What is a 147c letter from the IRS?
An IRS letter 147c, also known as an EIN verification letter, is a letter the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sends to a company when it has lost or misplaced its Employer Identification Number (EIN) and needs to confirm what it is. A 147c letter is not a request for the IRS to create an EIN; the IRS sends it to tell you what your existing EIN is.
Here’s what you need to know about the 147c letter:
- Purpose: The 147c digit is used to verify the correct EIN for the business. It is often needed for licensing, banking, and other formal reasons where proof of an EIN is required.
- The Letter Request: In the event that a company owner is missing his initial EIN verification letter (CP 575) and would like to request a 147c confirmation letter as an alternative. You can request this by contacting the IRS Business & Speciality Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
- Content of the letter: The 147c letter contains the address, name of the company, and EIN as they appear in IRS documents. It is formal evidence of the EIN that the company has been assigned.
- Receiving Letter: The IRS could send the 147c-related letter via fax or post, depending on the preferences of the individual who is requesting it.
This letter is frequently required to set up new business accounts, resolve any discrepancies in tax reports, or verify details about business with third-party companies.
How to Get a 147c Letter from the IRS?
To get a 147c letter from the IRS, an official document that confirms your company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), follow these steps:
Steps to Obtain a 147c Letter
Prepare Information:
- Have your EIN ready.
- You must be prepared to prove your identity and position within the organization (e.g., officer, owner, and authorized representatives).
Call the IRS:
- Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The line is generally available from Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time.
Verify Identity:
- If you contact us for assistance, you must confirm your identity and authority to ask for the details. This could include providing the Social Security Number (SSN) or the EIN, as well as the name of your business and other identifiable information.
Request the 147C Letter:
- Once you have verified your identity, you can request the 147c document. Please indicate whether you’d like the letter sent via fax or mail.
Receive the Letter:
- If you send the request via fax, you will receive it within the next day. If you request it via mail, it can take from a couple of days to several weeks to arrive, based on the location.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Authorisation: If you’re not a business owner or a responsible person listed on the IRS documents, you might require written authorisation, such as Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorisation).
- Alternate Verification: If you’re not in a rush, you should determine if you have previous IRS correspondence that mentions your EIN, such as your initial CP 575 letters.
Finding the 147c form is simple, but you must communicate directly with the IRS to confirm your identity and your company’s EIN.
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