An IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter is an official document provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that verifies the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of a business or entity. The EIN, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number used by the IRS to identify businesses for tax purposes. Businesses need this number to pay state and federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and apply for a business license. A 147C letter confirms that the EIN is valid and active, and it is often used to confirm the existence of a business entity. It’s important to note that the 147C letter does not create an EIN; rather, it is a confirmation of an EIN that the IRS has already assigned. This article explains what the 147C letter is, when you need it, and how to request it. It will also discuss common issues with the 147C letter and alternatives to requesting it.
Why You Need an IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
You might need a 147C EIN verification letter in the following situations:
- You misplaced your original EIN confirmation letter (Form CP 575).
- You never received your EIN confirmation letter.
- You forgot your EIN.
- You need to provide proof of your EIN to a third party, such as a bank, lender, or government agency.
- Your business has undergone a change of ownership, merger, or restructuring.
If you used your EIN to open a bank account or apply for a state license, you might be able to get your EIN from those sources. Previously filed tax returns or other IRS documents might also have your EIN on them. However, if you need documented verification of your EIN, you’ll need to request an IRS 147C letter.
How to Request an IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
You can request a 147C letter over the phone, but not by mail, fax, or email. Here are the steps you can take to request a 147C letter by phone:
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. This line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone.
- Follow the prompts to speak with an IRS representative. You can press “1” for English, “1” for Employer Identification Numbers, and then “3” for help if you already have an EIN but can’t remember it.
- Tell the agent that you need an EIN verification letter because you’ve lost your IRS Notice CP 575 .
- Answer security questions. The IRS agent will ask security questions to confirm that you’re authorized to receive the 147C letter.
- Choose to have the letter mailed or faxed. The IRS agent can mail or fax you the letter. If you have it faxed, you will receive it immediately. If you have it mailed, it could take 4–6 weeks.
Only authorized agents can request a 147C letter. People who are typically authorized to request a 147C letter include:
- Corporate officers
- Executors of an estate
- Payroll providers or PEOs
- Partners in a business partnership
- Sole proprietors
- Trustees overseeing a trust
If you want to allow a third party to obtain a 147C letter on your behalf, you’ll need to submit a completed Form 8821 or Form 2848. You’ll also need to give the third party some basic information about your business, such as the year it started and your business address, to help them answer the security questions that the IRS will ask.
Alternatives to Requesting a 147C Letter
Before calling the IRS to request a 147C letter, you can check these sources for your EIN:
- Your original EIN confirmation letter
- Financial institutions where you used your EIN to open an account or apply for a loan
- State or local agencies where you used your EIN to apply for licensing
- Tax returns you filed under your EIN
What Information Does the IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter Contain?
A 147C letter generally includes the following:
- Your business’s legal name
- Your business’s principal address
- Your business’s EIN
- Instructions on how to get additional forms, publications, or information from the IRS
What To Do With Your IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
Once you receive your 147C letter, you should file a copy of it in a safe place. This will save you the trouble of requesting another one if you need to reference it later. If you requested the 147C letter to provide proof of your EIN to a third party, you should send them the letter immediately.
FAQs
What is an IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
It is an official document from the IRS that verifies a business’s EIN.
Why do I need an IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
You need it to prove your business’s EIN to third parties, like banks and government agencies, or if you have lost or misplaced your original EIN documentation.
How can I request an IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
You can request it by calling the IRS; you cannot request it online, by mail, or by fax.
What information is included in the IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
It includes your business name, EIN, address, and the date the EIN was issued.
When should I use the IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
Use it when opening bank accounts, applying for loans, dealing with government agencies, or when another party requires documentation of your EIN.
What are some common issues with the IRS 147C EIN Verification Letter?
Common issues include a lost EIN, mismatched information, and processing delays.