147C Letter – IRS EIN Verification

What is a 147c Letter?

A 147c letter, also known as an EIN verification letter, is a form sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by a company to request their Employee Identification Number (EIN number or tax id number) or by a third party to verify a company’s EIN with their permission.

How do I get a 147c letter from the IRS?

If you have lost your federal employer identification number, you can contact the IRS to request a copy of the EIN confirmation letter.

The only way to ask the IRS for a 147c verification letter is to call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line toll-free at 1-800-829-4933 between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm in your local time zone. There’s no option to receive your IRS 147c letter online.

When you call, the IRS offers the following options: 

Option #1

Use this option if you speak English or Spanish and can call the IRS on your own.

  1. Before calling the IRS, you should know what your Social Security Number or ITIN is. The IRS will ask you for this information.
  2. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. After selecting English or Spanish, dial extension #1, then extension #3.
  3. When the IRS agent answers the phone, they will ask you some questions to confirm your identity.
  4. Next, the IRS agent will ask why you are calling. Tell the agent that you would like to receive a 147c letter to confirm your EIN.
  5. The IRS agent will offer to fax the letter to you immediately. That is the fastest way to get the 147c confirmation letter. You can ask the IRS to send you the letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

Option #2

Use this option if you do not speak English or Spanish.

  1. Find someone who can interpret for you in English.
  2. Call the IRS with your interpreter (1-800-829-4933) and select English, dial extension #1, then extension #3.
  3. When the IRS agent answers the phone, your interpreter will need to explain that they will interpret the questions to you and interpret your answer back to the IRS.
  4. Put your phone on speakerphone. The IRS needs to hear your interpreter asks you the question and your response. Your interpreter will repeat your answer to the IRS in English.
  5. Next, the IRS agent will ask your interpreter why you are calling. Tell the agent that you would like to receive a 147c letter to confirm your EIN.
  6. The IRS agent will offer to fax the verification letter to you immediately. You can ask the agent to send you the letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

Option #3

Use this option if you are not able to speak to the IRS on the phone. Ask someone to represent you as your Power of Attorney (POA) and talk to the IRS on your behalf.

  1. You and your POA will need to complete the IRS Form 2848 and have it ready to send to the IRS via fax during the phone call with the IRS.
  2. Ensure to write down the words 147c letter in the Tax Form Number field in section 3 of Form 2848.
  3. Make sure that your POA is prepared to answer personal security questions on your behalf. For example, the IRS will ask your POA for your Social Security Number or ITIN.
  4. You and your POA will call the IRS (1-800-829-4933) and select English or Spanish, dial extension #1, then extension #3.
  5. When the IRS answers the phone, your POA will need to tell the IRS that the call is from a POA and form 2848 is ready for faxing.
  6. Send the 2848 form to the fax number that the IRS agent provides.
  7. Once the IRS agent receives the form, they will ask your POA to confirm your identity.
  8. Next, the IRS agent will ask your POA the reason for the call. Tell the agent that you would like to receive a 147c letter to confirm an EIN.
  9. The IRS agent will offer to fax the confirmation letter to you immediately. You can ask the IRS to send you the verification letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

How long does it take to get a 147c letter?

In all three options listed above, the IRS agent will offer to fax the EIN verification 147c letter to you immediately. That is the fastest way to get the 147c confirmation letter. You can ask the IRS to send you the letter in the mail. The letter should arrive at your address in seven business days or so.

147c letter sample

147c letter

Who can request a 147c EIN verification letter?

Only an owner or a Power of Attorney (POA) can request a copy of the EIN confirmation letter. If you would like a POA to request your EIN Verification Letter (147c form), both you and your POA will need to complete the IRS Form 2848 and have it ready to send to the IRS via fax during the phone call with the IRS.

For more information on how to retrieve your EIN Verification Letter, visit this IRS resource link. Rather have a professional help you, contact H&S Accounting & Tax Services