An IRS Letter 147C, commonly called an EIN Verification Letter, is an official document issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that confirms a business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN).
An EIN is a nine digit tax identification number assigned to businesses by the IRS and formatted like XX-XXXXXXX.
Letter 147C is typically requested when a business has lost or cannot locate the original EIN confirmation letter, known as Form CP 575, which the IRS sends when the EIN is first issued.
The 147C letter does not assign a new EIN. Instead, it verifies the EIN that has already been issued to the business and confirms the name and address associated with that number.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID used by the IRS to identify a business entity.
Businesses use their EIN for several purposes, including:
Because the EIN functions like a Social Security number for a business, organizations often need official documentation verifying the EIN. Letter 147C serves that purpose when the original confirmation notice is missing.
You may be asked to provide proof of your EIN when:
The 147C serves as a valid proof of your EIN when CP 575 is unavailable.
Only authorized representatives—such as business owners, partners, corporate officers, or individuals with IRS Form 2848 (power of attorney)—can request a 147C letter.
The quickest way to obtain a 147C letter is by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.
Phone number: 1-800-829-4933
Availability: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
During the call you will be asked to confirm:
If verification is successful, the IRS agent can fax the 147C letter immediately or mail it to the address on record.
The IRS Letter 147C confirms key details associated with the EIN.
The letter typically includes:
The document does not create or change an EIN. It only verifies the existing number.
Before contacting the IRS, businesses may be able to locate their EIN through existing records.
Possible sources include:
The original CP 575 notice
This is the letter the IRS sends after assigning an EIN.
Previous tax returns
Business tax filings usually include the EIN.
Payroll records
Payroll providers often keep EIN documentation on file.
Bank or loan applications
Financial institutions may retain EIN information used during account setup.
State business registrations
Some licensing agencies record EIN details as part of registration.
Checking these records can sometimes avoid the need to request a 147C letter.
Accurate EIN documentation helps businesses avoid delays when dealing with banks, tax agencies, or regulatory authorities.
Without verification, businesses may encounter:
A 147C letter provides official IRS confirmation that helps resolve discrepancies between business records and government databases.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Official EIN verification document from the IRS |
| Who Can Request It | Business owner, officer, or authorized agent |
| How to Request | Phone (fastest) or mail (takes weeks) |
| What It Contains | Business name, EIN, and IRS confirmation status |
| Use Cases | Banks, licenses, payroll, tax agencies |
Organizations that handle payroll, compliance documentation, and employee records across multiple systems often benefit from centralized HR platforms. If you want to simplify workforce data management and compliance workflows, you can request a demo to see how Engagedly supports HR and operations teams.
