How to Replace a Lost EIN Confirmation Letter for Your US Business

1. What Is an EIN Confirmation Letter?

An EIN confirmation letter is the official document the IRS sends to confirm that your business has been assigned an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. This number is like a tax ID for your company—essential for opening US bank accounts, filing taxes, hiring employees, and handling many other administrative tasks. The letter itself usually arrives by mail after your EIN application is processed. It’s often requested as proof of your business’s existence or status by banks, vendors, or government agencies.

Why the EIN Confirmation Letter Matters

• Bank account setup: Many US banks require this document as proof of EIN assignment.
• Compliance: Some tax filings or applications may require a copy.
• Verification: Partners, payment processors, or platforms might need to see your IRS confirmation.

For foreign founders, especially those operating remotely, having a digital copy as well as the original letter is extremely helpful, as the physical version may be hard to replace quickly from outside the US.

2. Who Needs to Replace a Lost EIN Confirmation Letter?

You will want to request a replacement if:

• You never received the original letter (due to mail delays, address issues, or delivery outside the US).
• The document was lost, misplaced, or destroyed.
• A bank, platform, or US agency is requesting it and you need to provide official proof quickly.

This process applies to LLCs and corporations formed in any state. It is especially relevant for non-resident founders who may face additional challenges with US mail or document retrieval.

3. Understanding the EIN Confirmation Letter and Alternatives

The original confirmation letter is called a CP 575 notice. If you have lost it, the IRS can supply a replacement letter known as a "147c letter," which serves the same purpose and is recognized by banks and most agencies.

Document Name	Purpose	Issued By	Accepted As Proof?
CP 575 Notice	Original EIN confirmation	IRS	Yes
147c Letter	Official replacement for lost confirmation	IRS	Yes

A 147c letter is issued on IRS letterhead and confirms your EIN, legal business name, and address on file. Most banks and government agencies will accept this as a substitute for the lost original.

4. How to Request a Replacement EIN Confirmation Letter (147c Letter)

US founders and non-resident owners can request a 147c letter using these steps:

1. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
   
   • If you are outside the USA: Call +1-267-941-1099 (not toll-free).
   • If someone is calling from within the USA: Call 800-829-4933.
   • Hours are typically Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. US Eastern or local time.
2. Identify yourself and your business.
   Be ready to supply:
   • Your legal business name (exactly as registered with the IRS).
   • Your EIN (the number itself—found on tax returns, bank paperwork, or other IRS letters).
   • Your business address as listed with the IRS.
   • Your name and your role in the company (e.g., owner, member, authorized officer).
   • The type of entity (LLC, corporation, etc.).
   The IRS will ask a series of questions to confirm your authority to request the letter.
3. Request the 147c letter.
   Tell the agent that you lost your EIN confirmation letter and need an "EIN verification letter, form 147c." There is no fee for this service.
4. Choose your delivery method.
   The IRS can fax the letter—often the fastest option. If you do not have a fax number, they may be able to send it by mail, but this can be slow for addresses outside the USA. Online or email delivery is not available from the IRS. Services like FastLLC can assist with receiving and forwarding documents.
5. Verify and update your address (if needed).
   If your business address has changed since your EIN application, update it with the IRS first using Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party–Business). Otherwise, the IRS may refuse to send the letter to the new address for security reasons.

This process can usually be completed in a single phone call if you have the right information ready.

5. What to Do If You Don’t Know Your EIN

If you lost your EIN entirely (not just the letter), try these before calling the IRS:

• Check past IRS correspondence or tax filings—your EIN is usually printed at the top.
• Review your bank account documents; US banks record your EIN when you open a business account.
• Ask your registered agent or formation service (such as FastLLC) if they might have the information on file.

If these options don’t work, you can still call the IRS using the steps above; they can look up your business by name and address if you can verify your identity and authority.

6. Verifying and Updating Your Business Information with the IRS

If your company’s name, address, or responsible party has changed since your EIN was issued, you must notify the IRS using the appropriate forms:

• Form 8822-B: Use for address or responsible party changes. Submit this by mail; processing times vary.
• Make sure the IRS has your current information, as all further correspondence—including a 147c letter—will go to the official listed address on file.

Handling these updates before requesting a 147c letter will prevent delays and potential rejections.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing an EIN Confirmation Letter

• Not confirming your authority: Only a listed owner, officer, or authorized person can request a 147c letter from the IRS.
• Using outdated contact details: If your address or responsible party has changed, update these with the IRS before calling.
• Assuming email delivery is possible: The IRS will not send sensitive EIN documents by email.
• Missing IRS phone hours: International calls to the IRS must be made during US business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET or local time).
• Not keeping digital and paper backups: Save a scanned copy of your replacement 147c letter and the original, if you find it. Keeping backups makes future requests easier.

8. Practical Tips for Safeguarding Your EIN and Confirmation Documents

To prevent future headaches, consider these best practices:

• Scan and securely store a PDF copy of any IRS letters and your EIN assignment immediately upon receipt.
• Store the original physical letter with other vital documents for your company, in a safe or secure office location.
• Limit access: Only share EIN documents with necessary parties (banks, accountants, or trusted business partners).
• For non-resident owners, consider using a virtual mail service or a formation provider, such as FastLLC, to receive and handle US government mail on your behalf.

9. When to Seek Professional Help

If you are having trouble communicating with the IRS, verifying your identity, or managing forms as an international founder, a knowledgeable formation service can assist. Services like FastLLC can help you ensure your contact details are up to date, receive critical IRS mail as your registered agent, and assist you with the process of obtaining or recovering your EIN documents, especially if you do not have a US mailing address or SSN.

10. Frequently Asked Questions About EIN Confirmation Letters

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

Once your identity is verified, the IRS can fax the 147c letter the same day. Delivery by mail may take several weeks, especially to addresses outside the US. Check with the IRS for current delivery estimates.

Is there a fee for requesting a 147c letter?

There is no charge from the IRS for issuing a 147c EIN verification letter.

Can someone besides the business owner call the IRS for a 147c letter?

Generally, only individuals listed as responsible parties or authorized representatives on the EIN application may request the letter. If you need to authorize someone else, discuss the process with the IRS first.

11. Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Requesting a Replacement EIN Confirmation Letter as a Non-Resident Founder

Navigating US government procedures can be intimidating, especially from abroad. Here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough for non-resident owners who need to obtain a replacement EIN confirmation letter:

1. Gather Your Required Business Information
   
   • Your legal business name exactly as registered with the IRS (check your formation documents).
   • Your current EIN, if available (find it on past tax filings, bank forms, or earlier IRS letters).
   • The business address on file with the IRS—this is typically the address used when you first applied for the EIN.
   • Your name and your capacity within the business (owner, authorized member, officer, etc.).
   • The business entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.).

   Prepare these details in advance so you do not waste an international call.

2. Check Your Authority to Call
   

   The IRS only provides EIN information to the principal officer, owner, or another authorized party. If your name or position has changed, update your information with the IRS before calling by filing Form 8822-B. If you are authorized, proceed to the next step.

3. Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
   
   • For callers overseas, use: +1-267-941-1099 (international, not toll-free).
   • Open Monday to Friday, during regular US business hours (confirm current hours before calling).

   Have all your documents ready and find a quiet location as hold times can be extensive. If possible, call early in the day (US Eastern Time) to avoid long queues.

4. Navigate Identity Verification
   

   The IRS agent will list several questions to confirm your relationship to the business. Accurately answer all prompts; do not guess, as failed verification can delay the process.

5. Request the 147c Letter
   

   Ask for an EIN verification letter (the 147c letter) to be sent via fax (if you or your service provider have access to one). If fax is unavailable, the IRS will post the letter to the registered business address. Online or email delivery is not an option.

6. Confirm Record Details and Delivery Address
   

   If your business address has changed, update it first using Form 8822-B. Otherwise, the IRS can only send your 147c letter to the current address on file.

7. Receive and Digitize Your Letter
   

   Once you receive the letter (via fax or post), scan and store secure digital copies. This will prevent further interruptions when you need EIN proof in the future.

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12. What to Prepare Before Requesting a Replacement EIN Letter

Proper preparation will make the process of recovering your EIN confirmation letter faster and less stressful. Here is a checklist of what non-resident founders should prepare:

• Business Documentation: Have your original certificate of formation, incorporation, or LLC operating agreement available. These will help confirm your role and business details, especially if the IRS asks for supporting information.
• Previous IRS Correspondence: Gather any prior IRS notices, letters, or documents showing your EIN, even if unofficial. Having your EIN speeds up the IRS’s internal search process.
• Access to Fax Services: As the IRS prefers to fax the 147c letter, arrange access through a secure online fax provider, your registered agent, your accountant, or a formation service. Confirm the fax number is available and can receive US faxes immediately.
• Current Business Address: Double-check your company’s address as listed on the original EIN application and with the IRS. If you have changed addresses, submit IRS Form 8822-B before calling to request the replacement letter.
• Proof of Authority: Be ready to confirm your formal title/role. For LLCs, this might be managing member; for corporations, officer or director. If you are acting as an authorized third party, you may need a signed authorization (Form 2848, Power of Attorney, or other documentation) on file with the IRS.
• Reliable Communication Arrangements: If calling from outside the US, check that you have a clear phone line and sufficient calling credit to avoid disconnection mid-process.
• Awareness of Time Zones: The IRS operates during specific US business hours. Know when these fall in your local time zone to avoid the frustration of missed hours.

Preparing these materials in advance can prevent mistakes or delays and helps ensure a single call is all you will need.

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13. Comparison Table: Replacement Options for EIN Confirmation

Option	Speed	Accepted by Banks?	Delivery Methods
Original CP 575 Notice	Issued after initial EIN approval	Yes	Mail only (when EIN is first assigned)
IRS 147c Letter (Replacement)	Same day by fax if available	Yes	Fax (recommended) or mail
Previous IRS Correspondence	Immediate (if you have copies)	Sometimes (not always sufficient as proof)	Your own records
Formation Service or Registered Agent Help	Varies (depends on provider’s process)	Yes (if requesting IRS documents on your behalf)	Mail, fax, or secure portal (if offered)

Note: When providing EIN proof to banks or agencies, always confirm which forms of documentation they accept. The 147c letter is usually the fastest replacement option recognized by US banks and regulators.

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14. Worked Example: Hypothetical Non-Resident Founder Requests a 147c Letter

Scenario: Maria, a resident of Spain, founded "IbericApp LLC" in Delaware and received the EIN confirmation (CP 575 notice) sent to her US registered agent. Months later, Maria needs the document to open a new US business bank account but realizes that the original physical letter was misplaced and only the EIN number is known. Here’s how Maria successfully obtains a replacement:

1. Preparation: Maria locates her Delaware LLC certificate, the original EIN (noted in an earlier email from her agent), and checks her IRS details for the business address and her name as managing member.
2. Access to Fax: She arranges with her formation provider to use their secure fax line for receiving IRS documents.
3. Calling the IRS: At 7:15 a.m. US Eastern Time, Maria calls the international IRS number (+1-267-941-1099) from Spain. After a brief wait, the IRS agent asks Maria to confirm the company name, EIN, business address, and her relationship to the business. Maria answers all questions accurately.
4. Making the Request: Once verified, she clearly requests a “147c letter (EIN verification letter) to be sent by fax” to the fax number connected to her formation company.
5. Receiving the Letter: Within the hour, her formation provider receives the IRS 147c letter, scans it, and emails Maria a PDF copy.
6. Bank Application Resumes: Maria submits the scanned 147c letter to the US bank as proof of her company’s EIN assignment, satisfying their requirements.

This hypothetical scenario illustrates how international founders can efficiently recover critical US tax documents—provided they prepare and coordinate with trusted parties.

15. Common Mistakes Non-Resident Founders Make When Replacing EIN Confirmation Letters

Even experienced founders and professionals can make missteps during the process of recovering an EIN confirmation letter. For non-resident owners, certain obstacles appear more frequently—avoiding these issues can save hours, if not days, of frustration.

• Not Checking Document Requirements of Your Bank or Agency: Some banks require the original CP 575 notice, while others accept the 147c letter. Before making requests, verify exactly which document format your recipient accepts to avoid wasted effort or duplicate calls.
• Underestimating IRS Security Protocols: The IRS will not discuss or disclose a business’s EIN or send sensitive documents to anyone not specifically listed as an authorized party or responsible officer. If your information is out of date, update your details first—otherwise the IRS may refuse your request even after a long call.
• Forgetting to Update Your Mailing Address with the IRS: If your principal office, mailing address, or responsible party changed since formation, failure to update the IRS can result in your letter being sent to an old (or defunct) address—often unrecoverable for non-residents. Always submit Form 8822-B prior to your replacement request if anything has changed.
• Not Preparing for Time Zone Differences and Call Wait Times: International calls to the IRS can involve long hold times, especially later in the US day. Plan your call for when the IRS lines open to minimize this. If you must stop the call for technical or timing reasons, you’ll need to start over from the beginning.
• Assuming an Email or Online Option Exists: The IRS will not email documents containing sensitive tax IDs. Any third-party site that claims otherwise should be treated with suspicion unless they are acting as your registered agent and receive IRS fax/mail on your behalf.
• Misidentifying Your EIN or Business Entity Name: Spelling inconsistencies or conflicting entity names can block requests. Have every detail checked—down to punctuation—before placing your call or completing forms.

Anticipating these hurdles before contacting the IRS allows you to streamline the process, reduce errors, and get your proof documents in hand sooner.

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16. Hypothetical Example: A Non-US Founder Navigates a Lost EIN Letter

Let’s walk through a practical, rounded example of what a non-resident founder might face when recovering a lost EIN confirmation letter:

Hypothetical Situation: Ajay, a founder based in India, is the sole owner of "Indigo Solutions Inc," a Delaware corporation. Months after incorporation, when applying for a payment processor, Ajay is required to submit official proof of the company’s US EIN. He never received the original CP 575 notice—mail forwarding from his registered agent never arrived.

1. Preparation: Ajay collects his Delaware incorporation certificate, his email records (which include his EIN from the formation agent), and double-checks Indigo Solutions’ business address on the original IRS application form.
2. Arranging Fax Service: Lacking a personal fax line, Ajay asks his Delaware registered agent if they can receive faxes for him—confirming they’re ready and able to receive documents from the IRS.
3. Planning the Call: Ajay checks the current IRS international hours, notes the US Eastern Time zone difference, and sets an alarm for early morning local time to call when lines open.
4. Placing the Call: He phones the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at +1-267-941-1099. The agent requests Indigo Solutions’ full legal name, the EIN, Ajay’s name/role, the registered address, and confirms that Ajay is the owner and responsible party. All details match IRS records.
5. Requesting the 147c Letter: Ajay asks clearly for a "147c letter (EIN verification letter) by fax." He supplies the fax number of his registered agent in Delaware.
6. Receiving the Letter: Within an hour, his registered agent confirms receipt of the fax from the IRS and scans it to Ajay’s email.
7. Using the Letter: Ajay submits the PDF to the payment processor, fulfilling their verification process. He also saves digital copies in secure cloud storage, ensuring he won’t face this issue again.

This hypothetical scenario shows the critical path and provides a reference for founders overseas—demonstrating the importance of preparation, use of a trusted US contact for receiving faxes, and the need to check all information before contacting the IRS. Having a plan in place keeps the process efficient and stress-free.

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17. At-a-Glance: EIN Confirmation Replacement Methods—Comparison Table

Method	How Fast?	Accepted By Banks?	Main Limitation
IRS 147c Letter (Fax)	Usually within hours	Yes	Requires access to US fax number
IRS 147c Letter (Mail)	Several days to weeks	Yes	Slow for international delivery; must match IRS address
CP 575 Notice (Original)	Immediately (if you still have it)	Yes	Only one issued; hard to replace if lost
Copy from Third-Party Provider	Immediate, if they have it	Varies	Not always sufficient as IRS proof for banks

Summary: For most founders who need to provide official, IRS-recognized EIN confirmation to banks or regulatory agencies, the 147c letter sent by fax is the fastest and most widely accepted method. If using mail for delivery outside the US, expect much longer waiting times and ensure your business address on file is current. When possible, coordinate with your registered agent or a formation provider to facilitate fax receipt.