What is a 147c letter from the IRS?
A “147C letter,” from the IRS, is an official notice that affirms an Employer Identification Number (“EIN”), as assigned to a company. Third parties, or businesses, usually obtain this letter to provide proof that a company has a valid EIN in its IRS file.
The 147C letter breakdown:
- Purpose: The main function of the 147C letter is to verify the EIN assigned to the company. This letter is often required for licensing, banking and any other circumstance in which a claim to an EIN is required.
- Letter Request: The 147C letter can be requested when a company owner has lost the initial verification letter confirming its EIN (CP-575) (with a 147C letter being a back-up). Requesting it can be accomplished by contacting the IRS; Business & Specialty Tax line, toll-free at 1-800-829-4933
- Letter content: The 147C letter will state the address, name of the company and EIN; as shown on IRS documentation–this letter is official proof of the EIN that the company has been assigned
- Receipt of Letter: The IRS may send the 147C letter or related information by fax or through the mail based on the requesting individual’s preference.
The IRS 147c letter is often needed when opening a new business account, correcting a tax reporting error, or obtaining information about your business from a third-party vendor.
How to Get a 147c Letter From the IRS?
To obtain a 147c Letter from the IRS that verifies your company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), follow these steps:
Steps for Getting a 147c Letter
Be Prepared:
– Have your EIN handy.
– You will need to identify who you are, your relationship with the business (officer, owner, authorized agent), and possibly how long you have been affiliated with the business.
Call the IRS:
– Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The hotline is usually open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Identify Yourself:
– If you call us for assistance, you must verify who you are and your authority to request the information. This may include providing the Social Security Number (SSN) or the EIN, as well as the name of your business and other identifying information.
Request the 147c Letter:
– Once your identity is verified, you can request the 147c letter. Be sure to specify if you want the letter faxed or mailed.
Receive the Letter:
If your request is made by fax, you will receive it within the following day. If you requested by mail, it could take a few days up to a few weeks, depending on your location.
Don’t Forget
- Authorization: If you are not the business owner or responsible person on IRS documents, you may need written authorization (i.e., Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization).
- Alternative Verification: If you are not in a rush, you may also check for prior IRS correspondence that contains your EIN, such as your initial CP 575 letters.
Finding the 147c form isn’t difficult but must be communicated directly with the IRS to verify your identity and your company’s EIN.
