Fact Checked by Editorial Staff 
One document that most concerns new entrepreneurs is the CP 575 letter. It is also known as the EIN (Employer Identification Number) verification letter. In simple terms, a CP 575 letter is an official confirmation of your EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The purpose is simple, but the process of getting one can feel confusing if you have lost your CP 575.
If you recently lost your EIN confirmation notice, are opening a business bank account, or need to verify your company details with the IRS, you should understand how to request a new one or a replacement to avoid delays that can slow down important business operations.
- You cannot request a CP 575 letter; you must contact the IRS for 147C letter.
- Only authorized individuals can request a 147C letter.
- The IRS does not charge a fee for issuing a 147C letter.
- Keep a digital copy of your 147C letter for possible business verification.
Define CP 575 & 147C Letter
The IRS issues a CP 575 notice to the new entrepreneurs who apply for an EIN. When you first apply for an EIN, the IRS sends you CP 575 as a confirmation notice. That letter includes your business name, address, and the employer identification number. The CP 575 notice or confirmation letter is used to open a business bank account, payroll process, apply for a loan, obtain business cards, and obtain business verifications.
But many business owners lose their CP 575 or never receive it. Unfortunately, if you do not have your original CP-575, the IRS will not resend it. Instead, they issue a 147C letter as proof of your EIN.
A Form 147C is an official IRS document that confirms your business’s EIN. Think of it as a replacement for your confirmation letter if you did not have one or lost the original. This serves as official verification that:
- Your EIN exists
- Your business name is correct in IRS records
- Your business address matches IRS files
Banks, lenders, and payroll companies often request this document for identity verification.
CP 575 vs. 147C Letter
Here is a simple comparison of the two documents:
| CP 575 | 147C Letter |
|---|---|
| Sent automatically after you apply for an EIN | Requested by phone |
| Original EIN confirmation notice | Replacement of the EIN verification letter |
| Cannot be reissued by the IRS | Used when CP 575 is lost or missing |
Both documents confirm your EIN, but only the 147C letter can be requested again.
Lost CP 575 — How to Request a 147C Letter
Requesting a 147C letter is not difficult, but the process is different from most IRS requests. You cannot download a form or submit an online application. Instead, the IRS requires you to call and verify your identity directly with an agent. Below are practical steps you can take to gain insight into what to expect before you pick up the phone.
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
IRS agents will first verify your identity to protect your business records. You may be asked to confirm:
- Your EIN
- Legal business name (exactly as registered)
- Business address currently on IRS records
- Type of entity (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, etc.)
- Name of the responsible party or owner
It is important to use the legal business name, not your DBA or brand name. Even small differences, like missing “LLC” at the end, can cause verification issues.
Step 2: Call the IRS Business and Speciality Tax Line
To request a 147C letter, you need to contact the IRS Business and Speciality Tax department. Its official phone number is 800-829-4933. Business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
When the automated system answers, follow the prompts for business tax support. Once you reach an agent, keep your request simple and direct. You can say: “I need a 147C letter to confirm my EIN.”
Step 3. Complete Identity Verification
Once connected with an IRS agent, they will ask a few security questions. This step usually takes only a few minutes if your information matches their system. But if something does not match, for example, an old address or a misspelt business name, the agent may pause the request until records are updated. In some cases, they might guide you through updating your information first.
Step 4. Choose How You Want to Receive the Letter
After verification, the agent will ask how you want the 147C letter delivered. You typically have two options:
- Fax Delivery: The fastest option. If you have access to a fax machine or secure online fax services, choose this method. The agent will confirm your fax number and send the document immediately.
- Mail Delivery: If a fax is not available, the IRS can mail the letter to the business address on your file. But they will not send it to a new address unless that address is already updated in their system. Mail delivery usually takes one to two weeks, sometimes longer, depending on location.
How Long Does It Take to Get a 147C Letter?
Obtaining a 147C letter is usually faster than many IRS processes, but the exact timeline depends on how you request delivery and whether your business information matches IRS records.
Through Fax Delivery
If you choose to receive your 147C letter by fax, the process can be extremely fast. Many entrepreneurs receive the letter within minutes after completing identity verification with the IRS agent. Here is how it typically works:
- You call the IRS Business line.
- The agent verifies your identity.
- You provide a secure fax number.
- The letter is sent while you are still on the phone.
If you have a digital fax service, you do not need a physical machine. Online fax tools work just as well, as long as the IRS agent can send to the number you provide.
Through Mail Delivery
If you do not have access to a fax, the IRS will send the 147C letter by mail.
Based on general IRS processing timelines, delivery usually takes 7 to 14 business days after your request. But this timeframe is only an estimate. Real delivery speed can vary depending on postal service delays, your business location, or IRS processing volume. Some business owners receive it sooner, while others may wait up to three weeks.
Common Reasons That Slow Down the Process
Even though the request itself is simple, certain issues can extend the timeline. Common instances include:
- Information Mismatch: If the legal business name, EIN, or address you provide does not match IRS records, the agent may pause the request until corrections are made.
- Authorisation Problems: If the person calling is not listed as an authorised party, the IRS will not release the letter. You may need to submit an authorisation letter or have the owner call directly.
- High Call Volume: During peak tax season, reaching an IRS agent may take longer. The actual processing time for the letter does not change, but waiting to get through on the phone can add to the overall timeline.
Final Words
A 147C letter is simply an EIN verification document. The most important aspect of requesting one is to match your information with IRS records, and if possible, have a fax prepared. Surely, you can receive the letter by fax on the same day.
If you think you might need a 147C letter soon, consider preparing your EIN details in advance. Understanding how the process works resolves what often feels like a complicated problem.