EIN and Banking
EIN Confirmation Letter: CP575, 147C and Recovery Options
An EIN confirmation letter or other accepted IRS confirmation helps show that a federal employer identification number belongs to your business. If the original notice is missing, recover evidence for the existing EIN rather than applying for a second number.
An EIN confirmation letter or other accepted IRS confirmation helps show that a federal employer identification number belongs to your business. If the original notice is missing, recover evidence for the existing EIN rather than applying for a second number.
The IRS now lists several confirmation routes, so advice saying a phone-requested 147C is the only possible option is incomplete.
EIN confirmation letter: CP575, 147C and other evidence
The IRS EIN page lists an entity transcript, a digital CP575 for eligible Business Tax Account users, and Letter 147C requested through its business tax line. Account eligibility and identity verification still apply.
| Document or record | Practical use |
|---|---|
| Original EIN assignment notice | Evidence retained when the EIN was assigned |
| Letter 147C | IRS confirmation of a previously assigned EIN |
| Eligible digital CP575 | Current online confirmation option described by the IRS |
| Entity transcript | Another IRS route to entity information |
| Completed SS-4 copy | Shows the application; alone it may not prove assignment |
Ask the bank or other recipient which evidence it accepts. An IRS option's availability does not mean every institution has identical document policies.
First determine what is actually missing
If you know the EIN but lost the letter, you need confirmation evidence. If you do not know the number, search your existing records first.
Check the formation provider's completed file, prior tax returns, business banking records and state-license applications. Avoid exposing the EIN in public support requests or posting the notice online.
If the records show different EINs, stop and resolve the discrepancy with the IRS. Do not choose whichever number happens to work in a particular application.
If the number may still be awaiting assignment, check the EIN processing time guide before treating the problem as a lost notice.
Request evidence using an available IRS route
Eligible account users can check the digital options described by the IRS. An overseas owner should not assume they can access a Business Tax Account without meeting its identity and role requirements.
For a phone request, use the contact details on the current IRS page. Be ready to establish your identity and authority to receive the information. A representative may need the appropriate authorization; being the original formation organizer is not automatically enough.
Confirm the delivery method and address or fax details during the authorized interaction. Never invent an address or impersonate another person to pass verification.
Check the returned document
Compare the legal name and EIN with your accepted company documents and existing records. Minor system formatting and a genuine name mismatch are different issues.
If the address is outdated, determine whether an IRS record update is needed. Changing the state address does not automatically update the IRS. Use Form 8822-B guidance for relevant business address or responsible-party changes.
Store the confirmation as an original electronic file where possible. Keep a backup in a secure folder controlled by the business, with access limited to people who need it.
Our Form 8822-B update checklist helps separate an IRS address correction from other company-record updates.
When a bank rejects the evidence
Ask what is missing: the document type, image quality, legal name, address or authority information. A screenshot of an email containing the number is different from official IRS evidence.
Request a precise explanation before ordering another document. If the bank accepts a 147C or current digital notice, follow that route. If it has a specific requirement, confirm it in writing so you do not repeat the same mismatch.
The business account application guide places EIN evidence alongside the identity, ownership and address documents a provider may need.
Prevent the problem from recurring
Keep the EIN confirmation beside the accepted articles, ownership records and tax correspondence. Record who holds the original documents and how a future manager can retrieve them.
Contact PrimeRegister if you need help locating documents from an EIN assistance engagement or understanding what evidence to request. The IRS controls issuance and identity-verification requirements.
