Lost EIN Confirmation Letter? How to Request an IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter 

Misplacing your EIN confirmation notice can slow down payroll setup, banking, and other compliance tasks. The good news: if you no longer have your original EIN confirmation letter (CP575), the IRS can provide an EIN Verification Letter, also known as IRS Letter 147C, to confirm the EIN and legal business name on file.

• When the IRS assigns an Employer Identification Number (EIN), it issues a CP575 confirmation notice that lists the business’s EIN and legal name.
• If the CP575 is lost, the IRS may issue a 147C EIN Verification Letter.
• A 147C letter confirms the EIN and the legal business name currently associated with the account.
• Employers often request a 147C letter when:
  • Opening a business bank account
  • Setting up payroll services
  • Verifying tax records
  • Resolving EIN verification issues
• To request it, an authorized individual must contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
• The IRS can send Letter 147C by mail or fax after verifying identity and authorization.

An EIN confirmation letter is the document the IRS provides when it assigns your business an EIN. For many employers, that document is Notice CP575. You’ll typically use the CP575 to confirm:

• Your business’s assigned EIN
• Your business’s legal name as recorded by the IRS

If you onboard a new payroll provider, open new bank accounts, or update systems, someone will eventually ask for proof that your EIN matches your legal business name. That’s where the CP575 (or a replacement verification letter) becomes important. 

What's the difference between form CP575 and 147C? Find out now.

IRS Letter 147C is an EIN Verification Letter. It serves a specific purpose: it confirms the EIN and the legal business name currently on the IRS account. That “currently” matters. Names can change over time due to mergers, restructures, ownership changes, or entity updates. If your internal records do not match what the IRS has on file, a 147C letter helps you identify what needs to be corrected before it turns into a payroll or tax filing issue. 

Most employers request a 147C letter when a third party needs EIN validation quickly and the CP575 is missing. Common scenarios include:

• Opening a business bank account: Banks often require EIN verification to open accounts or add signers.
• Setting up or changing payroll services: Payroll providers may request an EIN verification letter to validate employer information before running payroll or filing taxes.
• Verifying tax records: If you’re reconciling filing history, confirming entity details, or cleaning up compliance documentation, the 147C letter provides a clear reference.
• Resolving EIN verification issues: A mismatch between your legal name and EIN can trigger delays with vendors, benefits providers, or payroll tax workflows.

 To request a 147C letter, you must call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. The IRS representative will confirm the caller’s identity and authorization before issuing the letter. A few practical tips to keep the process moving:

• Call from a location where you can receive a fax if you want the fastest turnaround (if the IRS offers fax delivery during your call).
• Set aside time for identity verification questions.
• Have your internal business details in front of you so you can respond consistently.

Who Is Authorized To Request The Letter

The IRS will only provide a 147C letter to an authorized individual, such as:

• Business owners
• Corporate officers
• Partners
• Responsible parties listed on the EIN application

If you manage HR or payroll but you are not listed as an authorized party, you may need to coordinate the call with a corporate officer or responsible party to avoid delays.

Information The IRS May Ask For

The IRS representative typically verifies identity and authorization before issuing the letter. Be prepared to confirm details related to the business and the caller’s relationship to it. To stay organized, keep a short “EIN verification” checklist internally that includes:

• Legal business name used for tax filings
• Known EIN (if available in internal systems)
• Business address on file (or most recent filing address)
• Authorized contact details and role (officer, owner, partner, or responsible party)

 Timing depends on how the IRS sends the letter:

• Fax: Often the fastest option if available during your call and you can receive it securely.
• Mail: Typically takes longer and depends on mailing timelines and address accuracy.

For compliance workflows, plan ahead. If you’re onboarding a new payroll provider, opening accounts, or making tax setup changes, request the 147C early so you do not block implementation. 

• IRS guidance on retrieving or replacing EIN information: Employer identification number | Internal Revenue Service