Founders and business owners should treat the CP-575 EIN confirmation letter like a business birth certificate. It’s the IRS’s official proof that a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) was assigned to your entity.

You’ll most often need the CP-575 when opening a business bank account, applying for licenses or permits, setting up payroll and benefits, or responding to IRS correspondence.

Financial institutions and state agencies usually ask for a printed IRS notice, not just the EIN number, so misplacing the CP-575 can slow down onboarding, lending, or hiring processes.

Since the IRS mails the CP-575 only once, the typical remedy for a lost copy is to request an EIN verification (Letter 147C), which serves as an official substitute and can be obtained by contacting the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.

This article will walk you through what the CP-575 contains, how it differs from the 147C verification letter, and the steps you should follow to obtain acceptable documentation from the IRS.

What Is the CP 575 EIN Confirmation Letter?

A CP 575 is the IRS’s official EIN confirmation letter; the hard-copy notice the Internal Revenue Service sends when it assigns a new EIN to a business or other entity.

Think of the CP 575 as the IRS’s one-time proof that an EIN has been issued. It is the document banks, vendors, payroll providers, and some state agencies that will ask to see when you first establish your business identity.

What the CP 575 Contains

The CP 575 EIN confirmation letter includes only the important details an organization (or a third party verifying the organization) needs, i.e., the nine-digit EIN, the legal business name and mailing address on file, the entity type (for example, corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietor), and the date the EIN was assigned.

Why Does the IRS Issue the CP 575 Only Once?

The IRS’s internal procedures and automated notice systems generate the CP 575 at the moment an EIN is created (for example, after you file Form SS-4 online, by fax, or by mail).

Since it’s an auto-generated assignment notice tied to the original application, the IRS does not reissue that same CP 575 document; instead, they provide the 147C verification letter when proof is needed later.

Importance of CP 575 for Businesses

Here’s why the CP 575 is important for your business:

Official Proof of EIN for Banks, Vendors, and Government Agencies

The CP 575 letter is the IRS’s formal acknowledgment that your business has been assigned an EIN. Financial institutions (including banks and credit card companies) request this to verify that your EIN is legitimate.

Similarly, many vendors and government entities require it when onboarding your business, performing due diligence, or issuing contracts, ensuring you're registered and compliant.

Useful for Compliance and Tax Filing

From payroll to annual tax returns, the EIN is vital for fulfilling numerous IRS obligations.

The CP 575 spells out the EIN and often lists which federal forms your business must file, such as 941, 940, or 1120. This makes it easy to stay on top of submission deadlines and avoid compliance errors.

Foundation for Establishing Business Credit

In your early years, establishing business credit helps with financing and promotes growth.

Many lenders and credit issuers insist on seeing your CP 575 letter (not just the number) to confirm your legitimacy and prevent fraud. This validation can speed up approvals and improve your borrowing power.

CP 575 vs. IRS Form 147C

CP 575 is the original EIN confirmation mailed when the IRS issues an EIN, and it’s only sent once. 147C is an EIN verification (a replacement/confirmation letter) that the IRS can issue on request if the original CP 575 is lost or never received.

The table below illustrates the differences between CP 575 and Form 147C:

Use the CP 575 when you still have the original. It’s the proof that the IRS issued your EIN and shows the official issuance details. If you have it, present it to banks, payroll providers, state agencies, or lenders.

If the CP 575 was lost, never arrived, or you need another official document, request Letter 147C from the IRS. The 147C contains the EIN, business name, and confirmation that the EIN is valid. It’s the standard replacement the IRS sends when taxpayers ask for verification.

How Banks and Partners Treat Them

Most banks and third-party providers treat CP 575 and 147C interchangeably as official IRS proof of EIN. If a bank requires proof of EIN, acceptable documents usually include the CP 575, a 147C, or an approved SS-4 fax or application showing the EIN.

Some banks may ask for the original CP 575 out of habit, but a 147C or approved SS-4 is usually sufficient, especially when the 147C can be faxed or provided quickly during account opening.

To avoid delays, confirm the bank’s exact documentation policy before your visit and bring a government-issued photo ID and business formation papers as supplementary proof.

How to Request a CP 575 Copy From the IRS

If you’ve lost your CP 575 EIN confirmation letter, you must act fast. As we’ve discussed earlier, the IRS issues the original CP 575 only once and will not reissue it.

Knowing the correct replacement process, what to prepare before you call, and which documents banks will accept can save days of delays when you’re opening accounts, onboarding payroll, or applying for funding.

Step 1: Understand IRS Policy

The CP 575 is the original EIN confirmation mailed after the IRS assigns an EIN. The agency’s guidance and longstanding tax-practice coverage make one point clear: the CP 575 itself is not reissued.

Instead, the IRS provides an official substitute verification; the 147C EIN Verification Letter, which carries the same authoritative information (your EIN, business legal name, issuance details) and is accepted by banks and government entities as an equivalent. Save yourself time by aiming to get a 147C, not a “duplicate CP 575.”

Step 2: Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line

To request a 147C, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. The IRS lists this number and its regular hours (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time).

Experience from tax pros and practitioner guides shows calling early in the morning (right at opening) or late afternoon avoids the longest hold times; Mondays are usually the busiest, so mid-week calls are better. Be patient; hold times vary, but calling at opening is the simplest way to reduce wait.

If you’re outside the U.S. or calling on behalf of another party, make sure you are an authorized person (owner, officer, or someone with Power of Attorney). The IRS will only release verification to authorized representatives.

Step 3: Request an IRS Form 147C Letter as a Substitute

When you reach a representative, request an EIN Verification Letter (147C). The 147C is generated from IRS records and contains the EIN and the business’s official name and address; everything a bank or vendor needs for verification.

Ask whether they can fax the 147C (faster) or mail it. Some callers report same-day faxing in certain cases, while mailed copies can take several weeks. The IRS will not email EIN confirmations.

Step 4: Verify Your Business Information Before the Call

Before calling, gather and confirm the details the IRS will ask for:

• Legal business name as it appears on the EIN application (Form SS-4).
• EIN (if you have it; if not, be ready to confirm the responsible party's SSN/ITIN).
• Business address and mailing address used on the original SS-4.
• Responsible party’s name and taxpayer ID (SSN/ITIN).
• Date the EIN was assigned (if known).

Having the Form SS-4 or a copy of a past tax return that lists the EIN hastens verification. If any information has changed (address, responsible party), be ready to explain and, if necessary, file Form 8822-B to update the IRS records.

Step 5: Expected Wait Time and Delivery

Delivery time varies. Many practitioners report same-day or same-week fax delivery when the request is simple and the IRS can verify identity over the phone. Mailed 147C letters usually arrive in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on workload and mailing.

There’s also a common window of about 10 to 14 business days for mailed requests, but plan for up to 4 to 6 weeks in busy seasons. If you don’t have much time, ask the IRS representative whether faxing is possible and request a spoken confirmation number you can relay to your bank.

Step 6: Alternative Documentation Banks Accept If CP 575 is Missing

If you can’t wait for a 147C, many banks will accept alternative proof temporarily: a recent federal tax return that shows your EIN, payroll filings (like Form 941) listing the EIN, or an IRS Transcript of Account showing the EIN.

However, acceptance varies by institution. Banks often prefer the IRS-issued 147C, so check with the specific institution before relying on alternatives. Ensure you obtain 147C for loans and long-term accounts.

How to Speed Up the Process

Below are steps that cut wait time and help you get an EIN letter fast, speed up EIN verification, and obtain the IRS confirmation (or the substitute 147C) quickly:

Call early, mid-week

IRS business phone lines operate Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (taxpayer local time).

Call as soon as the line opens or mid-morning on Tuesday to Thursday to avoid peak volume. The shortest queues are usually early weekday mornings and midweek. Avoid Mondays, Friday afternoons, and days near filing deadlines.

Have the right information ready

Before you dial, assemble: EIN (if you have it), legal business name exactly as on IRS records, business address on file, date the business was started, responsible party name, and any SSN/ITIN/last-four asked for identity proofing.

The IRS asks security questions. Hence, having this material at hand speeds verification and lets the agent produce a 147C on the spot. The IRS explicitly tells callers what to prepare before calling.

Use phone

While the original CP 575 is issued only once, the IRS can issue Letter 147C (EIN Previously Assigned) as a written substitute, and IRS procedures allow an authorized CSR to fax a 147C to the caller in urgent situations instead of waiting for mail.

If you need something immediately, request that the agent fax the 147C to your verified fax number during the call. Note that policies and exceptions apply for third-party designees.

Request multiple 147C copies and save them securely

Ask the agent to send more than one copy (mail and fax or mailed duplicate) so you have backups for banks, payroll vendors, and state agencies. Once received, store redacted digital copies in an encrypted cloud folder and keep a printed copy in your corporate binder. This prevents repeat calls in the future.

Use a Power of Attorney (Form 2848) to let a tax pro act fast

If you can’t handle the call or need a faster path, authorize a CPA/enrolled agent/attorney with Form 2848 (or Form 8821 for information-only access).

Once the POA/TIA is on file or presented, your representative can request a 147C on your behalf and handle identity-proofing procedures quickly. The IRS supports submitting POA/TIAs online, by fax, or by mail.

Escalate carefully if the IRS mail route is slow

If you hit repeated phone disconnects or the agent can’t resolve the issue, ask politely to escalate to a supervisor or request an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).

Also, keep a record of the date/time of each call, agent badge number (if provided), and the reference details. This record speeds up any follow-up and makes escalation hassle-free.

Secure Your EIN Proof Fast: Let Chore Retrieve Your CP-575 or 147C

Stop losing deals over a missing EIN confirmation. Startups can hand off the whole proof-of-identity workflow to Chore, fractional ops experts who own HR, compliance, finance, and document control, so your CP-575/147C is located or obtained without distracting founders.

Here’s how a startup gets it done quickly: provide your SS-4 (or known EIN), responsible-party information, and authorization; Chore coordinates agency communications, prepares any needed POA, and requests an IRS 147C on your behalf (or compiles alternate IRS transcripts) while simultaneously lining up payroll and bank integrations to eliminate onboarding delays.

Then, Chore stores redacted copies in a centralized compliance system, ties EIN records to payroll and equity workflows, and updates your cap-table and finance documents so you never scramble again.

That single operational handoff prevents repeated requests and speeds lending, payroll, and vendor onboarding.

Ready to stop admin slowdowns? Request a quick consultation with Chore and have us secure your EIN confirmation (CP-575/147C) and bank-ready proof today.

FAQs

What do I do if I lose my CP 575 EIN letter?

If you lost your CP 575 EIN letter, the IRS won’t reissue it, but you can request a 147C EIN Verification Letter, which serves as an official replacement. Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933, verify your business details, and ask for a 147C. For speed, request a fax copy. Mailed copies take 10 to 14 days. Once received, make multiple copies and store them securely.

What’s the difference between CP 575 and 147C?

CP 575 is the original EIN confirmation letter sent by the IRS when your EIN is first issued. It’s only sent once and cannot be reissued. 147C is an EIN verification letter you can request from the IRS anytime if you lose your CP 575. It serves as an official replacement and is widely accepted by banks and agencies.

Can foreign founders request CP 575 or 147C?

Foreign founders do get a CP 575 when they first apply for an EIN, but the IRS won’t reissue it if lost. They can request a Letter 147C instead by calling the IRS international number: +1-267-941-1099. The IRS will verify business details before issuing the 147C. Delivery may take longer internationally, but founders can use a U.S. mailing address or an authorized rep for faster results. A U.S. CPA, attorney, or agent with Form 2848/8821 can request the 147C on their behalf.

How long does it take to get a 147C from the IRS?

The IRS can send you a 147C letter the same day by fax if you call and verify your identity. If you choose mail, expect it within 7 to 14 business days (longer for international addresses). Using a tax professional with Power of Attorney can also speed up the process.

What documents can replace CP 575 for verification?

The CP 575 EIN Confirmation Letter cannot be reissued, but you can use substitutes for verification. The main replacement is IRS Letter 147C, which officially confirms your EIN and is accepted by most banks and agencies. Other acceptable documents include IRS tax return transcripts, IRS notices showing your EIN, filed business tax returns, and, in some cases, state business filings or licenses that list your EIN.