Key Takeaways

  • The EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) is issued by the IRS as official proof of a company’s Employer Identification Number.
  • Businesses need the letter for activities like opening a business bank account, applying for loans, or filing taxes.
  • If lost, you can request a replacement known as the 147C EIN Verification Letter by contacting the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
  • The EIN confirmation letter can be obtained immediately after online application or within 8–10 weeks if requested by mail.
  • Always keep copies of your EIN letter with your business’s foundational documents, such as Articles of Organization or Operating Agreement.

You receive an EIN Confirmation Letter once you have completed the Employer Identification Number (EIN) application on the IRS website. Upon completion, you will have the options for downloading and saving the Tax ID certificate. The confirmation letter, along with saved copies of your Federal Tax ID Number should be kept alongside all your other Limited Liability Company documents. 

For every EIN application processed by the IRS, the agency sends out a confirmation letter called CP 575. The EIN confirmation letter is sent to the address provided on the SS-4 form, eight to ten weeks following the issuance of the Federal Tax ID Number. However, if you choose to apply online, a copy of the letter is viewable, printable, and ready for download directly from the IRS website as soon as the process is complete. Aside from serving as a documented proof of your LLC's EIN assignment, a bank or a vendor may request to see a copy of the letter. 

What Happens If You Lose Your Federal Tax ID Certificate?

If for whatever reason you need a replacement for a lost or never-received EIN confirmation letter, you can call the Internal Revenue Service, and they will send the verification letter to you. The copy is sent to the contact information you provided at the time you filed to have the application processed initially. If there has been a change of mailing address or fax number since that time, file Form 8822 to update the IRS so that they can send the letter to the appropriate destination. 

The Business & Specialty Tax Line is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time and handles all requests for a replacement of lost or misplaced EIN confirmation letters. The number to call is (800) 829-4933. If you want to contact the IRS directly, you can do so by calling (267) 941-1099 and ask for a 147C letter.

For security, you will need to verify your identity when contacting the IRS. Some of the security questions you may be required to answer include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Your name and position with the company
  • Your EIN 
  • The kind of income tax form you file for the business 
  • Name and address of the LLC

After adequately identifying yourself, the phone representative you have connected with will look up the number and send the confirmation letter replacement right away. There is no cost for receiving a copy.  

If your need for the copy confirmation is dire, another option is to contact your bank or accountant. Either of the two may have kept a copy of your original Tax ID certificate, and you can merely get what you need from either of those sources. 

Even if you applied online, for protection against fraudulent conduct, the Internal Revenue Service does not offer online verification. Alternatively, if you initially completed your EIN application online, your email's inbox or archive folder would be a superb place to check for the confirmation email the IRS would have sent to you when your Employer Identification Number was first issued. 

How to Request an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575 or 147C)

If you misplace your EIN confirmation letter or never receive it, you can easily request a replacement from the IRS. The original letter, known as CP 575, is only issued once, but the IRS can provide a 147C EIN Verification Letter, which serves as an official replacement and holds the same legal validity.

To obtain your 147C letter:

  1. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
  2. Verify your identity by providing details such as your name, position within the company, EIN, business address, and the type of tax form filed.
  3. Request that the letter be faxed or mailed to you. Fax delivery is typically faster, while mailed copies can take up to two weeks.
  4. If a third party helped form your company (such as a registered agent or incorporation service), you can ask the IRS to fax the letter directly to them, provided you authorize it.

If you applied for your EIN through an online incorporation service or business formation provider, they might have a record of your EIN confirmation letter on file. For instance, companies that help with Delaware LLC formations often offer assistance retrieving or reissuing the 147C letter from the IRS.

A Few More Things To Know About the EIN

You cannot apply for an EIN until after your LLC has state approval. An important thing to remember is that although you must obtain a Tax ID if you have hired employees, your LLC does not need to have employees to be assigned an Employer Identification Number.

The EIN is nine digits long, just like a person's Social Security Number. To distinguish the two, the EIN is written starting with two numbers, then a hyphen, followed by the remaining seven digits. So here's an example of the EIN format: 12-3456789.

Although the IRS does not require businesses to pay a fee for to receive an EIN, there are quite a few websites that will complete the application for you at costs ranging from $50 to $100. 

If you already have an EIN from a former taxation identity, it is likely due to a connection with a Sole Proprietorship. You want to close that Tax ID number out. After you have received state approval for your LLC, obtain a new number, which will be a completely different EIN for your Limited Liability Company.  

Why the EIN Confirmation Letter Is Important

Your EIN confirmation letter is more than just a receipt—it’s essential for proving your business’s federal tax identity. Banks, investors, and vendors often require it before completing transactions or partnerships. The document formally links your EIN to your company’s legal name and address, verifying that your business is registered with the IRS.

Common reasons you might need your EIN confirmation letter include:

  • Opening a business bank account or merchant account.
  • Applying for business licenses or permits.
  • Filing federal or state tax returns.
  • Applying for business credit or financing.
  • Proving ownership during business sales, mergers, or compliance audits.

Keeping a digital and physical copy of the letter in your company’s records ensures smooth verification whenever documentation is required.

EIN Confirmation Letter Formats and Delivery Methods

The IRS issues EIN confirmation letters in various formats depending on how you applied:

  • Online applications: You receive the CP 575 letter immediately after completing the process. You can download, print, and save it as a PDF directly from the IRS website.
  • Mail or fax applications: The letter typically arrives within 8 to 10 weeks at the mailing address listed on Form SS-4.
  • International applicants: If you apply via fax or phone (for example, by calling 267-941-1099), the IRS will send your confirmation by mail to the provided foreign address.

The CP 575 letter is usually printed on official IRS letterhead and includes your EIN, company name, and address. For security reasons, the IRS does not email EIN confirmation letters.

Tips for Managing and Protecting Your EIN Documents

Maintaining proper documentation is crucial for protecting your business identity. Here are some best practices:

  • Store securely: Keep the EIN confirmation letter in both digital and paper form, ideally in a password-protected folder or safe.
  • Back up online: Save a scanned copy to secure cloud storage for quick access when needed.
  • Avoid sharing publicly: Only provide your EIN and confirmation letter to trusted entities such as banks, government agencies, or verified accountants.
  • Track updates: If your business address or structure changes, notify the IRS using Form 8822-B to ensure future correspondence—including any EIN updates—reaches you.

Losing your EIN letter is not uncommon, but staying organized will save time and prevent future delays with tax or banking processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the difference between CP 575 and 147C?
    The CP 575 is the original EIN confirmation letter issued by the IRS. If lost, you can request a replacement known as the 147C EIN Verification Letter, which serves the same purpose.
  2. How long does it take to receive a new EIN confirmation letter?
    If faxed, the 147C letter can arrive within 24–48 hours. Mailed copies may take up to two weeks.
  3. Can I request my EIN confirmation letter online?
    No. For security reasons, the IRS does not provide EIN verification or reissuance online. You must contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
  4. Who can request a replacement EIN letter?
    Only authorized individuals—such as the company’s owner, officer, or registered agent—can request a replacement from the IRS.
  5. What should I do if my business address has changed?
    File Form 8822-B with the IRS to update your address before requesting your EIN confirmation letter to ensure it is sent to the correct location.

If you need help with EIN Confirmation Letter, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.