An EIN (Employer Identification Number) verification letter, also known as an IRS Letter 147C, serves as official confirmation of your business’s EIN assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This document is often required when opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, or engaging in various business transactions where proof of your EIN is needed. It’s crucial to understand how to obtain this letter to ensure smooth business operations and compliance. This guide provides a clear path for requesting your EIN verification letter.
To request an EIN verification letter, you have several options. The quickest method is often through the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. You can call and request the letter, usually providing identifying information about your business. Another option is to mail a written request to the IRS. This method requires you to include specific details such as your business name, address, EIN, and the reason for the request. Remember to retain a copy of your request for your records. The IRS generally aims to process these requests within a reasonable timeframe, but processing times can vary.
The process is generally straightforward, but clarity in your request is essential. Ensure all information provided to the IRS is accurate and up-to-date. If your business has undergone any changes, such as a change of address or responsible party, update your records with the IRS before requesting the verification letter. This will help avoid any delays or complications in receiving your Letter 147C.
When preparing your written request, make sure it is concise and professional. Clearly state that you are requesting an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C). Include a return address where the IRS can mail the letter. A well-prepared request will facilitate faster processing and ensure you receive the verification letter promptly. The sample letters below will offer some formatting styles and required information.
Sample Letters for Requesting an EIN Verification Letter
Sample Letter 1: Simple Request
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C)
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing to request an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) for our business, [Your Business Name]. Our EIN is [Your EIN]. We require this letter for [Reason for Request – e.g., opening a bank account].
Please mail the letter to the address provided above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 2: Request with Contact Information
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C)
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to request an official EIN Verification Letter (IRS Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name], Employer Identification Number [Your EIN].
The reason for this request is [State Reason – e.g., for business licensing purposes]. Please send the verification letter to the address indicated above.
For any questions, please contact [Your Name] at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 3: Request with Business Structure Details
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C)
To Whom It May Concern:
We are requesting an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name], which is a [Your Business Structure – e.g., LLC, Corporation, Partnership]. Our EIN is [Your EIN].
This letter is needed for [Reason – e.g., applying for a small business loan]. Please send the verification letter to the address listed above.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 4: Request from a Representative
[Your Name (Representative)]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name (If Applicable)]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C) on behalf of [Business Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of [Business Name], EIN [Your EIN], to request an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C). I am authorized to make this request as [Your Title/Relationship to the Business – e.g., Authorized Representative, Attorney].
The business requires this letter for [Reason – e.g., updating vendor information]. Please mail the letter to the business address: [Business Address], [City, State, Zip Code].
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name (Representative)]
Sample Letter 5: Formal Request
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Formal Request for Employer Identification Number (EIN) Verification Letter – [Business Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This correspondence constitutes a formal request for an official verification letter pertaining to the Employer Identification Number (EIN) assigned to [Your Business Name]. Our EIN is [Your EIN].
The purpose of this request is to [Reason for Request – e.g., satisfy due diligence requirements]. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Kindly forward the requested document to the address provided above.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 6: Request for Multiple Businesses (If Applicable – Use with Caution, Requires Justification)
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letters (Letter 147C) for Multiple Entities
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing to request EIN verification letters (Letter 147C) for the following entities:
* [Business Name 1], EIN: [EIN 1]
            * [Business Name 2], EIN: [EIN 2]
            * [Business Name 3], EIN: [EIN 3]
These letters are required for [State a valid and specific reason why you need multiple letters – e.g., consolidated reporting purposes for a holding company]. Please mail each letter to the corresponding business address, which is the same as the address above.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 7: Urgent Request
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: URGENT Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C)
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to request an official EIN Verification Letter (IRS Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name], Employer Identification Number [Your EIN]. We require this letter urgently.
The reason for this request is [State Reason – e.g., due to an impending deadline for a bank loan]. We would greatly appreciate it if you could expedite the processing of this request. Please send the verification letter to the address indicated above.
For any questions, please contact [Your Name] at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 8: Request Highlighting Changed Address
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C) – Address Change Notification
To Whom It May Concern:
We are requesting an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name], EIN [Your EIN]. Please note that our business address has recently changed. The new address is reflected above.
This letter is needed for [Reason – e.g., updating our records with a new supplier]. Please send the verification letter to the updated address.
Thank you for your attention to this change.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 9: Request Expressing Concern for Delayed Response
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Follow Up Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C)
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing to follow up on our previous request for an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name], EIN [Your EIN], which was submitted on [Date of Previous Request]. We have not yet received the letter.
The original request was made for [Reason for Original Request]. We are concerned about the delay and would appreciate an update on the status of our request. Please mail the letter to the address provided above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 10: Request specifying that it is a resubmission
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: RESUBMISSION: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C)
To Whom It May Concern:
Please consider this letter a resubmission for the Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name]. Our EIN is [Your EIN]. The original submission date was [Date of original submission]. We are unsure if the original submission was ever received.
The reason for this request is [State Reason – e.g., for business licensing purposes]. Please send the verification letter to the address indicated above.
For any questions, please contact [Your Name] at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Sample Letter 11: Request from a Foreign Entity
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, Postal Code]
[Country]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Appropriate IRS Address – Check IRS Website]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for EIN Verification Letter (Letter 147C) – Foreign Entity
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing to request an EIN verification letter (Letter 147C) for [Your Business Name], a company registered in [Country]. Our EIN is [Your EIN].
This letter is required for [Reason – e.g., opening a U.S. bank account]. Please mail the letter to the address provided above, which is our registered office address.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Title]
Obtaining an EIN verification letter is a vital step for many business operations. By understanding the request process and utilizing the sample letters provided, businesses can efficiently acquire the necessary documentation. Whether you choose to contact the IRS by phone or submit a written request, ensure all information is accurate and clearly stated to facilitate a smooth and timely process.
