What is a 147C Letter and How to Request One?

The IRS 147C Letter—also known as an EIN Verification Letter—is an official document that confirms your business’s EIN, name, and address on record with the IRS.

If you’ve lost your CP-575 EIN confirmation letter or need proof of your EIN for a bank account, Stripe, or PayPal, the 147C Letter is the solution.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the 147C Letter is, why it matters, and how to request it from the IRS—especially if you’re a non-U.S. founder running a U.S. LLC.

What Is a 147C Letter?

A 147C Letter is an official IRS document that verifies your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the key details linked to it—your business name, EIN, and registered address exactly as they appear in the IRS database.

Think of it as a replacement copy of your original EIN confirmation letter (Form CP-575). If that letter was lost, misplaced, or never received (a common issue for non-U.S. founders receiving mail abroad), the IRS issues a 147C Letter as an official verification.

It’s also known as an “EIN Verification Letter.” The content is nearly identical to the CP-575, but it’s printed on IRS letterhead and specifically serves as proof that your business’s EIN is active and valid.

Most founders need a 147C Letter when applying for:

• U.S. business bank accounts
• Payment processors such as Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon Seller Central
• State or vendor registrations requiring EIN verification

In short, the 147C Letter is your EIN identity card—it tells banks and platforms that the IRS recognizes your business as legitimate and active.

Why the 147C Letter Matters

The IRS 147C Letter plays a critical role in confirming that your business’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) is legitimate and correctly recorded. It’s not just another piece of paperwork—it’s what verifies your company’s identity with financial institutions and compliance systems.

Here’s why it matters so much:

• Verifies EIN authenticity and prevents fraud.  Banks, payment processors, and government entities use the 147C Letter to confirm that your EIN wasn’t fabricated or entered incorrectly.
• Ensures your company name and address match IRS records.  Even a small mismatch in your IRS address or business name can delay banking or Stripe verification. The 147C Letter shows the exact information on file with the IRS.

Commonly required by:

• U.S. banks
• Payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Amazon Seller Central
• Vendor accounts and government registrations

147C Letter vs. CP-575 Letter

While both documents confirm your EIN, they serve slightly different purposes.

Here’s how they compare:

Both letters verify EIN legitimacy, but they’re not the same document.

The CP-575 is issued automatically after EIN registration, while the 147C is issued only when you request verification later.

Who Can Request a 147C Letter

The IRS will only release a 147C Letter to the responsible party on file for the EIN.

• Who counts as the responsible party: The individual who ultimately controls the business and its funds—typically the managing member (for single-member or multi-member LLCs).
• The organizer/formation service is not the responsible party unless that person/entity was explicitly listed as such on the EIN application (SS-4).

The IRS does not email 147C Letters. They’ll send it by fax (fastest) or by mail.

How to Request a 147C Letter from the IRS

Step-by-step:

1. Call the IRS: +1-800-829-4933 and choose the menu for EIN/business account.
2. Press 1 for English
3. Press option 1 for Employer Identification Numbers.
4. Press option 3 for “If you already have an EIN, but you can’t remember it, etc.”
5. Tell the IRS agent that you have an LLC and need an EIN Verification Letter (147C).
6. The IRS agent will ask a few security questions to confirm your LLC ownership.
7. Tell the IRS agent whether you’d like to receive the 147C Letter by mail or fax.

How will the IRS send me EIN Verification Letter 147C?

Due to security reasons, IRS only sends 147c letter

• by fax
• by mail

How Long Does It Take to Receive the 147C Letter?

The 147C Letter is one of the fastest IRS documents to obtain once your information is verified:

• If you use fax, you’ll usually receive it within minutes.
• If you choose to receive your 147C by mail, it can take 4-6 weeks before your EIN Verification Letter (147C) arrives.

The IRS does not email 147C letters for security reasons—only fax or mail.

What If You Lost Your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP-575)?

If you can’t find your original CP-575 (the EIN assignment notice sent after registration), you can request Letter 147c. The 147C confirms your EIN is valid and active, and it’s accepted by institutions that require EIN proof. Banks accept a 147C Letter as valid verification for business banking or Stripe activation.

Final Thoughts

The 147C Letter is your backup proof of EIN—your safety net when the original CP-575 is lost or missing. It confirms your business details directly with the IRS and is often required for banking, Stripe, or compliance verification.

Keep both your CP-575 and 147C Letter securely stored (preferably in the cloud) so you can access them anytime.

If you haven’t formed your LLC yet, StartFleet can handle the entire process—from U.S. company formation and EIN issuance to helping you obtain your 147C Letter quickly and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a digital copy of my 147C Letter?

Yes. The IRS can fax it to you, and if you use a virtual fax service (like eFax or HelloFax), you’ll get a digital PDF instantly.

Does the 147C Letter expire?

No, it doesn’t expire. But if your business name or address changes, request an updated copy from the IRS.

How do I get a 147C Letter from the IRS?

Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at +1-800-829-4933, verify your details, and request it by fax or mail.

What is the purpose of the 147C Letter?

It verifies your EIN, business name, and address for banks, Stripe, PayPal, and other compliance checks.

What’s the difference between SS-4 and 147C?

Form SS-4 is used to apply for an EIN. The 147C Letter is issued later to confirm and verify that EIN.