When it comes to operating a business within the United States, one of the more underrated forms of documentation is the IRS 147c Letter which, just like any other business document, has its own specific purpose.
If you have, at any point, tried validating your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or required asserting your business identity to a financial institution, government agency, or even a vendor, the 147c Letter serves as an invaluable asset.
This guide will explain everything there is to know about the 147c Letter, detailing why it is important, what other people might request it, the processes involved in obtaining one, and the role of Bizstartz in helping you get it seamlessly.
What is a 147c letter?
This is a document that serves as proof confirming the association of an entity with an Employee Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In simpler terms, the IRS 147c Letter is an official document issued by the IRS confirming the association of a business name and EIN for a company. It acts as an EIN verification letter when the original CP 575 EIN confirmation letter is misplaced.
Upon applying for an EIN, the IRS confirms your application by sending a CP575 notice, however this letter can be easily misfiled or lost, especially if you move houses, forgot to update files or delete files digitally. In those scenarios, the 147c Letter helps fill in the gaps.
The letter cannot be obtained online and needs to be requested from the IRS directly. It proves your EIN number and is in most instances accepted by banks and partnering businesses as sufficient identification of your entity’s legal existence.
What Information is on a 147c Letter?
A 147c Letter contains the basic identification details of your business extracted from the IRS records. Following is what the letter typically entails:
Business Legal Name: As filed with the IRS during the EIN issuance application.
Employer Identification Number (EIN): Your unique federal tax identification number consisting of 9 digits.
Business Address: Address registered with the IRS concerning your entity.
Entity Type: Whether your business is LLC, C Corporation, S Corporation, Partnership etc.
Date the EIN Was Assigned: Helpful in verifying applicable history for your business.
IRS Contact Information: Containing the IRS section and office telephone number in the instance additional confirmation is required.
When dealing with organizations and businesses that require government-issued documents and trustworthy identification, this document provides an undeniable assurance as well as an official confirmation of your EIN.
Who Would Request a 147c Letter?
Before providing services or approving applications, numerous agencies require formal verification of your EIN as a form of identification. Following are some examples of entities that are likely to request your 147c Letter:
1. Banks and Financial Institutions
While opening a business bank account with a corporation or applying for a loan, banks especially request for Proof of EIN. In case you have lost your CP 575, the 147c Letter can acts as a substitute.
2. Government Agencies
Local and state licensing departments often verify the EIN for registration purposes while issuing business permits, licenses or sales tax registrations. These departments frequently need to verify that your business is registered with the federal government.
3. Vendors and Suppliers
Particularly larger suppliers such as those providing credit or extended terms may use these to check if your business is registered with the IRS. They often seek to confirm that your business is legitimate and formally registered before any contracts are signed.
4. Payroll and HR Services
Tax reporting under the correct business entity is a requirement when onboarding employees, thus it is common for payroll providers to verify EIN prior to filing taxes.
5. Credit Agencies and Lendors
Lines of credit, business credit cards, and financing partners wish to see confirmed documentation of your EIN to validate your business identity and mitigate identity theft.
In all these matters, the 147c Letter serves as a confirmation of your business identity and registration with the IRS for a federal tax number.
Why is a 147c Letter Important?
The 147c Letter is much more than a mere formality. The letter is crucial in providing seamless functioning, while reducing bureaucracy in administrative processes.
Here are a few reasons why the 147c letter is important:
✅ Official EIN Verification
The only document issued by the IRS which can replace the CP 575 EIN confirmation letter is the 147c Letter. The letter serves as proof of an EIN and its validation comes from the IRS itself.
✅ Required for Business Operations
Bank account openings and licenses applications are governed by EIN verification. Without a 147c Letter or CP575, one may encounter several obstacles in various aspects of business operation or setup.
✅ Avoiding Delays and Rejections
Insufficient compliance in EIN verification is a common reason why banks, creditors, and even some government institutions may reject applications or delay processing. The possession of a 147c Letter means that you can readily meet such requests without frustrating delays.
✅ Peace of Mind and Compliance
In addition to helping with practical matters, the 147c Letter protects your business as it operates in compliance and in a manner that is credible with institutions that need to matter.
How To Request A 147c Letter From The IRS: Step by Step Guide
Acquiring a 147c Letter for the purpose of verifying your EIN is a very easy process as long as you follow the guidelines. To make the request as easy and streamlined as possible, make sure to follow the guide listed below:
Step 1: Prepare Required Information
Make sure that the essential information is in your possession to make the call to IRS. The details that you will need include:
- The business’s legal name (as registered with the IRS)
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- The address the IRS has on record for the business
- An explanation as to why the information is needed, example: confirmation of the EIN, bank requirements, etc.
Being armed with this information ensures that you will not face delays in the review process.
Step 2: Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
To obtain your 147c Letter, you must contact the IRS directly at:
- Phone: 1-800-829-4933
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (local time)
To request a 147c Letter, this is the only method that the IRS offers. Online and email requests are not accepted.
Step 3: Confirm Your Identity and Authorization
IRS representatives require you to verify your identity and your authority to act for the business, so once the line is connected, you will have to answer questions regarding.
Prepare the following:
- State your full name and position in the business (owner, partner, officer, etc.)
- Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Provide any extra verification information that the IRS may ask for.
Only those listed as an authorized contact on the IRS record can request for this letter.
Step 4: Request the 147c Letter
After confirming your identity, inform the representative that you intend to request a 147c Letter confirming your EIN. At that point, you will be asked about your preferred method of receiving the letter.
- By Fax (Fastest Option): If you value speed, ask the letter to be sent via fax. Just ensure you provide a secure fax number.
- By Mail: In situations where a fax machine is not readily available, the IRS can send the letter through the postal service to the address on file.
- Note: This method in receiving the letter may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on postal delivery times.
Step 5: Confirm and Safeguard the Letter
- Review the document thoroughly to ensure there were no mistakes with the business name, address, and EIN number.
- Store the letter safely in case it is needed for business bank accounts, licenses, or other official documents.
If any discrepancies are identified, reach out to the IRS immediately to update the record.
What is the Process of Receiving a 147C Letter from the IRS?
After going through identity verification steps with the IRS, the requested letter will be sent through one of the following ways:
📠 Fax
In case you have access to a fax machine, the 147c Letter can be sent to you immediately after the phone call. This is the fastest way of receiving the document, which can come through within minutes.
If a fax isn’t available, the IRS will be able to mail the letter to the business address in their records. This option takes 7 – 14 business days depending on your location and USPS delivery timelines.
Tip: It is extremely important to keep your IRS records current. If your address has changed and is not reflected in the IRS records, the letter is likely to be sent to the wrong location.
How Can Bizstartz Assist in Filing a 147C Letter
We at Bizstartz take pride in supporting business owners across the globe in registering and managing businesses in the US. Regardless of whether you are new in becoming a business founder or a seasoned business owner, dealing with the IRS is always complex, more so for overseas citizens.
This is precisely why we are here.
This is how Bizstartz will assist you with your 147c Letter:
✅ Interaction with IRS: We make the call to the IRS for you (with your permission), so you do not have to sit on hold or pass through screens of menus.
✅ Fast Deliveries: We guarantee fast delivery either by fax or mail of the 147c Letter.
✅ Bilingual Support Worldwide: We help foreign non-residents and foreign entrepreneurs cope with IRS paperwork in a timely and hassle-free manner.
✅ Other Services: If you require more than just a 147c Letter, we also provide EIN registration, ITINs, BOI filings, bookkeeping, provide registered agent services and set up US bank accounts – all in one place.
Reducing the frustration associated with compliance is our number one goal so you can concentrate on what is important, expanding your company.
Get Your 147c Letter with Minimal Effort
If you need quick verification to keep your business operations running smoothly, or have misplaced your EIN letter, don’t hassle with the IRS’s long wait times. With Bizstartz, you get the value of having the entire process handled with expert oversight, all while being guided securely and efficiently through every stage of the procedure.
👉 Reach out to us today for more information on requesting your 147c letter and to find out about other services related to business compliance in the United States.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is it possible for me to place an order for a 147c Letter on the internet?
No. There is no online option provided for requesting a 147c Letter and it must be done over the telephone with the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
How long does it take to receive the letter?
If the letter is sent by fax, you’ll have it in your hand immediately after the call. If you are mailed, it may take between 7 – 14 working days for you to receive it based on your geographical location and the postal service.
What’s the difference between the CP 575 and the 147c Letter?
The CP 575 letter is the original EIN confirmation letter that is issued when you apply for an EIN. The 147c letter is a reissued confirmation but serves as a valid substitute when CP 575 is lost.
Can I have someone else call the IRS for me?
The request can only be made by someone who is listed as an authorized person in the IRS records (like a business owner or an officer). As for now, Bizstartz is able to help you with this as long as you give them the right instructions through IRS Form 2848 or 8821.
Will banks accept a 147c Letter to open an account?
Yes. A 147c Letter is most accepted by banks in the US as proof of EIN Quote when opening a business account especially where CP 575 is unavailable.
