EIN Verification Letter: What Is It, How To Get One, and Copies

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of the most important numbers you’ll need to run your business. Understanding what an EIN verification letter is, why it matters, how to get one, and when you’ll need copies can help you stay ahead of your workload while avoiding compliance issues.

Here’s what business owners should know about EIN verification letters, why they often come up during banking and payroll setup, and how Mosey helps teams stay on top of business compliance as they grow.

Key Takeaways

An EIN verification letter (also called a 147C letter or IRS Letter 147C) is official proof from the IRS that your business has been assigned an Employer Identification Number.
You cannot request a 147C letter online—you must call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 or submit a written request by mail.
The original EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) is issued only once; if you lose it, request a 147C letter as a replacement.

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses and organizations in the United States or U.S. territories. Think of it as a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but for your business. It’s also known as a federal tax identification number.

Note: This is sometimes mistakenly called an “Employee Identification Number,” but the correct term is Employer Identification Number.

This ID number identifies your company for tax purposes. Other business needs that require an EIN include:

Tax Filing: An EIN is necessary for filing federal and state income taxes.
Hiring Employees: You need an EIN to hire employees and withhold taxes from their paychecks.
Opening a Business Bank Account: Banks require an EIN to open a business bank account.
Applying for Permits: Many permits and licenses also require an EIN.
Political Organizations: You must have an EIN to file Form 8871, Political Organization Notice of Section 527 Status.

Each EIN is unique to a specific business entity—whether an LLC, corporation, partnership, or trust—and remains with the business throughout its existence, even if ownership or management changes. The same applies to other entities like nonprofits and estates. The IRS uses EINs to track business tax obligations and ensure proper reporting. Even small businesses should obtain an EIN.

To get started, submit an EIN application as soon as you’re ready to formally register your new business. The online application is fast, free, and required before you can obtain an EIN verification letter.

What Is an EIN Verification Letter?

An EIN verification letter is official proof from the IRS that your business has been assigned an EIN number. This letter confirms the legal status of your business entity and serves as proof that you’re registered as an employer.

There are two types of official IRS EIN letters that serve as EIN documentation:

CP 575 (EIN Confirmation Letter): The original IRS EIN confirmation letter mailed as receipt of your EIN assignment. The IRS issues the CP 575 only once—it cannot be reissued if lost.
147C (EIN Verification Letter): A replacement letter you can request anytime to verify your existing EIN. Banks, payroll providers, and government agencies accept the 147C letter interchangeably with the CP 575.

Beyond hiring employees, you’ll need your EIN for opening a business account at your bank, applying for business loans, setting up payroll systems, and purchasing supplies from wholesale vendors.

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Why Do You Need an EIN Verification Letter?

You may encounter several situations where you’ll need to verify your EIN. You won’t always need a physical copy of the verification letter, but you will need your EIN handy for countless administrative tasks.

Verification of Your EIN for Banks and Vendors

The primary purpose of an EIN verification letter is exactly what you’d expect: to verify your EIN. It ensures that the EIN provided to external parties—such as banks, lenders, or government agencies—is correct and matches IRS records.

EIN confirmation letters help avoid complications caused by clerical errors and prevent fraud by people who falsely claim to be business owners.

Compliance Requirements

Many financial institutions require an EIN verification letter as part of their due diligence. It proves your business’s legitimacy and compliance with federal tax regulations. Verification is especially important when a financial institution provides you with a loan, federally allocated relief funds, or a grant.

Payroll Compliance

Payroll companies, especially those operating in multiple states, may require an EIN verification letter before processing payroll. Some states require verification letters to be filed with state or local tax authorities to verify your employer status when registering for payroll accounts. That’s especially true when a business is subject to state, county, or municipal taxes.

How To Get an EIN Verification Letter (IRS Letter 147C)

Important: You cannot request an EIN verification letter (147C) through the IRS website. The IRS only issues 147C letters by phone or mail for security reasons. Here’s how to obtain yours:

Why You Can’t Use the IRS Website for 147C Requests

Unlike the initial EIN application, the IRS does not offer an online option for requesting a 147C letter. For security reasons, the IRS requires identity verification through a phone call or written correspondence. You also cannot request a 147C via email. You won’t find a 147C request form on the IRS website—phone or mail are your only options.

Option 1: Request by Phone (Fastest Method)

Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. This is the quickest way to get your 147C letter.

Best times to call: Between 7am and 10am or 3pm and 7pm local time. Avoid Mondays—they’re the busiest day of the week. Lines are open Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm local time.

Follow these phone prompts:

Press 1 for English
Press 1 for Employer Identification Numbers
Press 3 for “If you already have an EIN”

When you reach an IRS agent, tell them you need an EIN Verification Letter (147C). The agent will ask security questions to confirm you’re authorized to receive the letter. Only owners, corporate officers, trustees, or someone with Power of Attorney on file can make this request.

Delivery options:

Fax: Provide your fax number and receive the letter immediately while on the call. The IRS agent will ask if you have a fax machine nearby.
Mail: Expect delivery in 4-6 weeks.

Option 2: Request by Mail to the IRS Address

You can also request IRS Form 147C by sending a written letter that includes:

Your business name (exactly as it appears in IRS records)
Your EIN
Your business address
The responsible party’s name and title
A request for the EIN Verification Letter (147C)

Mail your request to one of these addresses based on your state:

Kansas City Office (for Eastern states: CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI):

Internal Revenue Service 333 West Pershing Rd. Mail Stop 6055 S-2 Kansas City, MO 64108

Ogden Office (for Western states and international: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, and all locations outside the US):

Internal Revenue Service Stop 6273 Ogden, UT 84201

Requesting by mail takes longer—allow 4-6 weeks (approximately 20-30 business days) for processing and delivery.

Keep Your Letter Safe

Once received, keep your EIN verification letter in a secure location with your other important business documents. Consider scanning and securely storing a digital copy if you’ll need to use it multiple times. Many business owners keep multiple copies on hand for banking, vendor onboarding, and state registrations.

What To Do if You’ve Lost Your EIN

You’ll need to use your EIN frequently. If you can’t find your EIN number and don’t have it memorized, you’ll need a solution quickly.

Retrieving a lost EIN can be straightforward if you can access other official IRS paperwork, payroll paperwork, or business registration documents. If not, you’ll need to contact the IRS directly.

Check Previous Filings and Business Records

Start by reviewing any previous tax returns, documents, or correspondence from the IRS where your EIN might be referenced. It may appear on your business license or state registration documents.

Your accountant or tax professional may have your EIN on file. Your payroll company can also help—send them an email or give them a call to check.

Note: If your business address has changed, file Form 8822-B with the IRS to update your information before requesting any documentation.

Contact the IRS

If you cannot locate your EIN through your records, contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Provide your business information, including the legal name, address, and any other details they request to verify your identity.

This process cannot be completed online or via email. As part of the IRS’s fraud prevention process, you must speak with an actual IRS agent.

Request a Replacement Document

Once the IRS verifies your business identity, they can provide you with a 147C letter confirming your EIN. Keep this copy safe—if you lose it, you’ll need to go through the same process again.

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Which States Need Copies of Your EIN Confirmation Letter for Payroll?

Some business owners may never need a physical copy of their EIN verification letter, while others will need copies for payroll and tax purposes. The CP 575 and 147C serve the same function: confirming your EIN, which certain states require for tax and payroll registration.

Here are states and localities with specific requirements:

Philadelphia Local Wage Tax

Employers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, must register within 30 days of hiring employees who are residents or perform services in the city. A copy of your EIN verification letter is necessary as part of registering for the local wage tax.

Massachusetts Unemployment Tax (for LLCs)

Massachusetts requires businesses, including LLCs, to register for unemployment tax with the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). During registration, you must provide your EIN, and having a copy of the EIN confirmation ensures accuracy.

Maine Withholding Tax

Maine businesses must register for withholding tax when they hire employees. As part of the payroll registration process, a copy of the EIN verification letter validates your federal tax identification.

Mississippi Withholding Tax

Similarly, Mississippi businesses registering for withholding tax must provide their EIN. A copy of the verification letter helps ensure payroll taxes are correctly administered.

In addition to these jurisdictions, other states may require an EIN verification letter for payroll. That’s why tools like Mosey are essential for keeping your business up to date.

Stay Compliant With Mosey

Not all states require an EIN verification letter for payroll and tax compliance, but keeping track of these requirements can be difficult—especially if your business operates in multiple states. Let Mosey’s business management platform do the hard work for you.

Our compliance automation dashboard lets you easily track state and local business compliance issues. We’ll walk you through meeting requirements in the simplest way possible. Schedule a demo with Mosey to learn how we can elevate your business operations.

EIN Verification Letter FAQ

What Is an EIN Verification IRS Letter 147C?

An IRS Letter 147C is an official document from the IRS that verifies your business’s existing Employer Identification Number. It serves as a replacement for the original CP 575 confirmation letter and is accepted by banks, payroll providers, and government agencies as proof of your EIN.

How Do I Contact the IRS for an EIN Verification Letter?

Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. You can also submit a written request by mail. The IRS does not provide EIN verification letters online or via email for security reasons. For the best results, call during off-peak hours—early morning or late afternoon—and avoid Mondays.

Can I Look Up My EIN Online?

No. You cannot look up or retrieve your EIN through the IRS website. If you’ve lost your EIN, check previous tax returns, bank documents, or contact your accountant. Otherwise, you must call the IRS directly. The IRS will only provide your EIN to authorized individuals after verifying your identity.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Verification Letter From the IRS?

If you request by phone and choose fax delivery, you can receive your 147C letter the same day. If you choose mail delivery, expect 4-6 weeks. Written requests sent by mail also take 4-6 weeks for processing and delivery.

Can I Get a Copy of My EIN Letter From the Bank?

No. Banks cannot provide official EIN verification letters—only the IRS can issue these documents. However, your bank may have a copy of the EIN letter you provided when opening your account, which you could use for reference. For an official document, you must request a 147C letter directly from the IRS.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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