An IRS Letter 147C, also known as an EIN Verification Letter, is an official document issued by the Internal Revenue Service to confirm your business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN)—a nine-digit tax ID formatted like XX-XXXXXXX. It’s used when you’ve lost or misplaced your original EIN confirmation letter (Form CP 575).
Why You Might Need a 147C Letter
You may be asked to provide proof of your EIN when:
Opening a bank or merchant account
Applying for business loans or grants
Submitting tax documents or payroll filings
Registering with state agencies or licensing boards
The 147C serves as a valid proof of your EIN when CP 575 is unavailable.
Who Can Request a 147C Letter
Only authorized representatives—such as business owners, partners, corporate officers, or individuals with IRS Form 2848 (power of attorney)—can request a 147C letter.
How to Request an EIN Verification Letter (Form 147C)
By Phone (Fastest Option)
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (toll-free), available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (Pacific time in Alaska and Hawaii).
Choose English (press 1), select the EIN assistance menu (press 1), then request a 147C letter (press 3).
Provide identity verification info, your business name and address, and specify whether you want the letter by mail or fax.
Opting for fax typically results in immediate delivery; mail delivery can take 4–6 weeks.
By Mail (Alternative)
Write a formal request including:
Your business name
EIN (if known)
Mailing address on file with the IRS
A statement requesting Form 147C
Mail it to:
Kansas City, MO – for businesses in many eastern states
Ogden, UT – for businesses in western states or international locations
Expect 4–6 weeks for delivery.
What’s Included in the 147C Letter
The 147C verifies:
Your company’s legal name
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Address associated with the EIN
Confirmation that the EIN was previously assigned and is active.
Note: The 147C does not issue a new EIN—it only confirms your existing one.
Alternatives to Requesting a 147C Letter
Before requesting a 147C, you might find your EIN via:
CP 575 confirmation letter (original EIN notice)
Financial institutions or lenders you’ve used
Tax filings or returns
State licensing or registration agencies These sources often retain your EIN on file.
Why This Letter Matters
Banks and vendors frequently request IRS documentation verifying your EIN. A 147C is accepted as official proof.
Misalignment in business name and EIN records can delay transactions or incur penalties—147C helps resolve such mismatches.
