147c

What Is a 147c Letter?

A 147c letter, also known as an EIN letter, is a form sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so a company can request their Employee Identification Number (EIN) or so a third party can verify a company’s EIN with their permission. A 147c letter is not a request for the IRS to create an EIN; it only asks the IRS to tell you about an EIN that already exists. 

How Do I Request a 147c Letter?

To request a 147c letter from the IRS, contact the IRS Business and Specialty Tax line at 1-800-829-4933. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, taxpayer local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time). Be prepared to answer several security questions. After that, the IRS will mail or fax you your 147c letter. 

What are the Alternatives to Requesting a 147c Letter?

Before calling the IRS to request a 147c letter, there are several places you may wish to look for your EIN number.

• Locate the confirmation you received from the IRS when you applied for your EIN.

• Contact financial institutions where you used your EIN to open an account or apply for a loan.

• Reach out to state or local agencies where you applied for licensing.

• Find tax returns you filed under your EIN.