Updated: September 7, 2026  |  Published: September 4, 2026

  By Andre Bradley

How to Get an EIN Letter From the IRS Fast: CP575 & 147C Guide (2026)

When you need proof of your Employer Identification Number, you should first determine whether you need a digital CP575 notice, Letter 147C, or a business entity transcript.

As of summer 2026, the IRS lists three ways to confirm an existing EIN:

  • Download a digital CP575 through an eligible IRS Business Tax Account.
  • Request a business entity transcript.
  • Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line and request Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.

The digital CP575 is an important new option. The IRS states that eligible Business Tax Account users can download this EIN verification notice and use it as a substitute for the original CP575 notice or Letter 147C. The IRS also states that banks and other institutions can accept the digital notice as written confirmation of your EIN.

Before requesting anything, review How Do I Prove I Have an EIN Number? so you know which document the bank, lender, payroll company, marketplace, or government agency is likely to accept.

Prove Your EIN Fast With These 4 IRS Options

Which EIN Verification Option Should You Use?

Answer these seven questions to identify the best way to obtain proof of your Employer Identification Number.

How to use this quiz: Select one answer under each question. Detailed guidance will appear directly beneath the option you choose.
Question 1: Has the IRS already assigned an EIN to your business?

Your best next step: Do not apply for another EIN simply because you lost the original notice.

Look for your original CP575, check your IRS Business Tax Account for a digital CP575, request a business entity transcript, or call the IRS for Letter 147C.

Your best next step: You need to apply for a new EIN rather than request a replacement verification letter.

You can apply directly through the official IRS EIN application or submit Form SS-4 when the online application is unavailable for your situation.

Your best next step: Search your business tax returns, payroll records, bank records, formation files, and accounting records.

If you still cannot locate the number, an authorized person can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line for assistance. Avoid submitting a second EIN application until you confirm that an EIN was never assigned.

Question 2: What type of EIN proof has the organization requested?

Your best next step: Sign in to your IRS Business Tax Account and look for the EIN verification notice.

Download the complete PDF, confirm that the legal business name and EIN are correct, and save a secure copy before sending it.

Your best next step: Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.

Ask for “Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.” Be prepared to verify your identity, business information, and authority to receive the letter.

Your best next step: Try the fastest available option first.

Check for a digital CP575 in Business Tax Account. You can also ask whether the organization will accept a business entity transcript before calling for Letter 147C.

Your best next step: Contact the bank, lender, payroll provider, marketplace, or agency before requesting a document.

Ask whether it accepts the original CP575, digital CP575, Letter 147C, or a business entity transcript. This can prevent rejection and unnecessary delays.

Question 3: Can you access the IRS Business Tax Account for this business?

Your best next step: Check the notices, letters, and tax-record sections for an EIN verification notice or digital CP575.

Confirm that you selected the correct business when you manage more than one entity.

Your best next step: Call the IRS when you need Letter 147C or help confirming the EIN.

You can also ask the receiving organization whether it will accept a copy already held by your accountant, payroll provider, bank, or attorney.

Your best next step: Look for an available business entity transcript and ask whether the recipient will accept it.




If the recipient requires Letter 147C, call the IRS instead of waiting for the online notice to appear.

Question 4: How quickly do you need the EIN verification?

Your best next step: Check Business Tax Account first because an available digital CP575 can be downloaded immediately.

If you must request Letter 147C, call the IRS and ask whether secure fax delivery is available. Have a working fax number ready before calling.

Your best next step: Try the online options first and call for Letter 147C if the required document is unavailable.

Do not rely on postal delivery when you are facing a firm bank, payroll, financing, or licensing deadline.

Your best next step: Confirm the exact document requirement and choose the method that is easiest to complete securely.

You may use an online notice, an accepted transcript, fax delivery, or postal delivery depending on what the recipient accepts.

Question 5: Are you authorized to receive the business’s EIN information?

Your best next step: Gather documents that help you answer the IRS verification questions.

Have the legal business name, EIN if known, address on file, entity type, responsible party’s name, and recent tax information available.

Your best next step: Confirm that the IRS has the authorization required to release the information to you.




A general business authorization letter may not replace an IRS power-of-attorney or tax-information authorization form.

Your best next step: Ask the business owner or responsible party to handle the request or complete the proper authorization.

Do not assume that access to company records automatically gives you authority to receive confidential tax information.

Question 6: Does the legal business information match the IRS records?

Your best next step: Use the matching information when signing in, speaking with the IRS, and submitting the document.

Keep the legal business name separate from a DBA or trade name unless the recipient asks for both.

Your best next step: Expect additional verification or a possible mismatch with the recipient’s application.

Determine whether you need to update the IRS business address or responsible-party information. A changed address or business name does not automatically mean that you need a new EIN.

Your best next step: Review previous tax returns, IRS notices, payroll filings, and your original EIN application records.

Use the information associated with the IRS account when completing identity verification.

Question 7: Have you confirmed how the recipient wants to receive the document?

Your best next step: Upload the complete and readable document through the secure portal.




Confirm receipt and keep a record showing when and where you submitted it.

Your best next step: Verify the fax number or mailing address before sending sensitive business information.

Save the fax confirmation, tracking information, or other proof of delivery.

Your best next step: Ask for a secure submission method before sending the document.

Avoid sending an EIN verification notice to an unverified email address or fax number.

Your Three Main EIN Verification Paths

  • Digital CP575: Check your IRS Business Tax Account first when you have access.
  • Business entity transcript: Use this when the requesting organization confirms that it is acceptable.
  • Letter 147C: Call the IRS when the recipient specifically requires it or the online document is unavailable.
Related guide: How to Request an EIN Letter From the IRS

Quick Answer Summary

If your business already has an EIN but you lost the original confirmation notice, use this order:

  1. Sign in to your IRS Business Tax Account and look for the downloadable digital CP575 EIN verification notice.
  2. Ask the requesting organization whether it accepts a business entity transcript.
  3. Call the IRS at 800-829-4933 and request Letter 147C if you cannot obtain the document online or the requester specifically requires the letter.
  4. Do not apply for another EIN simply because you lost your original notice.

The IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line is generally available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Alaska and Hawaii taxpayers follow Pacific time.

Choose Your EIN Template Fast

Select the situation that matches your request. The complete template will open directly beneath the button.

Replace every bracketed item with your own information before sending or using a template.
Template 1: Letter 147C IRS Phone Request Script

Use this script when your business already has an EIN and you need Letter 147C.

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

I am calling to request written verification of the Employer Identification Number previously assigned to the business.

I would like to request Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.

I have the business information available and can complete the required identity and authorization verification.

If fax delivery is available, please send the letter to [Secure Fax Number]. Please repeat the fax number before sending the document so I can confirm that it is correct.

Thank you for your assistance.

Template 2: Ask a Bank Which EIN Document It Accepts

Send this before requesting a document so you do not waste time obtaining the wrong form of verification.

Dear [Bank Representative or Department],

I am preparing the Employer Identification Number verification required for [Legal Business Name] and account application number [Application Number].

Please confirm which of the following IRS documents you will accept:

Digital CP575 EIN Verification Notice

Original CP575 EIN Assignment Notice

Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned

IRS business entity transcript

Please also confirm the secure email address, upload portal, fax number, or mailing address I should use to submit the document.

Thank you for helping me avoid a delay in the verification process.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Business Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Template 3: Request an EIN Document From Your Accountant

Use this when your accountant, tax preparer, or bookkeeper may already have the original document.

Dear [Accountant or Tax Preparer’s Name],

I am writing to request a copy of any EIN verification document you have on file for [Legal Business Name].

I need the document to complete [Bank Account Verification, Loan Application, Payroll Setup, Vendor Registration, Licensing, or Other Purpose].

Please check your records for any of the following:

The original CP575 EIN Assignment Notice

A digital CP575 EIN Verification Notice

Letter 147C

A business entity transcript showing the EIN

If available, please send a complete and readable PDF through [Secure Email Address or Secure Portal].

Please let me know if you need identification or written authorization before releasing the record.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Business Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Template 4: Request an EIN Document From a Payroll Provider or Bank

Use this when a company that previously verified your business may have retained a copy.

Dear [Company or Department Name],

I am requesting a copy of the EIN verification document currently associated with the account for [Legal Business Name].

The relevant account information is:

Legal business name: [Business Name]

Account or customer number: [Account Number]

Business address: [Business Address]

Authorized contact: [Your Name and Title]

I need the document for [Reason for Request]. Please provide a readable copy of the CP575, Letter 147C, EIN verification notice, or other IRS EIN record maintained with the account.

Please send the document through [Secure Delivery Method]. Let me know if you require identification or an additional authorization form.

Thank you for your prompt assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Template 5: Authorization to Release an EIN Document

This general template may be used with a private bank, accountant, payroll company, or records holder. The IRS may require an official IRS authorization form instead.

Date: [Date]

To: [Organization or Records Holder]

I, [Your Full Name], am the [Owner, Responsible Party, Officer, Partner, Trustee, or Other Authorized Position] of [Legal Business Name].

I authorize [Representative’s Full Name] to request and receive a copy of the EIN verification document maintained for the business.

This authorization is limited to the release of the following record:

CP575, Letter 147C, EIN verification notice, business entity transcript, or related EIN confirmation document for [Legal Business Name].

This authorization is valid from [Start Date] through [Expiration Date] unless I revoke it earlier in writing.

Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you need to verify this authorization.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Title]
[Business Name]
[Business Address]

Template 6: Follow Up on an Unanswered EIN Document Request

Use this after requesting the document from an accountant, bank, payroll provider, attorney, or other private organization.

Dear [Name or Department],

I am following up on my request dated [Original Request Date] for a copy of the EIN verification document for [Legal Business Name].

I need the document by [Deadline] to complete [Reason for Request].

Please confirm whether the record is available and whether you need any additional identification, authorization, or account information from me.

If possible, please send the complete document through [Secure Delivery Method].

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Related resources:
17 Sample Request Letters for Documents
Document Request Email Templates

Important 2026 Update: You May Be Able to Download Your EIN Letter Online

In the past, you generally had to call the IRS for Letter 147C after losing your original CP575 notice.

That process is still available, but it may no longer be your fastest option.

Eligible Business Tax Account users can now download a digital CP575, Employer Identification Number Verification Notice. The IRS says this digital notice can replace:

  • The original CP575A-J notice series
  • Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned
  • Other written EIN confirmation requested by many banks and financial institutions

The digital CP575 may save you from waiting on hold, arranging fax delivery, or waiting for postal mail.

Which EIN Document Should You Request?

The phrase “EIN letter” can refer to several different IRS documents. Asking for the wrong one can delay your bank account, loan, payroll setup, merchant account, or business verification.

DocumentWhen You Use ItHow You Get It
Original CP575 noticeYou recently received a new EINSave or print it when the EIN is issued
Digital CP575You already have an EIN and qualify for Business Tax Account accessDownload it through your IRS Business Tax Account
Letter 147CYou need replacement verification and cannot use the digital CP575Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line
Business entity transcriptThe requester accepts a transcript as EIN proofUse Business Tax Account, Form 4506-T, or the IRS business line
New EIN confirmationYour business has never received an EINApply directly through the IRS

The IRS now identifies the digital CP575, an entity transcript, and Letter 147C as three official ways to confirm an EIN.

What Is the Original CP575 EIN Notice?

The CP575 is the original notice the IRS issues when it assigns your EIN.

It normally includes:

  • Your legal business name
  • Your business mailing address
  • Your EIN
  • Information about the tax returns your business may need to file

You should save the original notice permanently because banks, lenders, payroll providers, payment processors, and government agencies may request it.

The IRS does not normally issue a duplicate copy of the original CP575. When you request a duplicate, the traditional replacement document is Letter 147C.

The newer digital CP575 available through Business Tax Account is different from requesting a duplicate paper notice. It is an official downloadable EIN verification notice that the IRS says can be used in place of the original notice and Letter 147C.

How to Download a Digital CP575 Through Business Tax Account

Your fastest path may be the IRS Business Tax Account.

Step 1: Sign In to Your IRS Business Tax Account

Go to the official IRS Business Tax Account page and sign in using the identity-verification method provided by the IRS.

Business Tax Account access depends on your business type, your role in the business, and whether the IRS can verify your authority.

Step 2: Select the Correct Business

Choose the business associated with the EIN you need to verify.

Be careful when you manage more than one business. Make sure the legal business name shown in the account matches the organization requesting your EIN documentation.

Step 3: Open the Tax Records Section

Look for the Tax Records area.

The IRS states that eligible users may view tax transcripts, EIN verification letters, and tax compliance reports in this section.

Step 4: Download the EIN Verification Notice

Look for the digital CP575 or EIN verification notice.

Download the document as a PDF and check that it shows:

  • The correct legal business name
  • The correct EIN
  • The correct business address
  • A readable IRS heading and document date

Step 5: Save the Document Securely

Keep at least two secure copies:

  • One encrypted digital copy
  • One backup copy stored with your business tax records
  • One printed copy, when appropriate

Do not store the document in an unsecured public folder because it contains sensitive business-identification information.

How to Request an EIN Letter from the IRS by Phone

You should call the IRS when:

  • You cannot access the digital CP575.
  • Your business is not eligible for the online feature.
  • The requesting organization specifically requires Letter 147C.
  • Your EIN information needs clarification.
  • You do not know your EIN.
  • Your online business information does not match your records.

Step 1: Gather Your Business Information

Before calling, collect:

  • Your legal business name
  • Your DBA or trade name, when applicable
  • Your EIN, if you know it
  • Your current business mailing address
  • The address the IRS may have on file
  • Your business entity type
  • The responsible party’s name
  • Your title or relationship to the business
  • Previous IRS notices
  • Recent business tax returns
  • A secure fax number, if you plan to request fax delivery

The IRS must verify that you are authorized to receive the information before discussing an EIN or sending verification documents.

Step 2: Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line

Call:

800-829-4933

The IRS lists the regular hours as Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time.

Step 3: Request the Document by Its Correct Name

Use clear wording such as:

“Hello. I am calling to request written verification of an EIN previously assigned to my business. I am authorized to speak for the business, and I would like to request Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.”

Using the correct document name is more effective than saying, “I need a copy of my EIN letter.”

Step 4: Complete the Verification Process

The representative may ask questions about:

  • Your identity
  • Your position in the business
  • The legal business name
  • The mailing address on file
  • The responsible party
  • The entity type
  • Previous tax returns or notices

Answer using the information already contained in IRS records whenever possible.

If your current records do not match IRS records, the representative may not be able to complete the request immediately.

Step 5: Ask About Delivery

Ask whether Letter 147C can be sent by fax or mail.

IRS internal guidance permits Letter 147C to be sent for EIN verification after the caller’s authority and identity are established.

If fax delivery is offered:

  • Use a fax number you control.
  • Repeat the number slowly.
  • Ask the representative to read the number back.
  • Confirm whether you should remain on the call until the fax arrives.
  • Check that every page is readable before ending the call.

If the letter is mailed, confirm the address the IRS will use. The IRS may send sensitive documents only to an address it can verify.

Letter 147C Request Call Script

You can use this script during your call:

“Hello. My name is [Your Name], and I am the [owner, responsible party, officer, trustee, partner, or authorized representative] for [Legal Business Name].

I need official written confirmation of the Employer Identification Number previously assigned to the business. I would like to request Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.

I have the business information available and can complete the required identity and authorization verification.

If available, I would like the letter sent by fax to [Fax Number]. Please repeat the fax number before sending it so I can confirm that it is correct.”

Keep the script short. The representative will guide you through the necessary verification questions.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN Verification Letter from the IRS?

Your timing depends on the method you use.

Digital CP575

When the digital CP575 is available in your Business Tax Account, you may be able to download it immediately.

This is usually the first method you should check.

Letter 147C by Fax

Fax delivery may be completed during or shortly after your phone conversation, depending on verification, IRS availability, and the fax system.

Do not assume fax delivery is guaranteed. Ask the representative whether it is available for your request.

Letter 147C by Mail

Mail takes longer and can be affected by:

  • Your address on file
  • IRS processing volume
  • Postal delivery
  • Returned or undeliverable mail
  • Name or address mismatches

Do not wait until the day before a loan closing, payroll deadline, bank appointment, or vendor-verification deadline to begin the process.

Business Entity Transcript

Online transcript availability depends on your Business Tax Account access and the records available for your business.

A mailed Form 4506-T request will take longer than an online download.

How to Request a Business Entity Transcript Instead

A business entity transcript may be sufficient when the person requesting proof does not specifically require a CP575 or Letter 147C.

The IRS states that business transcripts may be obtained through available Business Tax Account features, by submitting Form 4506-T, or by contacting the business tax line. Business entity transcripts are also an exception to the IRS’s normal transcript masking rules and may display the EIN.

Before requesting a transcript, ask the recipient:

“Will you accept an IRS business entity transcript as official proof of the EIN, or do you specifically require a CP575 or Letter 147C?”

Getting that answer first can prevent you from submitting a document that will be rejected.

What to Do When You Do Not Know Your EIN

You may not need a letter if your immediate goal is simply to find the number.

Start by checking:

  • Your original IRS EIN notice
  • Previous business tax returns
  • Payroll records
  • Business bank records
  • State or local license applications
  • Accounting files
  • Records maintained by your accountant or payroll provider

If you still cannot find the number, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.

The IRS states that an authorized caller may receive the EIN over the phone after completing identity verification.

Do not apply for another EIN just because you cannot find the existing number. The IRS states that a business entity should generally have only one EIN.

What to Do When Your Business Name or Address Has Changed

A changed name or address does not automatically mean you need a new EIN.

The IRS states that you generally need a new EIN when the business’s ownership or legal structure changes. You normally do not need a new EIN merely because you changed the business name, address, or responsible party.

However, mismatched information can create problems when a bank or lender compares your EIN document with your application.

Before submitting your proof, compare:

  • The legal name on the IRS document
  • The name on your formation documents
  • The name on the bank or loan application
  • Your current mailing address
  • The address currently on IRS records
  • Your entity type
  • Your responsible-party information

A DBA is not always interchangeable with your legal business name. Use the name the receiving organization requests.

Can Someone Else Request the EIN Letter for You?

An accountant, attorney, employee, assistant, partner, or family member cannot automatically receive sensitive EIN information merely because you gave that person your business records.

The IRS must recognize the caller as the taxpayer or an authorized representative.

When another person needs to handle the request, review 17 Authorization Letter Samples That Get Accepted Fast and confirm whether the IRS requires a formal power of attorney, tax-information authorization, or another approved authorization method.

A basic authorization letter may help with a bank, payroll company, bookkeeper, or other private organization, but it may not replace an IRS authorization form.

17 Sample Request Letters for Documents: Requesting EIN Records from Someone Else

Sometimes your bank, accountant, payroll provider, attorney, bookkeeper, registered agent, or former business partner already has a copy of your EIN confirmation document.

In that situation, a written document request may be faster than contacting the IRS.

You can also review What Are the Key Elements of a Business Request Letter? before sending your request.

Sample Email Request for an EIN Verification Document

Subject: Request for EIN Verification Document for [Business Name]

Dear [Name or Department],

I am writing to request a copy of the EIN verification document currently maintained for [Legal Business Name].

I need the document to complete [bank onboarding, payroll setup, loan verification, merchant-account verification, vendor registration, or another business purpose].

The relevant information is:

Legal business name: [Business Name]
Account or customer number: [Number]
Business address: [Address]
Requested document: [CP575, Letter 147C, EIN verification notice, or related EIN record]

Please send a readable PDF copy to [Email Address], if available. Please let me know if you require identification, authorization, or an additional form before releasing the record.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Additional wording is available in 7 Document Request Email Templates That Get Faster Replies.

How to Apply for a New EIN When Your Business Never Had One

You should apply for a new EIN only when the business does not already have one or when an ownership or structural change requires a new number.

The IRS online EIN application is free. Eligible applicants with a principal place of business in the United States or a U.S. territory may receive an EIN immediately after the application is approved. The IRS limits EIN issuance to one EIN per responsible party per day.

When applying online:

  • Complete the application in one session.
  • Have the responsible party’s taxpayer-identification information ready.
  • Enter the legal business name correctly.
  • Print or save the confirmation notice before closing the session.
  • Store the notice with your permanent business records.

The IRS warns that you do not need to pay a third-party website to obtain an EIN.

If you cannot use the online application, the IRS also accepts Form SS-4 by fax or mail. Domestic fax applications may receive a faxed EIN cover sheet in approximately four business days, while mailed applications may take approximately four weeks, subject to processing delays.

Common Mistakes That Delay EIN Verification

Mistake 1: Applying for a Second EIN

Do not request another EIN simply because your original letter is missing.

First try the digital CP575, a business entity transcript, or Letter 147C.

Mistake 2: Asking for a Duplicate Original CP575

The original notice is not normally duplicated. Ask for Letter 147C or check your Business Tax Account for the digital CP575.

Mistake 3: Calling Without Authorization

The IRS may refuse to release information when it cannot verify your identity or authority.

Mistake 4: Using Only a DBA

Your DBA may differ from the legal name connected to your EIN. Have both names ready.

Mistake 5: Giving the Wrong Fax Number

A single incorrect digit can send sensitive business information to the wrong recipient.

Read the number slowly and ask the representative to repeat it.

Mistake 6: Ignoring a Name or Address Mismatch

Even when the EIN is correct, a bank or payment processor may reject the document when the name or address does not match the account application.

Mistake 7: Sending Sensitive Records Without Confirming the Requirement

Ask exactly what the recipient accepts before sending tax records.

The organization may accept the digital CP575, Letter 147C, an entity transcript, or the original CP575.

EIN Letter Request Checklist

Use this checklist before contacting the IRS:

  • Confirm that the business already has an EIN.
  • Search your existing tax, payroll, banking, and formation records.
  • Ask the requester which EIN document it accepts.
  • Check your IRS Business Tax Account for the digital CP575.
  • Write down the exact legal business name.
  • Confirm the mailing address currently associated with the business.
  • Identify the responsible party.
  • Confirm your authority to speak for the business.
  • Gather previous IRS notices and tax returns.
  • Prepare a secure fax number.
  • Call 800-829-4933 when Letter 147C is still necessary.
  • Ask for “Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned.”
  • Verify every page after receiving the document.
  • Save the document in more than one secure location.
  • Confirm that the recipient accepted it.

Best Strategy for Getting Your EIN Letter Quickly

Work backward from the requesting organization’s requirements.

Use this order:

  1. Ask what document the organization accepts.
  2. Check your records for the original CP575.
  3. Check your IRS Business Tax Account for the digital CP575.
  4. Download a business entity transcript when the requester accepts one.
  5. Call the IRS for Letter 147C when necessary.
  6. Apply for a new EIN only when the business does not already have one or an IRS rule requires a new number.

This approach reduces duplicate applications, unnecessary phone calls, rejected documents, and avoidable delays.

Advanced EIN Letter Request Checklist

Use this checklist to prevent delays, rejected documents, identity-verification problems, and unsafe delivery.

Important: Confirm which document the receiving organization accepts before contacting the IRS.

Section 1: Confirm What You Actually Need

Section 2: Check Your IRS Business Tax Account

Section 3: Prepare Before Calling the IRS

Section 4: Complete the Letter 147C Call

Section 5: Review the Document After You Receive It

Section 6: Send the Document Securely

Section 7: Protect Your EIN Records

Avoid These Costly Mistakes

  • Do not apply for another EIN only because you lost the original notice.
  • Do not assume that every bank accepts the same EIN document.
  • Do not confuse a DBA with the business’s legal IRS name.
  • Do not send sensitive EIN records to an unverified recipient.
  • Do not discard the document after the current request is completed.

To print this checklist, use the Print option in your browser menu.

Related Sections

FAQ: How Do I Prove I Have an EIN Number?

Can you request an EIN letter online?

You may be able to download a digital CP575 EIN verification notice through an eligible IRS Business Tax Account. The IRS says the digital notice can substitute for the original CP575 and Letter 147C.

Is the digital CP575 accepted by banks?

The IRS states that the digital CP575 is accepted by banks and other institutions as written confirmation of an entity’s EIN. You should still ask your particular bank which documents it accepts before submitting your application.

Is Letter 147C the same as CP575?

No. CP575 is the original EIN assignment notice. Letter 147C verifies an EIN that was previously assigned when the original notice is unavailable.

The digital CP575 is a newer downloadable verification notice that the IRS says can be used as a substitute for both the original notice and Letter 147C.

What is the fastest way to obtain EIN proof?

First check your Business Tax Account for the digital CP575. When it is available, you may be able to download it without calling.

When the online document is unavailable, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line and ask whether Letter 147C can be faxed.

Can you receive Letter 147C by email?

The digital CP575 can be downloaded through Business Tax Account. Letter 147C itself is generally requested through the IRS business telephone line and handled through approved delivery methods such as fax or mail.

Do not send sensitive business information to an unverified email address.

Can your accountant request Letter 147C?

Your accountant may be able to assist when properly authorized. The IRS must verify that the caller has legal authority to receive your business tax information.

Can you use a tax return as EIN proof?

A tax return may provide supporting proof, but the recipient may require an official IRS verification document.

Ask whether the organization accepts:

  • A digital CP575
  • The original CP575
  • Letter 147C
  • A business entity transcript
  • A filed business tax return

Do you need a new EIN when your business address changes?

Usually not. The IRS states that you generally do not need a new EIN merely because the business name, address, or responsible party changes.

Can you request Letter 147C when you do not know your EIN?

Yes. Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line. After verifying your identity and authority, the IRS may provide the EIN over the phone and help you request written verification.

Should you pay a company to obtain your EIN letter?

You should generally begin with the official IRS options. Applying for an EIN directly through the IRS is free, and official verification may be available through Business Tax Account, an entity transcript, or Letter 147C.

Sources

  • Internal Revenue Service, Employer Identification Number
  • Internal Revenue Service, Business Tax Account
  • Internal Revenue Service, Understanding Your CP575 Notice
  • Internal Revenue Service, Summer 2026 Expanded Features for Business Tax Account
  • Internal Revenue Service, Get a Business Tax Transcript
  • Internal Revenue Service, Get an Employer Identification Number
  • Internal Revenue Manual, Assigning Employer Identification Numbers

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. IRS services, eligibility rules, processing procedures, and document requirements can change. Confirm current instructions directly with the IRS, the organization requesting your EIN proof, or a qualified tax professional.