What Is an IRS Letter 147C and How to Request One?
Understand the function of IRS Letter 147C for EIN verification and the specific process for requesting this official document from the IRS.
An IRS Letter 147C is an official document issued by the Internal Revenue Service to confirm a business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). This letter serves as formal verification of a business’s tax registration with the federal government. It is not a document that is automatically sent, but rather one that must be requested when proof of an EIN is required.
Understanding the EIN Confirmation Letter
The primary function of a Letter 147C is to act as a substitute for the original EIN assignment letter, known as the CP 575. The IRS issues a CP 575 only once, upon the initial assignment of an EIN, and will not reissue it if it is lost or misplaced. The Letter 147C provides the same information, including the legal name of the business and the corresponding EIN.
Various business and financial operations require this formal verification. For instance, opening a business bank account, applying for a business loan or credit card, or establishing accounts with payment processors often necessitates providing a copy of this letter. Payroll service providers may also request it to ensure they are processing payroll taxes under the correct business entity.
How to Request IRS Letter 147C
The only method to request a Letter 147C is by contacting the IRS directly via telephone at 1-800-829-4933. This line is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. There is no online or mail-in form to request this specific letter; the request must be made verbally with an IRS representative.
Before placing the call, have specific information ready to verify your identity as an authorized person for the business. The IRS representative will ask security questions to confirm you have the authority to receive this information. You should be prepared to provide the full legal name of the business, the business address, and the name and Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN of the authorized party making the call.
Once your identity is verified, you will have two options for delivery: fax or mail. Requesting the letter by fax is the fastest method, and you can often receive it the same day. If you opt for mail, it may take several weeks to arrive. Only an authorized individual, such as a corporate officer or a person with a valid Power of Attorney (Form 2848) on file, can make this request.