Getting EIN Verification

Q: Can you please assist me to get the CP-575 or 147-C for my EIN?

Thank you to Eliran Amitay of NEA Holdings LLC for that question! Businesses need to provide verification of their EIN number for several important steps necessary to starting a business, like opening a business bank account or setting up payroll. You can show verification of your EIN by providing IRS form CP-575 or 147-C. Obtaining form CP-575 or form 147-C is not a service Northwest is able to provide, due to the nature of these documents. But here’s what you need to know about verifying your EIN:

1. Use your CP-575 letter

The easiest way to verify your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is to show a copy of the confirmation notice you received from the IRS when you first obtained your EIN. This notice is called Form CP-575. It should include your:

• Business name
• Business address
• Nine-digit tax ID number (EIN)

What if I lost my CP-575 Letter?

Unfortunately, the IRS cannot replace your CP-575 letter. The only way to receive a CP-575 letter is to apply for an EIN by submitting Form SS-4—but this won’t work for a business that already has an EIN. (Unless the structure of your business has fundamentally changed and your tax status has shifted, but that’s another story. See: Do You Need a New EIN?)

But don’t fret! Instead of using your CP-575 letter, you can request a different verification letter from the IRS.

2. Get a 147-C Letter

If you need confirmation of your EIN but have lost or misplaced your CP-575 letter, you can request a verification letter from the IRS called Form 147-C. You’ll have to do this by contacting the IRS directly via phone. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

• Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: 1-800-829-4933
• Press option 1 for English
• Press option 1 for Employer Identification Numbers
• Press option 3 for someone who already has an EIN
• Wait to be connected to an IRS agent

Once you’re connected to an agent, you’ll be asked some security questions to confirm your connection to your company. Then, simply explain that you need verification of your EIN and have misplaced your CP-575 notice.

What can I use my 147-C letter for?

A 147-C letter can be used to verify your EIN just like Form CP-575. You might need it to verify your EIN for any of the following tasks:

• Opening a business bank account
• Enrolling with a medicare provider
• Partnering with vendors or other businesses

Can I receive a digital copy of my 147-C letter?

No. For security purposes, the IRS will only send you your 147-C letter by mail or by fax.