Requesting an EIN verification letter from the IRS is one of those tasks that sounds straightforward—until you realize there's no online form to fill out and no email address to send your request to. Unlike most government agencies, the IRS does not accept EIN verification requests by email, online form, or fax for initial requests[reference:0]. The only way to obtain this document is by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line[reference:1][reference:2]. That said, many businesses still need a formal letter on file for their internal records, or they may need to send a written request to their accountant or registered agent to initiate the process on their behalf. This guide explains what the EIN verification letter is, when you need it, and provides a formal letter template you can adapt for your records or to authorize a third party to request it on your behalf.
What Is an EIN Verification Letter (147C)?
An EIN verification letter—officially known as IRS Letter 147C—is an official document issued by the IRS that confirms your business's Employer Identification Number (EIN) and verifies the business name and address on file with the IRS[reference:3][reference:4]. It serves as official proof of your EIN and is often required when you need to open a business bank account, set up payroll, apply for financing, register with state agencies, or work with government contractors[reference:5][reference:6].
When the IRS first assigns an EIN, it sends a CP-575 notice confirming the number[reference:7]. If you lose or misplace that original notice, the IRS will not issue a duplicate CP-575[reference:8]. Instead, you can request a 147C letter, which serves as the official replacement and is accepted by banks, payroll providers, lenders, and government agencies in place of the original CP-575[reference:9][reference:10].
The 147C letter confirms[reference:11][reference:12]:
- Your business's legal name as recorded with the IRS
- Your nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- The business address on file with the IRS
- Confirmation that the EIN was previously assigned and is active
When Do You Need an EIN Verification Letter?
You may need to provide a 147C letter in several common business scenarios. Banks and financial institutions frequently require it when you're opening a business bank account or applying for a line of credit[reference:13]. Payroll providers need it to set up your payroll system and ensure taxes are reported correctly[reference:14]. Government agencies may request it when you're registering for state tax accounts or applying for licenses[reference:15]. Payment processors and vendors also often require EIN verification before entering into business relationships[reference:16][reference:17].
Important: In many cases, a completed W-9 with your EIN filled in is sufficient. However, when an institution specifically asks for "IRS-issued verification," the 147C letter is exactly what you need[reference:18].
💡 Pro Tip:
Once you receive your 147C letter, make several copies and store them securely. You'll often need to provide EIN verification multiple times, and having copies ready saves you from having to call the IRS again[reference:19].
How to Request a 147C Letter from the IRS
The IRS does not offer an online application or email process for obtaining a 147C letter[reference:20][reference:21]. The only way to request one is by phone. However, you can use a formal letter to document your request internally, authorize a third party to act on your behalf, or provide written instructions to your accountant.
Step 1: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
To request a 147C letter, you must call the IRS directly[reference:22]. The dedicated number is 1-800-829-4933, available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time[reference:23][reference:24].
When you call, you'll navigate through the phone menu. Press the option for EIN or business tax questions. The IRS phone system has multiple menus, so listen carefully and select the options for business accounts or EIN-related inquiries[reference:25]. Hold times vary, with morning calls—especially early in the week—tending to be shorter[reference:26].
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
The IRS will verify your identity and authority before releasing any information or sending a letter[reference:27]. Be prepared to provide[reference:28][reference:29]:
- Your business's legal name as it appears in IRS records
- Your EIN (if you know it—if not, the IRS can locate it using other information)
- Your business address on file with the IRS
- Your name, title, and Social Security Number (for identity verification)
- The type of entity (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.)
Step 3: Request the 147C Letter and Choose Delivery Method
Once your identity is verified, tell the representative you need a 147C EIN verification letter[reference:30]. You can choose how you want to receive it[reference:31][reference:32]:
- Fax – The fastest option. If you have access to a fax number, the letter can be faxed immediately during the call or within the same business day[reference:33].
- Mail – The letter will be sent to the business address on file. This typically takes 7 to 14 business days, though some sources indicate it can take up to 4-6 weeks[reference:34][reference:35].
The IRS will not send the letter via email for security reasons[reference:36][reference:37].
Who Can Request a 147C Letter?
The IRS will only provide a 147C letter to authorized individuals[reference:38][reference:39]. Typically, this includes[reference:40]:
- Business owners
- Corporate officers
- Partners
- Members of an LLC
- Authorized representatives with a valid power of attorney (IRS Form 2848)
If a CPA or tax professional is requesting the letter on behalf of a client, appropriate authorization is required[reference:41].
⚠️ Important:
If your business address has changed since you received your EIN, you must update your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822-B before you can receive a 147C letter[reference:42][reference:43]. The IRS will only send the verification letter to the address on file.
Formal Letter Template for EIN Verification Request
While the IRS does not accept written requests for 147C letters as the primary means of obtaining one, you may need a formal letter for your internal records, to authorize a third party to request the letter on your behalf, or to provide instructions to your accountant. Below is a template you can adapt for these purposes.
Template: Formal Request for EIN Verification (Letter 147C)
[Your Company Letterhead]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
Business & Specialty Tax Line
[Appropriate Service Center Address – see note below]
RE: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Form 147C)
Entity Name: [Your Business Name]
EIN: [XX-XXXXXXX] (if known)
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is a formal request for an EIN Verification Letter (IRS Letter 147C) for the business entity identified above.
Entity Information:
- Legal Business Name: [Full legal name as registered with the IRS]
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): [XX-XXXXXXX, if known]
- Business Address on File with IRS: [Street Address, City, State, ZIP]
- Entity Type: [Corporation / LLC / Partnership / Sole Proprietorship]
- Date of EIN Issuance: [Date, if known]
Purpose of Request:
[Briefly explain why you need the verification, e.g., "to open a business bank account," "for payroll provider onboarding," or "to apply for a business loan"]
Authorized Representative:
[Name of person authorized to request the letter]
[Title/Role]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
I/We hereby authorize [Name of individual or firm, if applicable] to request and receive the EIN verification letter on behalf of the above-named entity. [If applicable, attach IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.]
Please send the verification letter to:
[ ] Fax to: [Fax Number]
[ ] Mail to: [Address]
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Title]
[Entity Name]
[Phone Number]
Note: If you are sending this to the IRS by mail, use the appropriate service center address for your state. For businesses in many eastern states, mail to Kansas City, MO; for businesses in western states or international locations, mail to Ogden, UT[reference:44].
Alternative subject lines (if sending via email to a third party): "Authorization to Request EIN Verification Letter – [Entity Name]" / "Formal Request for Letter 147C – [Entity Name]"
What to Do If You Don't Get a Response
Since the primary method of requesting a 147C letter is by phone, you should receive the document during your call (via fax) or within a few weeks (via mail). However, if you've authorized a third party to request it and haven't received confirmation, here's how to follow up.
- If you requested by phone with fax delivery: The letter should arrive immediately or within the same business day. If it doesn't, call the IRS back to confirm the fax number and request that it be resent.
- If you requested by phone with mail delivery: Allow 7-14 business days for delivery. If you haven't received it after two weeks, call the IRS to check the status.
- If you authorized a third party: Follow up with them directly. They should provide you with a copy of the letter once received.
- If the IRS cannot verify your identity: They may ask for additional documentation. Be prepared to provide a completed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) if you are requesting on behalf of a business that is not your own.
Keep a record of your call, including the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate or follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I request an EIN verification letter online?
A: No. The IRS does not currently offer an online application process for obtaining a 147C letter[reference:45][reference:46]. You must call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to request it[reference:47].
Q: Is a 147C letter the same as a CP-575 notice?
A: Not exactly. The CP-575 is the original EIN assignment notice the IRS sends when you first receive your EIN[reference:48]. If you lose that, the IRS will not issue a duplicate CP-575. Instead, you can request a 147C letter, which serves as official EIN verification and is accepted in place of the CP-575[reference:49][reference:50].
Q: How long does it take to get a 147C letter?
A: If you request fax delivery during your phone call, the letter can arrive the same day or the next business day[reference:51]. Mail delivery typically takes 7 to 14 business days, though some sources indicate it can take up to 4-6 weeks[reference:52][reference:53].
Q: Who can request a 147C letter on behalf of my business?
A: The IRS will only provide a 147C letter to authorized individuals, including business owners, corporate officers, partners, LLC members, or authorized representatives with a valid power of attorney (IRS Form 2848)[reference:54][reference:55].
Q: What if my business address has changed?
A: You must update your address with the IRS before you can receive a 147C letter[reference:56]. File Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business) to update your business address[reference:57]. The IRS will only send the verification letter to the address on file.