIN. Many financial and commercial processes require this formal documentation, such as opening a business bank account or applying for a line of credit. This letter is also frequently required when establishing relationships with vendors or service providers. A vendor may request it before extending credit or to complete a Form W-9, and setting up payroll services often necessitates providing a copy to ensure taxes are correctly attributed to the business.
Information Required to Request the Letter
Before contacting the IRS, have specific information ready to verify your identity. You must provide the full legal name of the business as it is registered with the IRS, the business’s mailing address on file, and the nine-digit EIN. The individual making the call must be an authorized person, such as a business owner, a partner, a corporate officer, or an individual with a valid Power of Attorney on file with the IRS.
How to Obtain the Letter
The sole method to obtain a Letter 147-C is by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. This line operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. When you call, you will navigate an automated phone menu before speaking with an agent. You will likely select the option for Employer Identification Numbers, and then indicate you need a copy of the verification letter.
Once connected, an IRS agent will ask security questions to confirm your identity and authority. After you have been successfully verified, the agent will offer two methods for delivering the Letter 147-C. The fastest option is delivery by fax, which can be sent to a secure fax number immediately. The alternative is delivery by mail to the business address on file, which takes several weeks to arrive. The IRS will not email the letter for security reasons.