- April 29, 2026
- Posted by:
- Category: EIN
What to Do If You Lose Your EIN Confirmation Letter
Why the EIN Confirmation Letter Matters
Your EIN confirmation letter (commonly called the IRS “CP 575” notice) is the document the IRS issues after it assigns an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to a business. Many banks, payroll providers, state agencies, and vendors request proof of the EIN, especially when opening business accounts, setting up payroll, or registering for tax programs.
- Common uses: bank account opening, payroll onboarding, merchant processing, business licensing, and certain state tax registrations.
- Typical issue: the EIN is valid, but the confirmation letter is missing, misplaced, or never received.
First Steps: Confirm What You Actually Need
1) Decide whether you need the EIN number or written proof
- If you only need the EIN: check prior tax returns, payroll filings, bank records, or formation documents where the EIN was recorded.
- If you need proof of assignment: you’ll generally want an official IRS verification letter (often the “147C Letter”), which is commonly accepted as replacement proof.
2) Verify you are authorized to request it
The IRS will only provide EIN verification to an authorized party. This usually includes:
- The business owner (sole proprietor) or a corporate officer/partner
- An authorized representative who can be validated by IRS records
How to Replace a Lost EIN Confirmation Letter
Request an EIN Verification Letter (147C)
The most direct way to replace proof of your EIN is to request an EIN verification letter from the IRS. This letter is widely used as a substitute for the original CP 575.
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line and request an EIN verification letter.
- Complete identity/authorization verification during the call (the IRS will validate you against the business’s information on file).
- Choose delivery method available during the call (often fax; sometimes mail depending on circumstances).
Prepare key information before you call
- Legal business name (exactly as registered with the IRS)
- Any “doing business as” (DBA) name, if applicable
- Business address on IRS record
- Type of entity (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC)
- Your name and title/relationship to the business
- Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN of the responsible party (as applicable)
If You Never Received the Letter in the First Place
If the EIN was assigned but the original confirmation letter was never received, the solution is typically the same: request the EIN verification letter. In many cases, the issue is tied to an address mismatch or mail delivery problem.
Update your address if needed
If your business address has changed since the EIN was issued, update your address with the IRS so future notices go to the correct location. Address updates help prevent repeated delivery failures and can reduce delays with other IRS correspondence.
What Not to Do When the EIN Letter Is Missing
- Don’t apply for a new EIN just because the letter is missing. Multiple EINs can create banking, payroll, and tax filing confusion.
- Don’t rely on unofficial screenshots or third-party “certificates” if a bank or agency requires IRS-issued verification.
- Don’t guess the EIN based on partial records; incorrect EIN use can trigger payment posting issues and notices.
How to Handle Common Situations Requiring Proof
Bank account opening
Many banks accept an IRS EIN verification letter as proof. If your bank requests the original CP 575, ask whether a 147C letter is acceptable—many institutions treat it as equivalent verification.
Payroll setup and tax registrations
Payroll providers and state agencies often need the EIN to connect filings and payments correctly. If you’re also handling state tax setup, you may be reviewing state registration steps such as a California seller’s permit online application or researching a Minnesota state sales tax number for sales and use tax registration.
Vendor onboarding and W-9 requests
Vendors typically request a completed Form W-9 rather than the IRS letter. Still, if a vendor’s compliance department asks for EIN proof, the IRS verification letter is the standard replacement document.
Recordkeeping Tips to Prevent This Problem Again
- Store a digital copy in a secure, access-controlled folder (PDF scan).
- Keep a compliance binder with formation documents, EIN proof, and state registrations.
- Limit access to EIN documentation to trusted administrators and finance staff.
- Document where the EIN is used (bank accounts, payroll accounts, merchant processors) to simplify future updates.
FAQ: Losing Your EIN Confirmation Letter
1) Is my EIN still valid if I lost the confirmation letter?
Yes. Losing the letter does not change the validity of the EIN. You typically just need replacement proof of assignment for banks or agencies.
2) What document replaces the EIN confirmation letter?
An IRS EIN verification letter (commonly referred to as a 147C letter) is the standard replacement proof and is widely accepted by banks and other institutions.
3) Can I download a copy of my EIN confirmation letter online?
In many cases, the IRS does not provide a simple public “download portal” for a replacement CP 575. The common solution is requesting the EIN verification letter through the IRS by phone.
4) Who is allowed to request the EIN verification letter?
The IRS generally provides EIN verification only to an authorized party, such as the owner of a sole proprietorship, a corporate officer, a partner, or another party the IRS can validate against the account.
5) What information should I have ready before requesting EIN verification?
Have the legal business name, address on file, entity type, and the responsible party’s identifying information available. The IRS will use these details to confirm authorization.
6) Should I apply for a new EIN if I can’t find the letter?
No. Applying for a new EIN solely because the letter is missing can create duplicate EINs and lead to filing and payment matching problems.
7) What if my business name or address changed since I got the EIN?
You can still request verification, but mismatches can slow verification. Updating the IRS address and ensuring your legal name matches IRS records helps avoid delays.
8) Will a bank accept the EIN verification letter instead of the original CP 575?
Many banks accept the IRS verification letter as proof. If a bank requests the CP 575 specifically, ask whether a 147C letter is acceptable as substitute documentation.
9) What if I’m not sure whether my business ever received an EIN?
Check prior tax filings, payroll filings, bank records, and formation paperwork. If you still can’t confirm, an authorized party can contact the IRS to verify whether an EIN exists for the business.
10) How can I prevent losing EIN documentation again?
Maintain a secure digital copy, keep a centralized compliance folder or binder, and limit access to staff who need it for banking, payroll, or tax registrations.