The 147c letter is a crucial document sent by the IRS to businesses. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the 147c letter, its significance, who can request it, how to obtain it, and key takeaways for businesses.

What is the 147c Letter?

The 147c Letter is sent by the IRS to businesses that have misplaced or lost their EIN, and have therefore requested the letter in order to confirm their EIN. Business owners receive this letter to verify their EIN and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

The 147c letter, also known as an EIN confirmation letter, is a document from the IRS that verifies a company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). When businesses receive this letter, it means they have inquired with the IRS business specialty tax line to have the letter sent in order to confirm their company’s EIN. The information in the 147c letter has the sole objective of confirming a business’s EIN.

To obtain this letter, businesses need to contact the IRS directly by phone and follow the procedures outlined by the IRS.

Why is a 147c Letter Important?

The 147c letter from the IRS holds significant importance for businesses due to several key reasons:

  • Verification of EIN: The 147c letter serves as a document that verifies a company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), ensuring that the EIN is accurate and legitimate.


  • Correction of Errors: Business owners can use the 147c letter to rectify any errors or mismatches between the company’s business name and its corresponding EIN.


  • Confirmation for Third Parties: The 147c letter acts as proof of the business entity’s EIN, assuring third parties such as financial institutions or government agencies when required.

Overall, the 147c letter plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of a company’s EIN, facilitating compliance with IRS regulations, and providing verification for various financial and tax-related activities.

Why You Need a 147c Letter

Businesses require the 147c letter for various purposes such as filing tax forms accurately, opening bank accounts, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

The primary purpose of a 147c letter from the IRS is to authenticate the existence and legitimacy of a business entity. This letter serves as an EIN verification document, confirming the accuracy and validity of a company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). It is also known as an “EIN confirmation letter” and is essential for providing third parties, such as financial institutions or government agencies, with proof of the business entity’s EIN. 

Who Can Request a 147c Letter?

The letter is typically sent to entities that need to verify or update their EIN information with the IRS. The request for a 147c letter from the IRS can only be made by the company’s authorized agents, which typically includes the business owner or individuals authorized to act on behalf of the business. 

How Do You Request a 147c Letter?

To obtain a 147c letter from the IRS, businesses can follow specific procedures outlined by the IRS. The best way to get hold of a 147c letter is to request it by phoning the IRS. You can place this request by calling the specialty business tax line. The operator will confirm your business information so that they can source the correct EIN assigned to your business. 

Once they have correctly identified your business’ EIN, they will send you the 147c letter via mail. For this reason, it is essential that you provide them with the correct return address information. The mailing process can take between 4 and 6 weeks before you receive the 147c letter. 

Correcting Mistakes On a 147c Letter

To correct errors in a 147c letter, business owners can follow a specific process outlined by the IRS. Here is the general process for correcting errors on a 147c letter:

  1. Contact the IRS: The only way to request a 147c letter or correct errors on it is by contacting the IRS directly. Business owners can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax line at 1-800-829-4933.


  2. Provide Necessary Information: When contacting the IRS, be prepared to provide all relevant information about the errors or mismatches between the company’s business name and its corresponding EIN that need correction.


  3. Follow IRS Instructions: The IRS representative will guide you on the specific steps to take to correct the errors on the 147c letter. It is essential to follow their instructions carefully to ensure accurate and timely resolution.

By following these steps and reaching out to the IRS directly, business owners can correct any errors or discrepancies in their 147c letter efficiently and effectively. The time it takes to correct errors on a 147c letter can vary depending on the method of delivery you choose.

Key Takeaways

The 147c Letter is a document sent by the IRS to businesses to verify their EIN. Responding promptly to the 147c letter is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.

For further information on EINs and related services, businesses can access resources like EINsearch’s databases and validation services that offer efficient ways to manage EIN-related processes.