What Is IRS Letter 147C? Important Information you need to know

IRS Letter 147C is just a letter that tells a business that it has an official Employer Identification Number (EIN). This letter does not mean you are in tax trouble. It mostly shows who your business is, and you often need it to open a bank account, get a loan, or deal with suppliers who need your EIN. Think of it as the IRS giving you a clean bill of health for your business. If you know what IRS Letter 147C is and how it works, you can use it with confidence and avoid confusion.

What Is IRS Letter 147C

In IRS Letter 147C, the IRS checks the name of your business and your Employer Identification Number. If the original record is lost, it works like an official copy. Banks, lenders, and vendors often ask for it when you apply for accounts, loans, or contracts. It is not a warning or a tax issue it is just proof of your EIN.

What tax relief services are, and how they work?

Why Would You Receive IRS Letter 147C?

There are a few simple reasons why you might get IRS Letter 147C:

• If you lost CP 575, the original EIN confirmation letter, and needed a new one

• A bank or lender may ask for proof of your EIN before you can open an account or get a loan.

• If a business partner or government agency needs proof that your EIN information matches what the IRS has on file,

• When an accountant, payroll company, or other approved partner asks for something on your behalf

In the end, IRS Letter 147C is just a copy of your business EIN information that the IRS keeps.

What Are Tax Resolution Services?

What Information Does IRS Letter 147C Contain?

The short IRS Letter 147C has your mailing address, Employer Identification Number, business name as it appears in IRS records, and contact information for the IRS if you need help. Some examples of private information that is not included are financial data, tax records, and income. When banks, lenders, or vendors ask for proof, you can safely give them the letter because it is only meant to confirm your EIN.

How to Get a Copy of IRS Letter 147C

If you didn't get the first confirmation letter or lost it in a pile of paperwork, you can always ask for a new one. The process is simple and usually only requires a few steps.

1. Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line

You can reach the IRS at 1 800 829 4933. The line is open from Monday to Friday, between 7 in the morning and 7 in the evening, based on your local time. It is better to call early in the day because wait times can sometimes stretch to 30 minutes or more during busy tax season.

2. Verify Your Identity

The IRS will look into whether or not you can get the letter. Be ready to give your full name, Social Security number (SSN), the name of your business as it is registered with the government, and your job title (e.g., owner or partner). Having these details on hand will make things go more smoothly.

3. Choose the Delivery Method

The IRS can send IRS Letter 147C by mail or fax. Faxes often arrive the same day, but mail usually takes 10 to 14 business days to get there. Many business owners prefer fax because it is quick and can stop delays.

4. Save a Copy for the Future

When the letter comes, make sure you have more than one place to keep it. Scan it into a digital file and keep it in your records. If you can, make a backup copy in the cloud. If you do this, you won't have to call the IRS again if another bank or agency asks for proof of your EIN.

What Are the Alternatives to Requesting a 147C Letter

Some banks or organizations may accept a copy of your filed business tax return, an IRS notice containing your EIN, or state registration documents displaying the number in instead of a 147C letter. These can serve as short-term evidence, but you should still have a copy of the 147C letter on file because it is still the most trustworthy document.

When Should I Request an EIN Letter

You should request an EIN letter whenever you need official proof of your business identity. Many owners ask for it while opening a new bank account since banks need to confirm the EIN before approving applications. It is also useful when applying for business loans or grants because lenders want to make sure your tax records are accurate. Payroll providers may ask for it when they set up accounts, and government agencies sometimes require it before they process contracts. If the original CP 575 letter was lost, requesting an EIN Letter 147C is the only way to replace it. Keeping this letter ready saves time and prevents delays in important business processes.

Difference Between IRS Letter 147C vs. CP 575

When it comes to proving your Employer Identification Number, there are two important letters the IRS uses. Both serve a similar purpose, but they are issued at different times.

CP 575

This is the very first letter the IRS sends when your EIN is created. Many people call it the “birth certificate” of the EIN because it is issued only once, right after you apply. For example, if you started a business in 2018 and received your EIN, the IRS mailed you a CP 575 that same year. If you misplace it later, the IRS will not send another copy.

IRS Letter 147C

This letter is sent instead of the CP 575 when it is no longer available. You have to ask the IRS directly for this information, which includes your business name and EIN. If you apply for a business loan in 2025 and the bank asks for proof of your EIN, you can call the IRS and ask for a 147C. Usually, the IRS sends it by mail within two weeks or by fax the same day.

Common Situations Where You’ll Need IRS Letter 147C

IRS Letter 147C may look simple, but it often makes important business operations possible. Banks usually ask for it when you open a business account because they need clear proof that your EIN is real. Lenders also ask for your tax information before giving you a business loan because they need to check it. 

Payroll companies depend on it to set up accounts correctly and make sure payments go through without a hitch. Government agencies and vendors sometimes need it before a contract is finished. If you lose your original CP 575 letter, IRS Letter 147C is the official replacement.

How SK Financial CPA Help You With IRS Letters and EIN Guidance

Every day, we assist business owners who struggle with the burden of maintaining accurate records. Setting up a bank account, applying for a loan, or signing a new contract can all be slowed down by something as basic as losing an EIN confirmation.

Our experts walk you through the process step-by-step to make it easier. We make sure you always have proof on hand when needed, explain the meaning of each letter, and demonstrate how to request the appropriate documents. We have assisted thousands of clients with business paperwork, tax filings, and EIN issues over the years. Time savings and the assurance that your company is always ready are the two main objectives.

To stay ahead of the game with your IRS letters and business records, schedule a free consultation with us right now.

Conclusion

When you’re running a business there are already many challenges, and IRS Letter 147C should not be one of them. It is simply a helpful document that confirms your EIN and acts as a reliable replacement if the original record is missing. Keep it safe, and it will be there whenever a bank, lender, or partner needs proof of your business identity.

FAQs

What if I cannot find my EIN anywhere?

If the number is missing from your records the best step is to call the IRS. They can confirm your details and send IRS Letter 147C which works as official proof of your EIN.

Who can request IRS Letter 147C?

Only people who are legally connected to the business can ask for it. This includes the owner, a business officer, a partner, or someone who has Power of Attorney.

What is the fastest way to receive the letter?

The quickest option is by fax on the same day once you call and verify your identity. If you choose mail it normally takes around two weeks to arrive.

What documents can replace the 147C letter?

Some banks or agencies may accept a copy of your tax return, an IRS notice showing your EIN, or state paperwork. Still most organizations prefer IRS Letter 147C as the main record.

Does IRS Letter 147C cost anything?

This letter doesn't cost anything. You can get it for free from the IRS when you ask for it.

Does Receiving IRS Letter 147C Mean You Owe Money?

No. Just because you got IRS Letter 147C doesn't mean you owe back taxes or that the IRS is looking into your finances. This isn't a notice to collect. It's just a matter of confirming your EIN. A lot of people get scared when they get mail from the IRS, but this time, you don't have to worry.

How Long Does It Take To Get IRS Letter 147C?

If you choose fax delivery, you may get it the same day. If you prefer regular mail, it usually arrives within about two weeks. During busy tax seasons, it may take a little longer, but generally, the IRS processes these requests quickly because so many banks and lenders rely on them.

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