Get Your IRS Letter 147C by Fax — Today, Not in 6 Weeks
Lost your CP 575? Bank needs EIN verification? Call the IRS, provide a fax number, and receive your 147C letter in minutes — not 4-6 weeks by mail.
What Is Letter 147C?
Letter 147C is the IRS's official verification of your Employer Identification Number (EIN). It confirms your EIN, legal business name, and address as recorded by the IRS. Banks, lenders, and payroll providers accept it as proof of EIN — it's the standard replacement for a lost or missing CP 575 (the original EIN assignment notice, which the IRS issues only once and never reissues).
How to Get 147C by Fax (Step by Step)
• Get a fax number ready (FaxTerra: $4.99/month, set up in 30 seconds) • Call the IRS at (800) 829-4933 — press 1 for English, 1 for EIN, 3 for existing EIN • Verify your identity — the agent asks for your business name, EIN, address on file, and responsible party's SSN or ITIN • Ask for fax delivery and provide your fax number • Stay on the line — the agent sends the letter and confirms receipt The entire call takes 5-10 minutes once you reach an agent (hold times vary).
Who Can Request a 147C?
Only the responsible party listed on the original EIN application can request a 147C. This is the principal officer (corporations), general partner (partnerships), grantor or owner (trusts), or executor (estates). A third party can request it only with Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) on file with the IRS.
The 30-Day Rule
You cannot request a 147C if your EIN was assigned within the last 30 days. During that window, the CP 575 is your only confirmation. If you applied online and didn't save the confirmation screen, you'll need to wait 30 days before calling for a 147C. This is why saving the online confirmation immediately is critical.
Why Fax Instead of Mail?
The IRS offers two delivery options for Letter 147C: fax (received in minutes, during the phone call) or mail (4-6 weeks to the address on file). If your bank is waiting for EIN verification to open your account, 6 weeks is unacceptable. A fax number turns a multi-week wait into a same-day resolution. That's the entire value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRS phone number to request a 147C letter?
Call (800) 829-4933 (IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line), Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm local time. Press 1, then 1, then 3 to reach an agent who handles EIN verification.
How long does it take to receive the 147C by fax?
Minutes. The IRS agent faxes the letter to you while you're on the phone. You stay on the line to confirm receipt. By mail, the same letter takes 4-6 weeks.
Can my bank see my 147C letter if it's faxed to an online service?
Yes. When the IRS faxes your 147C to your FaxTerra number, it arrives as a PDF in your email. You can print it, forward it, or show it to your bank directly from your phone or computer.
What if the IRS says my information doesn't match?
The agent verifies your business name (exact match including "Inc." or "LLC"), EIN, address on file, and responsible party SSN. If anything doesn't match their records, they cannot release the letter. Common fix: file Form 8822-B to update your address first (takes 4-6 weeks), then call back.
Is Letter 147C the same as CP 575?
They contain the same information (EIN, business name, address) and are interchangeable for banking purposes. The difference: CP 575 is the original notice issued once when your EIN is assigned. Letter 147C is the replacement you can request anytime afterward.
Do I need a fax number before I call?
Yes. Have your fax number ready before calling. IRS hold times can be 45-90 minutes — you don't want to hang up to set one up. FaxTerra takes 30 seconds to set up.