What Is a 147c Letter and How Do You Get One?

What Is Letter 147c?

A 147c letter is a document from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that officially requests confirmation of your organization’s Employee Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is like a Social Security number for a business. It is used to ensure an organization is in good standing with the IRS so interested third parties can make more informed decisions. 

You may need Letter 147c and your EIN for various reasons, like if you are a small employer trying to open a bank account or if you’re applying for a loan. If you need a business credit card, a bank can use your EIN to determine your organization’s standing with the IRS to see if you’re eligible—or decide if your organization is too high-risk. Additionally, having your EIN on hand makes filing taxes much easier, so it’s advantageous to keep this number in an accessible spot.   

Here is what a 147c letter looks like:   

Letter 147c is not the same as CP-575, which is the form issuing an EIN. An organization can only receive a CP-575 once, whereas you can request a 147c anytime. So, if you lose your CP-575, you may want to get Letter 147c so you have official documentation confirming your organization’s EIN. 

How To Get Form 147c

You can acquire a 147c letter by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax line at 1-800-829-4933. This office is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.  

Once you are on the line, follow the instructions given by the operator. You will be prompted to answer security questions to determine the validity of your call, and then you must select whether you want to receive your 147c letter by mail or by fax. If you choose the fax option, you will have it in hand that day; mail may take 4 to 6 weeks. 

Remember IRS wait times; this line may be busy, and if you’re in a rush, you may need to consider alternatives to waiting on hold for the next open representative. 

Are There Alternatives to Form 147c?

A key place to check for your EIN is your bank. Since you needed it to open bank accounts or credit lines, you can call and ask for your EIN. This may be the fastest option, but if you want other alternatives, some common documents with your EIN may include:  

• Tax returns your business has filed 
• Forms pertaining to loan applications 
• Forms pertaining to a bank account or credit card applications 
• Agencies applied to for licensing reasons  

Any of these documents would have your organization’s EIN, so if you’re in a bind, any of these alternatives may be your best solution.    

Additional Resources

You can stay informed, educated, and up to date with important HR topics using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources: 

• BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit
• BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop shop for HR industry news
• HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance
• Resource Library—essential guides covering a comprehensive list of HR topics
• HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics