How to get a copy of ein letter online

A tax ID verification letter is the official confirmation that the Internal Revenue Service sends following a request for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The process to apply for an EIN and subsequent verification letter is fairly simple. You can even get a replacement letter if the original is lost.

Importance of an EIN

An EIN is a specific identifying number matched to a business, just like a Social Security number identifies individual taxpayers. Almost all businesses need an EIN, but the IRS has a quick checklist on its website to help business owners determine their need based upon each specific situation. There are then several ways to apply for number.

Applying for an EIN

IRS Online Application

The easiest (and IRS-preferred) method is to use its free online application. An interview-style application guides users through the process. You need to provide the following basic business information:

• Legal name of the business entity
• Business address
• Business type, i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.
• Reason for applying, such as new business, hired employees, opening bank account
• Principal activity of the business

You must complete your online application in one session, as you cannot save the form and you will be logged out of the system after 15 minutes of inactivity. The service is available from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Fax or Mail the Form

If you prefer, you can fill out IRS Form SS-4 and fax or mail it. The phone number and address are listed in the form instructions. Both the fillable form and instructions can be found on the IRS website.

Receiving Your Tax ID Verification 

If you use the online application to obtain your EIN, you will receive an immediate response and be able to print out your EIN confirmation notice right away. It's a good idea to save the document so you have an electronic record of your transaction and documentation. If you apply using Form SS-4 and fax it, you will receive the tax ID verification letter, known as a CP 575, within four business days. If you apply by mail, the letter should arrive in about four weeks.

Getting a Replacement Verification Letter

In the event that you applied for your EIN in the past and have lost or misplaced your paper copy of the verification letter, there are a few things you can do to locate it.

Check old files: If you applied online, check in your Download file for a copy of the letter from when you originally applied for the EIN. Also, thoroughly check files from when you started your business.

Check with the bank: If you applied for a loan when you started your business, the bank may have asked for a copy of your verification letter. Retrieving a copy from them may help out if time is short.

Get a replacement: It is also easy to request a replacement letter directly from the IRS. Simply call their Business and Specialty Tax line at 800-829-4933. Although you may experience up to a 30-minute hold time, the representative will first verify your identity and then work with you to get your replacement letter.

The 147c letter is a replacement verification letter and is not a duplicate of the original EIN confirmation letter. However, it still serves as the official documentation you may need if someone has asked you to provide proof of your EIN.

How Important Is a Verification Letter?

In many cases, once you have initially received your EIN you may never need to show your tax ID verification letter to anyone. However, if you are applying for a loan or working with a new vendor, you may be asked for official verification of your EIN.

What is a 147c Letter?

A 147c letter, also known as an EIN letter, is a form sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by a company to request their Employee Identification Number (EIN number or tax id number) or by a third party to verify a company’s EIN with their permission.

How do I get a 147c letter from the IRS?

If you have lost your federal employer identification number, you can contact the IRS to request a copy of the EIN confirmation letter.

The only way to ask the IRS for a 147c verification letter is to call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line toll-free at 1-800-829-4933 between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm in your local time zone. Ther’s no option to receive your IRS 147c letter online.

The IRS offers the following options: 

Option #1

Use this option if you speak English or Spanish and can call the IRS on your own.

1. Before calling the IRS, you should know what your Social Security Number or ITIN is. The IRS will ask you for this information.
2. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. After selecting English or Spanish, dial extension #1, then extension #3.
3. When the IRS agent answers the phone, they will ask you some questions to confirm your identity.
4. Next, the IRS agent will ask why you are calling. Tell the agent that you would like to receive a 147c letter to confirm your EIN.
5. The IRS agent will offer to fax the letter to you immediately. That is the fastest way to get the 147c confirmation letter. You can ask the IRS to send you the letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

Option #2

Use this option if you do not speak English or Spanish.

1. Find someone who can interpret for you in English.
2. Call the IRS with your interpreter (1-800-829-4933) and select English, dial extension #1, then extension #3.
3. When the IRS agent answers the phone, your interpreter will need to explain that they will interpret the questions to you and interpret your answer back to the IRS.
4. Put your phone on speakerphone. The IRS needs to hear your interpreter asks you the question and your response. Your interpreter will repeat your answer to the IRS in English.
5. Next, the IRS agent will ask your interpreter why you are calling. Tell the agent that you would like to receive a 147c letter to confirm your EIN.
6. The IRS agent will offer to fax the verification letter to you immediately. You can ask the agent to send you the letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

Option #3

Use this option if you are not able to speak to the IRS on the phone. Ask someone to represent you as your Power of Attorney (POA) and talk to the IRS on your behalf.

1. You and your POA will need to complete the IRS Form 2848 and have it ready to send to the IRS via fax during the phone call with the IRS.
2. Ensure to write down the words 147c letter in the Tax Form Number field in section 3 of Form 2848.
3. Make sure that your POA is prepared to answer personal security questions on your behalf. For example, the IRS will ask your POA for your Social Security Number or ITIN.
4. You and your POA will call the IRS (1-800-829-4933) and select English or Spanish, dial extension #1, then extension #3.
5. When the IRS answers the phone, your POA will need to tell the IRS that the call is from a POA and form 2848 is ready for faxing.
6. Send the 2848 form to the fax number that the IRS agent provides.
7. Once the IRS agent receives the form, they will ask your POA to confirm your identity.
8. Next, the IRS agent will ask your POA the reason for the call. Tell the agent that you would like to receive a 147c letter to confirm an EIN.
9. The IRS agent will offer to fax the confirmation letter to you immediately. You can ask the IRS to send you the verification letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

How long does it take to get a 147c letter?

In all three options listed above, the IRS agent will offer to fax the EIN verification 147c letter to you immediately. That is the fastest way to get the 147c confirmation letter. You can ask the IRS to send you the letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

Who can request a 147c EIN verification letter?

Only an owner or a Power of Attorney (POA) can request a copy of the EIN confirmation letter. If you would like a POA to request your EIN Verification Letter (147c form), both you and your POA will need to complete the IRS Form 2848 and have it ready to send to the IRS via fax during the phone call with the IRS.

For more information on how to retrieve your EIN Verification Letter, visit this IRS resource link. Rather have a professional help you, contact H&S Accounting & Tax Services

Our small accounting firm specializes in the accounting and tax needs of individuals, professionals and small businesses. Our expert accountants and CPAs primarily serve clients throughout South Florida, you can request a one-on-one consultation in person if you are located near Aventura, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Margate, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Miramar, North Lauderdale, North Miami, Oakland Park, Opa-Locka, Pembroke Pines, Pembroke Park, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Weston. We also offer accounting and tax services nationwide remotely.

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