Getting your FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) letter from the IRS is a crucial step for many businesses and entities. This letter, officially known as the EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) or, if you're requesting a replacement, the EIN Verification Letter (147C), serves as official proof of your business's tax ID. You'll need it for various purposes, like opening a business bank account, applying for licenses and permits, or filing certain tax forms.
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to obtaining your FEIN letter!
Step 1: Do You Already Have an EIN? Let's Find Out!
Before we jump into applying for a letter, are you sure you don't already have an EIN? Many new business owners apply for an EIN without realizing they might already have one or that they may not need a new one.
- Check your records: Look for any previous IRS notices, tax returns, or banking documents related to your business. Your EIN is a 9-digit number, often formatted as XX-XXXXXXX.
- Contact your bank: If you've opened a business bank account, your bank will have your EIN on file.
- Consult your accountant or legal professional: They often retain copies of important business documents.
- Look for state or local license applications: If you've applied for any business licenses or permits, your EIN might be on those applications.
If you find your EIN, great! You might only need a verification letter (147C) if you need official proof. If you don't have an EIN yet, proceed to Step 2!
Step 2: Applying for Your EIN (If You Don't Have One Yet)
If you don't have an EIN, you'll need to apply for one first. The IRS offers several methods, but the online application is by far the fastest.
Sub-heading: Option A: The Fastest Way - Online Application (Recommended for U.S. Residents)
This method is ideal if your principal business or legal residence is in the U.S. or its territories.
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Prepare Your Information: Before you start the online application, gather the following:
- Legal name of your entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship).
- Responsible Party's Information: This is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the applicant entity and the disposition of its funds and assets. You'll need their name, SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
- Business address.
- Type of entity (e.g., Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, LLC, Estate, Trust).
- Reason for applying (e.g., Started a new business, Hired employees, Banking purposes).
- Date business started or acquired.
- Closing month of your accounting year.
- Highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months (if applicable).
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Access the IRS Online EIN Application: Go to the official IRS website (irs.gov) and search for "Apply for an Employer ID Number (EIN) Online." Be wary of third-party websites that charge for this free service.
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Complete the Application: Follow the prompts and accurately fill in all the required information. The system times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, so be prepared to complete it in one session.
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Receive Your EIN Immediately: Upon successful submission, your EIN will be displayed on the screen. This is your critical moment! Immediately print or save this confirmation page. This serves as your initial EIN confirmation. The IRS will not allow you to download it later from the online system.
Sub-heading: Option B: Faxing Form SS-4
If you prefer faxing or don't qualify for the online method, you can fax Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
- Download Form SS-4: Visit the IRS website and search for "Form SS-4." Download and print the form.
- Fill Out Form SS-4: Complete the form meticulously. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
- Fax the Form:
- For businesses within the U.S.: Fax to 855-641-6935.
- For international applicants (outside the U.S. or U.S. territories): Fax to 855-215-1627 (within the U.S.) or 304-707-9471 (outside the U.S.).
- Wait for Your EIN: If you provide a fax number, the IRS will fax a cover sheet with your EIN back to you in approximately four business days.
Sub-heading: Option C: Mailing Form SS-4
This is the slowest method, but it's an option if the others aren't feasible.
- Download and Fill Out Form SS-4: Same as the faxing method.
- Mail the Form:
- For businesses within the 50 states or District of Columbia: Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999
- For international applicants (no legal residence, principal office, or principal agency in any state or the District of Columbia): Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN International Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999
- Anticipate the Wait: You will typically receive your EIN in the mail in approximately four weeks.
Sub-heading: Option D: Applying by Phone (for International Applicants Without a U.S. Presence)
If your principal place of business is outside the U.S. and you don't have a U.S. SSN or ITIN, you can apply by phone.
- Call the IRS: Dial 267-941-1099. This is not a toll-free number, and international call rates may apply.
- Operating Hours: The line is generally open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Be Prepared: An IRS representative will ask you questions from Form SS-4. Have all your business information ready to provide. You'll typically be assigned an EIN during the call.
Step 3: Understanding the FEIN Letters: CP 575 vs. 147C
Once you have an EIN, there are two primary letters you might encounter:
- EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575): This is the original letter issued by the IRS when your EIN application is approved. It's mailed to the address provided on your Form SS-4 application. The IRS issues this letter only once. It typically arrives within 8 to 10 weeks after your EIN is assigned.
- EIN Verification Letter (147C): If you lose or misplace your original CP 575, or never received it, you can request a 147C letter. This letter serves the same purpose as the original CP 575 – it verifies your existing EIN. You can request a 147C letter multiple times.
Step 4: Getting Your FEIN Letter (CP 575 or 147C)
Sub-heading: Receiving Your Initial CP 575 (After Online Application)
As mentioned in Step 2, if you apply online, your EIN is provided immediately on the screen. This is your CP 575 equivalent in digital form. While the IRS will typically mail a physical CP 575 letter within 8-10 weeks to the address on file, the immediate online confirmation is often sufficient for initial needs. Always save or print that immediate online confirmation page!
Sub-heading: Requesting an EIN Verification Letter (147C) - The Most Common Scenario
If you've lost your CP 575, never received it, or simply need another official document to prove your EIN, you'll need to request a 147C letter. There are two primary ways to do this:
Method A: Calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (Recommended for Speed)
This is generally the fastest way to get your 147C letter.
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Gather Your Information: Before calling, have the following details ready:
- Your business's legal name.
- Your business's address as it appears in IRS records.
- The type of form your business uses for filing taxes (e.g., Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships).
- Your name and position in the company (only an authorized party like a business owner, partner, corporate officer, or someone with a Power of Attorney on file with the IRS can request this).
- Your EIN (if you remember it).
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Call the IRS:
- From within the U.S.: Call 1-800-829-4933.
- From outside the U.S.: Call 267-941-1099.
- Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time). Tip: Avoid calling on Mondays or early mornings, as these are often the busiest times.
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Navigate the Prompts:
- Press option 1 for English (or your preferred language).
- Press option 1 for Employer Identification Numbers.
- Press option 3 for "If you already have an EIN, but you can't remember it, etc."
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Speak to an Agent: Explain that you need an EIN Verification Letter (147C). The agent will ask you a series of security questions to verify your identity and your authority to receive the letter. Answer these questions accurately.
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Choose Delivery Method: The IRS agent will offer two options for receiving your 147C letter:
- Fax: If you have access to a private and secure fax machine (or an online fax service), this is the fastest option. The IRS can often fax the letter to you while you are still on the phone. Be ready to provide your fax number.
- Mail: If you choose mail, the letter will be sent to the mailing address the IRS has on file for your business. This can take 4-6 weeks to arrive. Confirm the mailing address with the agent.
Method B: Mailing a Written Request to the IRS
This method is slower but can be used if you prefer a written request or cannot call the IRS.
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Draft Your Request Letter: Your letter should include:
- The current date.
- Your LLC's (or other entity's) legal name.
- Your LLC's (or other entity's) EIN (if known).
- A clear statement requesting an "EIN Verification Letter (147C)."
- Your contact information (name, phone number, and mailing address where you want the letter sent).
- Your signature.
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Mail Your Request: The mailing address depends on your business's location. Refer to the instructions for Form SS-4 (Section "Where To File or Fax") on the IRS website for the correct mailing address for your specific state or for international entities. Generally, it will be: Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999
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Anticipate the Wait: Expect to receive your 147C letter by mail within 4-6 weeks (or even longer during peak seasons).
Step 5: What to Do Once You Receive Your FEIN Letter
Congratulations! Once you have your FEIN letter (CP 575 or 147C), it's important to:
- Keep it Safe: Store the letter in a secure place with other important business documents. Consider making a digital copy as well.
- Provide it as Needed: You can now confidently provide this official document to banks, government agencies, and other entities that require proof of your EIN.
- Update Records (If Necessary): If any information on the letter is incorrect (e.g., business name, address), you'll need to file Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party, with the IRS to update your records.
This detailed guide should help you navigate the process of obtaining your FEIN letter from the IRS. Remember to be patient, especially with mail delivery, and always double-check the information you provide to the IRS to avoid delays.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with 'How to', with their quick answers:
How to get an EIN for an LLC?
You can get an EIN for an LLC by applying online through the IRS website (if you have a U.S. residence or principal business location), or by faxing, mailing, or calling the IRS with a completed Form SS-4.
How to find a lost EIN confirmation letter?
If you've lost your original CP 575 EIN confirmation letter, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C) by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 or by sending a written request via mail.
How to get an EIN letter immediately?
The only way to get an EIN immediately is by applying online through the IRS website (if you're eligible). You'll receive the EIN on the screen upon successful completion.
How to verify an EIN with the IRS?
You can verify an existing EIN by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (1-800-829-4933) and requesting a 147C EIN Verification Letter. The agent will ask security questions to confirm your identity.
How to get an EIN letter by fax?
You can request a 147C EIN Verification Letter by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (1-800-829-4933) and asking the agent to fax the letter to a secure fax number you provide while on the call.
How to get an EIN letter if I am an international applicant?
International applicants can apply for an EIN by faxing Form SS-4 (855-215-1627 within U.S. or 304-707-9471 outside U.S.) or by calling 267-941-1099. To get a 147C letter, call the same international number.
How to change the address on my EIN letter?
To change the address associated with your EIN, you need to file Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party, with the IRS.
How to get a new EIN if my business structure changes?
Generally, if your business changes its legal structure (e.g., from a sole proprietorship to a corporation), you will need to apply for a new EIN. Refer to IRS guidelines on "When to get a new EIN."
How to find out the status of my mailed EIN application?
If you applied for an EIN by mail, the typical processing time is about four weeks. If it has been significantly longer than that, you can try calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (1-800-829-4933) to inquire about the status.
How to get proof of an EIN without the original letter?
If you don't have the original CP 575 letter, the most common way to get official proof of your EIN is by requesting an EIN Verification Letter (147C) from the IRS via phone or mail. You can also check past tax returns or contact your business bank.
