What Is a 147C Letter From the IRS?
An IRS 147C letter confirms that a business has been assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by the IRS. It can be requested when you lose, misplace, or can't find your original CP 575 Assignment Letter. Simply put, this letter is the official written record of your business's EIN, which will allow you to confirm that your EIN matches what is recorded with the IRS. Many businesses and third-party organizations will request a copy of your 147C letter to verify that you have an EIN for banking purposes, licensing purposes, payroll purposes, applying for loans, and meeting other compliance obligations.
What Is the Purpose of a 147C Letter?
The 147C letter is used primarily for the purpose of
verifying an entity's EIN (Employer Identification Number).
It gives evidence that an IRS Establishes an EIN for an
entity and that the name and address used are correct
according to records maintained by the IRS.
You may have to submit a 147C letter for several reasons:
- When opening or changing any type of business bank accounts
- When applying for business loans or lines of credit.
- When registering for any state or local licenses.
- When establishing or filing payroll tax obligations.
- When getting the same EIN information from a vendor or government agency that is not having the same EIN.
The letters issued by the IRS will provide the individual/entity with a credible means of stating what it owns with respect to its EIN.
What Information Is Included in a 147C Letter?
The components of a 147C letter that contains the IRS business record of a business are as follows:
- Legal Name of Business
- IRS Business Address
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
party record (such as a state, city or county tax record) by providing the same information as on the IRS's database.
How to Get a 147C Letter From the IRS
Unlike many IRS forms, the 147C letter cannot be downloaded online. You must request it directly from the IRS.
Step 1: Gather Required Information
Be prepared with:
- Your EIN (if available)
- Your business name and address
- Proof of your authority to act on behalf of the business (owner, officer, or authorized representative)
Step 2: Call the IRS
Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at
1-800-829-4933, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7
p.m. local time.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
The IRS will ask questions to confirm your identity and
role. This may include providing your SSN, EIN, and other
identifying details.
Step 4: Request the 147C Letter
Once verified, request the letter and choose delivery by fax
or mail.
Step 5: Receive the Letter
- Fax: Typically received the same day or within 24 hours
- Mail: May take several days to a few weeks, depending on location