Lost EIN — 147C letter
Lost your EIN confirmation letter? A 147C is the fix.
The IRS sends only one EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) — and they won't mail another. If yours is lost, banks and platforms still need proof of your EIN. The 147C letter is what the IRS issues in its place, and it's accepted as official.
- 147C letter requested directly from the IRS
- Authorization handled via Form 8821
- Delivered as a clean PDF for upload
- Coverage for any follow-up questions from the IRS
- Reply within one business day
- Private service, not the IRS — read our disclaimer
- LLC formation documentsVerified
- Responsible party identifiedVerified
- Mailing address verifiedVerified
- Business activity descriptionNeeds review
- SS-4 formatted for non-U.S. filerPending
This service is built for these situations
You lost your original CP 575
Misplaced, sent to wrong address, never received — the 147C replaces it.
Bank rejected an EIN screenshot or photo
Banks want the IRS-issued letter, not your handwriting on a notepad. 147C is what they want.
Your registered agent didn't forward your CP 575
Happens more than you'd think. A 147C re-establishes your records.
You need EIN proof for tax filing
CPAs sometimes ask for the IRS-issued letter at year-end.
You changed mailing addresses years ago
Your old EIN letter is somewhere — a 147C gives you a fresh, current copy.
You're re-opening a dormant LLC
Re-activating a U.S. LLC after years of dormancy? You'll need EIN proof. 147C provides it.
Getting an EIN as a non-U.S. founder is full of small traps
The IRS process wasn't designed with international applicants in mind. Most rejections and multi-month delays come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
Common pitfalls
What usually goes wrong when filing alone
- The IRS only issues one CP 575 — and they won't mail another. The 147C is the official replacement.
- 147C requests are made by phone to the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (800-829-4933, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time). The IRS website lists no separate international number for this — hard to fit around a non-U.S. time zone.
- Authorization (Form 8821) needs to be in place before the IRS will share EIN information with anyone other than you.
- IRS sends the 147C to the address on file — and if that's outdated, you're back to square one.
Our approach
How we prevent each of those problems
- We prepare Form 8821 (information authorization) so we can request the 147C on your behalf.
- We call the IRS during U.S. business hours and submit the request.
- We coordinate the delivery address — to you directly or a forwarding service.
- PDF copy delivered as soon as the IRS sends the letter.
What we actually do for you
Authorization setup
A short Form 8821 is prepared and signed by you, authorizing us to receive your EIN information from the IRS.
IRS request
We call the IRS, confirm our authorization (via the 8821), and request the 147C.
Delivery
When the 147C arrives (usually 1–2 weeks), we forward a clean PDF copy and the original via mail if requested.
Compare what each package includes on our EIN service pricing page.
Lost EIN / 147C Letter
Prepared and filed by an EIN specialist
Get a clear next step for your case
Share your situation and a specialist will reply within one business day. No payment requested upfront.
- No payment upfrontFixed package prices. We confirm your case fits before you pay anything.
- Honest directionIf we're not the right fit, we'll say so and point you elsewhere.
- Private by defaultYour details stay with us. We don't sell or share data.
Common questions from non-U.S. applicants
If your question isn't here, contact us — we'll answer honestly, even if the answer is 'this isn't a fit for our service.'
Is a 147C as good as a CP 575?
Functionally, yes. Banks (Mercury, Relay, Wise, U.S. national banks), Stripe, PayPal, and the IRS itself all accept the 147C as official proof of EIN. The only difference is the letter format — CP 575 is the original issuance notice, 147C is the verification reissue. Some businesses can also download a CP575 verification notice from an IRS Business Tax Account, which the IRS treats as a substitute for Letter 147C; eligibility depends on entity type and identity verification.
Can I just call the IRS myself?
Yes, if you are authorized for the business (for example the owner or a corporate officer). The IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line is +1-800-829-4933, Monday–Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. You'll need to verify your identity by sharing entity details. U.S. toll-free numbers often can't be dialled from abroad, so for many non-U.S. founders having an authorized representative call is more practical.
How long does the 147C take?
The call itself is 20–45 minutes (including hold time). The letter is mailed and typically arrives in 1–2 weeks for U.S. addresses, 3–4 weeks for international. Faxed copies are available in some cases — we ask.
Why won't the IRS just email it?
The IRS doesn't send tax documents by email — it's a privacy and authentication policy. They will mail or fax the 147C, but not email it. We can receive a faxed copy and forward a digital version to you.
How much does this cost?
147C help is quoted per case after we review your situation. Share your details and we will reply with a fixed quote within one business day.
Ready to stop guessing and get your EIN right the first time?
Tell us about your LLC and the platforms you need an EIN for. A specialist will respond within one business day with a clear plan.
Or email support@einnumber.io
- Reply within one business dayA specialist reviews your case and outlines a clear plan.
- Resubmission guaranteeFree resubmission if the IRS does not assign your EIN.
- Refund before submissionChange your mind before we file? Full refund, no questions.
The IRS determines its own processing times, which may vary depending on application volume. Faxed applications requiring a response by mail can take 1–3 months to process. We simplify the process by following up with the IRS on your behalf and keeping you informed of your application status. Once your EIN is assigned, we notify you promptly. While processing times cannot be guaranteed, we strive to make the experience as smooth and straightforward as possible. All prices are listed in USD with no hidden fees, and payments can be made securely through PayPal using supported international payment methods.