CP 575 vs. 147C: What’s the Difference and Which Do Banks Accept?

When your bank asks for an “EIN confirmation letter,” you may be unsure whether you need a CP 575, Letter 147C, or another IRS document.

Both documents connect your Employer Identification Number to your business’s legal name. The main difference is when and how each document is issued.

Your original CP 575 is generally issued when the IRS first assigns your EIN. Letter 147C is issued later when you need the IRS to verify an EIN that was previously assigned.

There is also an important new option. If you are an eligible IRS Business Tax Account user, you may now be able to download a digital CP575 EIN Verification Notice. The IRS says this digital notice can substitute for the original CP575 notice series and Letter 147C.

Before submitting documents, review How Do I Prove I Have an EIN Number? so you understand which forms of EIN proof your bank may request.



Which EIN Document Should You Give Your Bank?

Answer these seven questions to decide whether you should use your original CP 575, download a digital CP575, or request IRS Letter 147C. Select the answer that best describes your situation to see detailed guidance immediately.

1Do you still have your original CP 575 notice?
Your likely choice: Original CP 575 Submit your complete CP 575 if the legal business name and EIN match your bank application. Ask the bank whether it accepts a scanned copy or requires another format before your appointment.
Your likely choice: Digital CP575 Sign in to your IRS Business Tax Account and look for the EIN verification notice. Download the complete PDF, review the business name and EIN, and save a secure backup before sending it to your bank.
Your likely choice: Letter 147C You may need to request Letter 147C from the IRS. This letter verifies an EIN that was previously assigned and is commonly used when the original CP 575 is unavailable.
2What exactly did your bank request?
You may have several acceptable choices. Ask whether the bank accepts the original CP 575, a digital CP575, Letter 147C, or an entity transcript. Obtain the answer in writing so you do not receive conflicting instructions from different employees.
Confirm whether an equivalent document is acceptable. Explain that you may have a digital CP575 or Letter 147C rather than the original notice. Ask a business banker or compliance representative to confirm which replacement document the bank will approve.
Request Letter 147C. Prepare to verify your identity, relationship to the business, legal name, address, EIN, and other account details when you contact the IRS.
3How quickly do you need EIN verification?
Check for the digital CP575 first. A downloadable notice may be the fastest option if it is available in your Business Tax Account. If it is unavailable, ask whether the IRS can send Letter 147C by fax after verifying your authority.
You have time to confirm the bank’s exact rules. Contact the bank before requesting documents. This prevents you from waiting for a letter that the bank does not require or failing to collect another document needed for the account.
Organize and correct your records first. Compare your IRS notice, formation documents, DBA registration, business address, ownership information, and bank application before submitting anything.
4Does the legal business name match on every document?
You are ready for the next verification step. Make sure punctuation, abbreviations, spacing, and entity endings such as LLC or Inc. are entered consistently on the bank application.
Compare your records before applying. Check the IRS notice, articles of organization or incorporation, operating agreement, Form W-9, business license, and DBA registration. Use the legal name in the legal-name field and the trade name only where requested.
Resolve the mismatch before resubmitting. Determine whether the IRS record, state formation record, DBA registration, or bank application contains the incorrect name. Never edit an IRS document yourself.
5Does the address on your IRS record match your current business information?
Your records appear consistent. Keep proof of the current business address available in case the bank asks for a lease, utility bill, state record, license, or other supporting document.
Ask the bank what supporting proof it needs. The bank may accept the EIN document together with evidence of your current address. Obtain written instructions before uploading sensitive documents.
Update the appropriate records. Determine which agency or application contains outdated information. Keep evidence of any submitted address update and ask the bank whether temporary supporting documents will be accepted.
6Are you authorized to request confidential EIN information?
Prepare for identity verification. Have your legal name, position, EIN, business address, entity type, start date, and information from prior filings available before contacting the IRS.
You may need documented authorization. Confirm that the IRS has appropriate authorization covering the EIN matter. An employee or outside representative may not automatically be permitted to receive confidential business information.
Confirm your authority before calling. Ask the business owner or a qualified tax professional who should make the request and whether an authorization form must be submitted first.
7What happened when you submitted your EIN document?
Save your approval records. Keep the accepted EIN document, bank correspondence, account approval, and supporting formation records in your permanent business file.
Submit a clean and complete copy. Include every page and avoid screenshots that crop out the IRS heading, date, legal name, EIN, or document title. Use the bank’s secure upload portal.
Identify the exact rejection reason. Ask whether the issue involves bank policy, the legal name, address, entity type, ownership information, document quality, or another missing record. Request review by a business banker or compliance representative when needed.

Your Fast Decision Guide

Use the Original CP 575

Choose this when you have a complete copy and the bank confirms that it meets its EIN-verification requirements.

Download a Digital CP575

Choose this when the notice is available through your IRS Business Tax Account and your bank accepts a downloaded IRS document.

Request Letter 147C

Choose this when the original notice is unavailable, you cannot obtain a digital notice, or the bank specifically asks for Letter 147C.



Quick Answer: CP 575 vs. 147C

You can use the following rule to decide which document you need:

  • If you still have your original CP 575, submit it to your bank.
  • If you qualify for an IRS Business Tax Account, check whether you can download a digital CP575.
  • If you lost your original CP 575 and cannot download the digital version, request Letter 147C from the IRS.
  • If your bank asks for a specific document, confirm its requirements before submitting anything.
  • If your legal business name does not match the name on your EIN record, correct the mismatch before opening the account.

For a broader list of documents you may need, use this Business Bank Account Document Checklist.

Choose Your EIN Template Fast

Select the situation that matches your next step. The complete template will appear directly below the buttons. Replace all bracketed information before sending or using a template.

Template 1: Ask Your Bank Which EIN Documents It Accepts

Use this message before requesting a new IRS document or attending your business-account appointment.

Subject: Acceptable EIN Verification Documents for My Business Account

Dear [Banker’s Name or Business Banking Department],

I am preparing the documents required to open or update a business bank account for [Legal Business Name].

Before I submit my application, please confirm which IRS-issued EIN documents your bank currently accepts. I may be able to provide one of the following:

  • My original CP 575 EIN assignment notice
  • A digital CP575 downloaded through my IRS Business Tax Account
  • IRS Letter 147C confirming an EIN previously assigned
  • An IRS entity transcript or another approved tax document

Please also let me know whether you require the complete document, a recently issued copy, a specific file format, or any supporting formation, ownership, DBA, or address records.

I would appreciate written confirmation so I can bring or upload the correct documents the first time.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Legal Business Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Do not include your full EIN in an ordinary unsecured email unless the bank specifically instructs you to use a secure communication method.

Template 2: IRS Letter 147C Phone Script

Use this script when you need official verification of an EIN that was previously assigned.

Opening statement:





Hello. My name is [Your Full Name], and I am the [Owner, Officer, Partner, Member, Manager, Trustee, Executor, or Authorized Representative] for [Legal Business Name].

I need written verification of the Employer Identification Number that was previously assigned to this business. I would like to request Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.

If the representative asks why you need it:

My [bank, lender, payroll provider, payment processor, vendor, or other institution] requires an IRS-issued document confirming the business’s legal name and EIN. The original CP 575 is [lost, unavailable, damaged, or was never received].

If you want fax delivery:

If permitted after identity verification, I would like the letter sent by fax. The secure fax number is [Fax Number]. I control or have authorized access to this fax number.

If you want mail delivery:

Please mail the letter to the address currently associated with the business’s IRS record. Please confirm the address you are permitted to use or tell me whether an address update is required.

Before ending the call:

Thank you. Please confirm that the requested document is Letter 147C and tell me whether there are any additional steps I must complete.

Have your EIN, exact legal business name, business address, entity type, position, start date, and information from previous filings available before you call.

Template 3: Submit Your EIN Verification Document





Use this cover message when uploading or securely sending a CP 575, digital CP575, or Letter 147C.

Subject: EIN Verification Document for [Legal Business Name]

Dear [Banker’s Name or Business Banking Department],

Attached is the requested IRS-issued EIN verification document for [Legal Business Name].

The document provided is [Original CP 575, Digital CP575, or Letter 147C]. It shows the Employer Identification Number and legal business name associated with the entity.

I have also included the following supporting documents, as requested:

  • [Articles of Organization or Incorporation]
  • [Operating Agreement or Bylaws]
  • [DBA or Trade-Name Registration]
  • [Certificate of Good Standing]
  • [Proof of Business Address]
  • [Ownership or Signer Identification]

Please confirm that the EIN document is readable, complete, and acceptable for the account review. If another document or a different format is required, please identify the exact requirement in writing.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Legal Business Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Send sensitive tax documents only through a secure bank portal, encrypted message system, approved fax number, or another method confirmed by the bank.

Template 4: Ask the Bank to Review a Rejected EIN Document

Use this message when your CP 575, digital CP575, or Letter 147C was rejected and the reason was unclear.





Subject: Request for Review of Rejected EIN Verification Document

Dear [Banker’s Name or Business Banking Department],

I am writing regarding the EIN verification document submitted for [Legal Business Name] on [Submission Date].

I was informed that the document could not be accepted. The document I submitted was [Original CP 575, Digital CP575, or Letter 147C].

Please provide the specific reason for the rejection. In particular, please clarify whether the issue involves:

  • The type or age of the IRS document
  • The document’s readability or completeness
  • A legal-name or DBA mismatch
  • A business-address mismatch
  • The entity type or ownership information
  • A missing formation or identification document
  • Another compliance requirement

If appropriate, please ask a business-account supervisor or compliance representative to review the document and confirm which IRS-issued alternatives the bank accepts.

I am prepared to correct any application error or provide appropriate supporting records. Written instructions identifying the exact deficiency would help me resolve the matter promptly.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Legal Business Name]
[Application or Reference Number]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Do not request several replacement IRS letters until the bank identifies the actual problem. A new copy will not correct a name, address, ownership, or formation-document mismatch.


CP 575 vs. 147C Comparison Chart

FeatureOriginal CP 575Digital CP575Letter 147C
Primary purposeConfirms a newly assigned EINVerifies an existing EINVerifies a previously assigned EIN
When you receive itWhen the IRS assigns your EINWhen you download it through an eligible Business Tax AccountAfter you request it from the IRS
Can you request a duplicate?NoYou may download it if you are eligibleYes, subject to IRS verification procedures
Delivery methodOnline during your EIN application or by mailDownload through your IRS Business Tax AccountFax or mail
Common usePermanent business records and bank onboardingBank, lender, payroll, and vendor verificationReplacement EIN proof for banks and other institutions
Does it show your EIN?YesYesYes
Does it show your legal business name?YesYesYes
Bank acceptanceCommonly used as EIN proofThe IRS specifically says banks and other institutions accept itCommonly used when the original CP 575 is unavailable

The original CP575A–J notice series cannot be duplicated or recreated. If you request another copy of the original notice, the IRS normally provides Letter 147C instead.


What Is a CP 575 EIN Confirmation Notice?

A CP 575 is the notice the IRS issues when it assigns your business an Employer Identification Number.

You may receive the notice after you:

  • Apply for an EIN online.
  • Submit Form SS-4 by fax.
  • Submit Form SS-4 by mail.
  • Receive an EIN through another approved IRS process.

Your CP 575 normally identifies:

  • Your nine-digit EIN.
  • Your business’s legal name.
  • Your business mailing address.
  • The tax forms the IRS expects your business to file.
  • The effective date associated with your EIN assignment.

If you are currently applying for a new EIN, follow How Do I Apply for an EIN Number With the IRS Online? before beginning the application.

Why You Should Save Your CP 575 Immediately

When you complete an online EIN application, you may have the opportunity to view, save, and print your CP 575 at the end of the session.

Save the document before closing your browser. Store it in at least two secure locations, such as:

  • A password-protected cloud folder.
  • An encrypted local drive.
  • Your business records binder.
  • A secure document portal maintained by your accountant.

The IRS does not recreate the original CP575A–J notice. Losing it does not mean you lose your EIN, but you may need a digital CP575 or Letter 147C when an institution requests official proof.

For additional instructions, read How to Get an EIN Confirmation Letter Online.


What Is the New Digital CP575?

The digital CP575 is an Employer Identification Number Verification Notice available to eligible IRS Business Tax Account users.

Unlike the original CP575A–J notice, which was generated when your EIN was assigned, the digital CP575 allows eligible users to obtain current written confirmation through their online business account.

The IRS states that the digital CP575:

  • Confirms your EIN.
  • Can be used as a substitute for the original CP575A–J notice series.
  • Can be used as a substitute for Letter 147C.
  • Is accepted by banks and other institutions as written EIN confirmation.

This option may save you from calling the IRS or waiting for a mailed verification letter.

How to Check for a Digital CP575

You can take these steps:

  1. Sign in to your IRS Business Tax Account.
  2. Select the appropriate business entity.
  3. Look for an EIN verification notice or CP575 download option.
  4. Download the notice as a PDF.
  5. Review the legal business name and EIN.
  6. Save a secure copy before submitting it to your bank.

Availability depends on your eligibility and your authority to access the business account. The IRS may change screen names and navigation options, so follow the instructions displayed inside your account.


What Is IRS Letter 147C?

Letter 147C is an IRS EIN verification letter. Its official description is generally “EIN Previously Assigned.”

You request it when:

  • You lost your original CP 575.
  • You did not save the CP 575 after applying online.
  • Your original notice was damaged.
  • You never received the mailed notice.
  • A bank wants current written confirmation of your EIN.
  • A payroll provider, lender, vendor, or payment processor wants official EIN proof.
  • You need to confirm the legal business name associated with your EIN.

Letter 147C does not give you a new EIN. It verifies an EIN that the IRS has already assigned to your entity.

You can learn more about the request process in How Do I Get an EIN Verification Letter From the IRS?.

Is 147C a Form?

Letter 147C is commonly called “Form 147C,” but it is an IRS letter rather than a form you complete and submit.

You cannot download a blank 147C, fill it out yourself, and use it as EIN proof. The IRS must issue the letter after verifying your identity and authority.


Which Do Banks Accept: CP 575 or 147C?

A bank may accept:

  • Your original CP 575.
  • A digital CP575 downloaded through an eligible IRS Business Tax Account.
  • Letter 147C.
  • Another IRS-issued document if the bank’s compliance department permits it.

The IRS specifically states that the digital CP575 is accepted by banks and other institutions and can substitute for the original CP575A–J notices and Letter 147C.

However, your bank can maintain its own onboarding and identity-verification procedures. One bank may accept a digital PDF upload, while another may require:

  • A complete IRS notice.
  • A clear copy showing all four corners.
  • A recently issued verification letter.
  • Your formation documents.
  • Your operating agreement.
  • A certificate of good standing.
  • Identification for every signer or beneficial owner.
  • Proof of your business address.

Before requesting another IRS document, ask your banker:

“Do you accept the original CP 575, the IRS digital CP575, or Letter 147C as proof of my EIN?”

Ask the bank to send its answer by email or provide a written document checklist. This can prevent conflicting instructions from different bank employees.


Which EIN Document Should You Use?

Use Your Original CP 575 When:

  • You still have a readable copy.
  • The legal business name matches your current formation records.
  • The bank specifically asks for your original EIN assignment notice.
  • You are opening your first business account.
  • Your EIN was recently assigned.

Use the Digital CP575 When:

  • You have access to an eligible IRS Business Tax Account.
  • You need EIN proof without calling the IRS.
  • Your bank accepts electronically downloaded IRS notices.
  • You need a clean, current verification document.
  • Your original CP 575 is unavailable.

Use Letter 147C When:

  • You lost your original CP 575.
  • You cannot access a digital CP575.
  • Your bank specifically asks for Letter 147C.
  • You need the IRS to verify a previously assigned EIN.
  • A payment processor or payroll provider rejected alternative documents.
  • You need a faxed or mailed verification letter.

For a more detailed decision process, see How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN Verification Letter From the IRS?.


How to Request Letter 147C From the IRS

You generally request Letter 147C by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.

IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line

Phone: 800-829-4933

Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in your local time. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time.

Because IRS telephone menus can change, listen carefully instead of relying on an old list of menu selections.

Step 1: Gather Your Business Information

Have the following information available before calling:

  • Your EIN, if you know it.
  • Your exact legal business name.
  • Any trade name or DBA.
  • Your business mailing address.
  • Your physical business address.
  • Your entity type.
  • The date your business began.
  • Your name and position within the business.
  • Information from previously filed business tax returns.
  • A secure fax number, if you want the letter faxed.

The IRS representative will ask questions to verify both your identity and your authority to receive confidential business tax information.

Step 2: Request the Correct Letter

You can say:

“I need written verification of my business’s Employer Identification Number. I would like to request Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.”

Do not ask the IRS to issue another EIN simply because you lost your paperwork. A business entity generally should not obtain a second EIN solely to replace a missing confirmation letter.

Step 3: Complete Identity Verification

The IRS representative may ask you to confirm:

  • The legal name on the EIN account.
  • The address the IRS has on record.
  • Your position in the business.
  • Information from your EIN application.
  • Details from a recently filed tax return.
  • The responsible party connected to the account.

Answer using the information currently reflected in IRS records whenever possible.

Step 4: Choose Fax or Mail

If the IRS offers fax delivery and you need the letter quickly, ask for it to be faxed.

IRS procedures permit Letter 147C to be sent by fax or mail after the caller’s authority and identity are verified.

Use a fax number you control. Avoid sending confidential EIN information to:

  • A public fax machine.
  • An unsecured hotel business center.
  • A shared office without controlled access.
  • A third-party service you do not trust.

If you choose mail, the letter will generally be sent using the address associated with your IRS business records.

For suggested call wording, use this IRS Letter 147C Phone Script.


Who Can Request a 147C Letter?

The IRS will not release EIN information to anyone who calls.

The caller normally must be an authorized person associated with the entity, such as an appropriate:

  • Sole proprietor.
  • Partner.
  • Corporate officer.
  • LLC member or manager.
  • Trustee.
  • Executor or estate administrator.
  • Authorized representative.

An accountant, attorney, or other representative may need valid authorization, such as Form 2848 or Form 8821, covering the relevant EIN matter.

A third-party designee listed on the original Form SS-4 may have more limited authority than an owner, officer, or properly authorized representative. IRS procedures restrict when third-party designees can receive written EIN information.


What If Your Business Name Does Not Match the EIN Letter?

A name mismatch is one of the most common reasons a bank rejects EIN documentation.

For example, your documents may show:

  • “Bradley Consulting LLC” on your articles of organization.
  • “Bradley Consulting” on your bank application.
  • “Andre Bradley Consulting” on your EIN record.
  • “Bradley Business Services” as your DBA.

These names may all relate to the same operation, but a bank’s verification system may treat them as different businesses.

Compare These Documents

Before submitting your application, compare:

  1. Your CP 575, digital CP575, or Letter 147C.
  2. Your articles of organization or incorporation.
  3. Your DBA or trade-name registration.
  4. Your business license.
  5. Your operating agreement or bylaws.
  6. Your bank application.
  7. Your Form W-9.
  8. Your state tax registration.

Use your exact legal entity name in the legal-name field. Enter your DBA only where the application specifically requests a trade name or “doing business as” name.

Do Not Change the Letter Yourself

Never alter the name, address, EIN, or other information on an IRS notice.

Editing the PDF may cause the bank to treat the document as fraudulent. Correct the underlying IRS or state record instead.


What If Your Address Is Different?

Your EIN verification document may show an old address if you moved after receiving your EIN.

An old address does not automatically cancel your EIN, but it can cause:

  • Bank onboarding delays.
  • Failed identity-verification checks.
  • IRS correspondence to go to the wrong location.
  • Problems receiving Letter 147C by mail.
  • Conflicts between your bank, state, and IRS records.

The IRS directs businesses to use Form 8822-B to report changes to a mailing address, business location, or responsible party. A responsible-party change generally must be reported within 60 days.

After updating your IRS information, consider updating your bank records with one of these Business Bank Account Name Change Letters when applicable.


What If the Bank Rejects Letter 147C?

If a bank employee says the bank accepts “only the original CP 575,” remain polite and ask for clarification.

You can take these steps:

  1. Ask whether the decision came from the bank’s compliance department.
  2. Ask for the exact written EIN-document requirement.
  3. Explain that the IRS does not duplicate the original CP575A–J notice.
  4. Ask whether the bank accepts the new digital CP575.
  5. Ask whether Letter 147C can be reviewed by a supervisor.
  6. Confirm that the rejection is not actually caused by a name or address mismatch.
  7. Provide your formation documents and DBA registration if requested.
  8. Consider applying at another institution if the bank’s policy cannot accommodate available IRS documentation.

Do not repeatedly request IRS letters until you know why the document was rejected. A new copy will not fix an incorrect legal name, missing formation document, expired identification, or ownership-verification problem.


Can You Use an Entity Transcript Instead?

The IRS currently lists an entity transcript as another way to confirm an EIN. It also lists the digital CP575 and Letter 147C as EIN-confirmation options.

However, a bank is not required to accept every document the IRS recognizes as EIN confirmation.

Before ordering a transcript, ask your bank whether it accepts:

  • An entity transcript.
  • A business tax return transcript.
  • A prior IRS notice.
  • A filed business tax return.
  • A Form W-9.
  • A state registration document.

When a bank specifically requests an “IRS EIN letter,” a CP 575, digital CP575, or Letter 147C is usually a clearer response than sending several unrelated tax documents.


Common CP 575 and 147C Mistakes

1. Applying for Another EIN

Do not apply for another EIN simply because you lost your CP 575.

Your EIN normally remains assigned to the entity. Request verification instead of creating a duplicate-number problem.

2. Submitting Only Your Form SS-4

Form SS-4 is the application you use to request an EIN. An unsigned or unprocessed copy does not necessarily prove that the IRS assigned the number shown on it.

3. Using Your DBA as the Legal Name

Enter your LLC, corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity’s exact legal name where the bank requests the legal business name.

4. Uploading a Cropped Document

Upload the complete IRS notice unless the bank tells you otherwise. A cropped screenshot may omit the document title, date, business name, or IRS identifiers.

5. Sending an Unsecured Email

Your EIN is sensitive business information. Use the bank’s secure upload portal whenever possible.

6. Assuming Every Bank Has the Same Rules

Bank requirements vary by institution, account type, entity type, ownership structure, and application method.

7. Waiting Until Your Appointment

Confirm the required documents before visiting the branch. Your banker may need time to obtain guidance from a business-account or compliance specialist.

Advanced CP 575 vs. 147C Bank-Ready Checklist

Use this checklist to choose the correct EIN document, prevent name and address mismatches, prepare for an IRS request, and submit a complete bank-ready package.

Check each item as you complete it. To print a working copy, use your browser’s Print command. On most Windows computers, press Ctrl and P. On most Mac computers, press Command and P.

Section 1: Identify the EIN Document You Already Have

Related article section: Quick Answer and CP 575 vs. 147C Comparison Chart

Section 2: Confirm the Bank’s Exact Requirements

Related article section: Which Do Banks Accept?

Ask a business banker or compliance representative rather than relying only on a general customer-service answer.

Section 3: Check for a Digital CP575

Related article section: What Is the New Digital CP575?

Section 4: Prepare to Request Letter 147C

Related article section: How to Request Letter 147C From the IRS

Do not use a public, hotel, retail, or uncontrolled shared fax machine for confidential EIN documents.

Section 5: Verify the Legal Name, DBA, and Address

Related article sections: Business-Name Mismatches and Address Differences

Never edit the business name, address, EIN, date, or other information directly on an IRS notice.

Section 6: Assemble Your Bank Submission Package

Related article section: CP 575 and 147C Bank-Ready Checklist

Section 7: Respond to a Rejection or Delay

Related article section: What If the Bank Rejects Letter 147C?

Section 8: Protect Your Permanent Business Records

Related article section: Common CP 575 and 147C Mistakes

Printing tip: Your checked boxes should appear in the printed version. Use your browser’s Print command before resetting the checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions About CP 575 vs. 147C

Is a CP 575 the same as Letter 147C?

No. Your original CP 575 is generally issued when the IRS first assigns your EIN. Letter 147C verifies an EIN that was previously assigned.

The new digital CP575 is also an EIN verification notice. The IRS says it can substitute for both the original CP575A–J notice series and Letter 147C.

Which EIN letter should you give your bank?

Give your bank the document it specifically requests. You may be able to use your original CP 575, a digital CP575, or Letter 147C.

Use How Do I Prove I Have an EIN Number? to review additional proof options.

Can you download your original CP 575 again?

You generally cannot recreate or request a duplicate of the original CP575A–J notice.

However, eligible Business Tax Account users may now be able to download a digital CP575 EIN Verification Notice. Otherwise, you can request Letter 147C.

Can you get Letter 147C online?

Letter 147C is generally requested by calling the IRS. Eligible users may be able to avoid the telephone request by downloading the new digital CP575 through a Business Tax Account.

Review How to Get an EIN Confirmation Letter Online for the available options.

Can the IRS email Letter 147C?

Do not expect the IRS to email Letter 147C. The commonly available delivery methods are fax and mail after the IRS verifies your identity and authority.

How quickly can you get Letter 147C?

Fax may be the fastest available delivery option when the IRS representative can verify you and authorize the letter. Mail takes longer and depends on IRS processing and postal delivery.

See How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN Verification Letter From the IRS? for planning guidance.

Can your accountant request Letter 147C?

Your accountant may be able to request the letter when the IRS has appropriate authorization on file. The accountant may need Form 2848, Form 8821, or another authorization covering the EIN matter.

Can you use your Social Security number instead of an EIN?

Your answer depends on your entity type, employees, tax obligations, and the bank’s requirements.

Even when federal tax rules do not require an EIN, a bank or payment processor may require one as a condition of opening a business account. Review Do You Need an EIN for Your LLC or Can You Use Your SSN Instead?.

Do sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations use different EIN letters?

The basic verification documents serve the same purpose, but your entity’s legal name and tax classification must match IRS records.

Use EIN for DBA or Sole Proprietor vs. LLC vs. Corporation to identify the differences.

What should you do if the bank says your EIN does not match?

Compare the legal name and EIN on your bank application with your IRS notice and formation documents.

Do not change the document yourself. Correct the bank application or update the appropriate IRS, state, or business record.

Does Letter 147C create a new EIN?

No. Letter 147C confirms an EIN that was previously assigned. It does not replace the number or create a new business entity.


Final Takeaway

Your CP 575 and Letter 147C both provide official written evidence connecting your EIN to your business.

Use your original CP 575 when you still have it. Check your IRS Business Tax Account for the new digital CP575 when you are eligible. Request Letter 147C when the original notice is unavailable and you cannot obtain an acceptable digital notice.

Most importantly, confirm the bank’s requirements before your appointment. A correct EIN letter can still be rejected when your legal name, DBA, address, ownership information, or formation documents do not match.


Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, banking, or financial advice. IRS procedures and bank-document requirements may change. Contact the IRS, your financial institution, or a qualified tax professional for guidance about your specific situation.




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