When you form a new business, the IRS sends you a document that is, without a doubt, one of the most important pieces of paper you will ever receive. It is the EIN Confirmation Letter, officially known as Notice CP 575.
Think of it as your business's birth certificate. It is the definitive proof that your company legally exists in the eyes of the government and the financial world.
What Is the EIN Confirmation Letter?#
Your EIN letter from the IRS is the first and only official notice you will get that confirms your unique nine-digit tax ID has been assigned. This is not just a formality; it is the key that unlocks almost everything you need to do to operate legitimately.
Are you trying to open a business bank account? Setting up accounts with vendors? Hiring your first employee? You will need to show them this letter. Without it, you are pretty much stuck. It is your business's primary form of identification for all things tax and finance.
For individuals, this is a completely different document from an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You can learn more about that in our guide on what an ITIN number is.
The letter itself is straightforward and contains the essential details you will need over and over again:
- Your official, legal business name.
- Your newly assigned Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- The IRS notice number, which is CP 575.
A word of advice from experience: guard this document carefully. The IRS issues the CP 575 notice only once when the EIN is first assigned. They do not send out duplicates, so make a few copies (digital and physical) and keep the original somewhere safe.
Why Is Your IRS EIN Confirmation Letter So Important?#
Think of your EIN confirmation letter as your business's official birth certificate. It is more than just a piece of paper with a number on it. It is the definitive proof that the IRS recognizes your company as a legitimate entity. Without it, you will hit roadblocks trying to do almost anything foundational for your business.
This letter is the first thing banks, lenders, and even some vendors will ask to see. Imagine walking into a bank to open your first business account to keep your finances separate from your personal funds. The first document they will request is your official EIN letter from the IRS. It is non-negotiable.
How Does the EIN Letter Unlock Essential Business Functions?#
The need for this document pops up constantly, well beyond just opening a bank account. It is your ticket to establishing financial credibility and meeting all sorts of legal requirements.
Here are a few common situations where you will absolutely need it:
- Applying for Business Loans: Lenders will not even consider your application without it. They use it to verify your company’s identity and confirm you are in good standing with the IRS.
- Hiring Employees: To set up payroll and report employment taxes, your EIN is essential. It is how the government tracks your withholding obligations.
- Filing Federal Tax Returns: This is a big one. The letter contains the official number you will use on every single tax form you file for the business.
- Obtaining Licenses and Permits: Many local and state agencies require proof of your federal EIN before they will issue the permits you need to operate legally.
The IRS issues millions of these unique numbers every year, and they are the backbone of legal business operations in the U.S. For non-residents, getting this part right is especially critical, a topic we cover in depth in our guide on how to open a U.S. bank account.
How Do You Get Your Original EIN Letter?#
For any new business, getting your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the official confirmation letter is one of the first big steps. Think of it as your business's social security number. The IRS gives you a few ways to apply, but going online is the fastest and simplest route to get your official EIN letter from IRS.
The IRS website has an online EIN application that is the go-to for most U.S. based businesses. It is a free service they run during business hours, usually Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The best part? Once you finish the application, your EIN is assigned instantly.
Quick heads-up for online filers: You absolutely must download your EIN confirmation letter (the CP 575 notice) during that same session. Once you close that browser window, it is gone. You cannot just log back in and grab it later.
What Are the Alternative Application Methods?#
If the online portal is not a fit for you, which is common for international applicants, you can fall back on the trusty Form SS-4. This paper form can be sent in either by fax or mail.
- By Fax: This is the next best thing to applying online. Faxing your completed Form SS-4 usually gets your EIN back in about four to seven business days.
- By Mail: This is the snail mail route and definitely the slowest. If you mail in your Form SS-4, expect to wait anywhere from four to six weeks to get your EIN letter in the mail.
To help you figure out the best approach, here is a quick breakdown comparing the different application methods. Picking the right one means you get the paperwork you need without frustrating delays, letting you get on with the important stuff like opening a business bank account or setting up vendor payments.
Which EIN Application Method Is Best for You?#
| Method | Processing Time | How You Apply | How You Receive the EIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Immediate | Complete the online application on the IRS website during business hours. | Receive your EIN on-screen immediately and can download the confirmation letter (CP 575). |
| Fax | 4-7 Business Days | Fax a completed Form SS-4 to the appropriate IRS fax number. | The IRS will fax back your EIN Confirmation Letter if you provide a return fax number. |
| 4-6 Weeks | Mail a completed Form SS-4 to the appropriate IRS service center address. | Receive your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) via postal mail. |
As you can see, if you are in the U.S. and want your EIN right away, the online portal is a no-brainer. For everyone else, faxing is a solid runner-up to avoid the long wait times associated with traditional mail.
What Should You Do If You Lost Your EIN Letter?#
It happens to the best of us. That critical EIN confirmation letter, the official CP 575 notice from the IRS, goes missing right when you need it most. Do not panic. Misplacing it is a common headache, and getting your EIN back on record is usually straightforward.
Before you even think about sitting on hold with the IRS, your first move should be to check your own files. You would be surprised how often the number is hiding in plain sight on documents you already have.
Take a look at any previously filed federal tax returns, old business loan applications, or even your business bank statements. Many banks include the EIN on monthly reports, and it might also be on state or local license and permit forms you have filed.
If you have searched your records and still come up empty, your next step is a direct call to the IRS. This is the most reliable way to confirm your number and get the proof you need.
How Do You Contact the IRS Business Line?#
You will want to call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. They are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. To make the call go smoothly, have the following info ready so they can verify you are authorized to receive the EIN:
- Your complete legal business name and the address on file.
- Your official title (e.g., owner, managing member, corporate officer).
- Your personal Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The modern system of income tax collection has deep roots, permanently established after the 16th Amendment was ratified way back in 1913. This gave Congress the authority to tax income, which eventually led to the IRS system we navigate today. You can learn more about the history and evolution of the IRS if you are curious.
Once the agent confirms your identity, they can give you the EIN right over the phone. Make sure to also ask them to mail or fax you an EIN Verification Letter (147C). This document serves as the official replacement for your original CP 575 notice and works just as well for opening bank accounts or setting up vendor profiles.
How Can You Request an EIN Verification Letter 147C?#
So, you have misplaced your original CP 575 notice and now you are in a bind. Do not panic. While the IRS will not issue a brand new CP 575, they have an official alternative ready to go: the EIN Verification Letter, also known as Letter 147C.
This letter is your golden ticket. It serves the exact same purpose as the original and is universally accepted by banks, lenders, and government agencies when you need to prove your EIN is legit.
To get your Letter 147C, you will need to call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. An agent will walk you through a series of questions to confirm you are who you say you are and have the authority to act for the business. Be ready with your legal business name, address, and your official title.
How Can You Choose Your Delivery Method?#
Once the IRS agent has verified your identity, they will offer two ways to get the letter. Your choice really boils down to how fast you need it.
- By Fax: This is by far the fastest route. The agent can often send the Letter 147C to your fax number on the same day, sometimes even while you are still on the phone.
- By Mail: If you do not have access to a fax, the IRS will mail the letter to the business address they have on file. Just be prepared for a much longer wait. This method typically takes four to six weeks for the letter to arrive.
Interestingly, the agency responsible for this process has roots going back to the Civil War, when it was created to fund war efforts through taxation. You can learn more about the agency's historical timeline.
What Are Your Top Questions About the IRS EIN Letter?#
Working with an EIN letter from the IRS always brings up a few questions. Let's clear up the common sticking points so you know exactly what to expect from this crucial business document.
Can I Get a Copy of My EIN Letter Online?#
Unfortunately, no. The original CP 575 notice is a one-time download available only when you finish your online application. Once you close that window, it is gone for good from the IRS portal.
If you need an official copy, your only move is to contact the IRS directly and ask for an EIN Verification Letter (147C). It serves as the official replacement.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN Confirmation Letter?#
This all comes down to how you applied. If you applied online, you get your EIN and the downloadable confirmation letter instantly. Easy peasy.
But if you went the old-school route and applied by mail, you will need some patience. Expect to wait around four to six weeks. If you request a replacement Letter 147C, you can often get it faxed the same day you call the IRS. A mailed copy, however, will take a few weeks to show up.
Is an EIN the Same as a Tax ID Number?#
Yes, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is just a specific kind of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) that is used for businesses.
Think of it like this: an EIN is for a business what a Social Security Number (SSN) is for a person. Another key TIN for non-U.S. individuals is the ITIN, and our guide on getting a credit card with an ITIN number shows just how useful it can be.
Does My EIN Ever Expire?#
Nope. An EIN is assigned to your business for its entire life. It does not expire and never needs to be renewed. Once the IRS issues it, that number stays with your business forever, no matter what changes, like ownership or business activity.