Lost your EIN: how to find it or get a 147C letter

The original EIN confirmation is easy to misplace, and banks and platforms often ask for it years later. You cannot get a second copy of that notice, but the IRS will send an EIN verification letter, known as a 147C. This guide covers where to look first and how to request one.

By Awais Jameel, Chartered Accountant. Reviewed by Muhammad Bilal, Chartered Accountant. Checked against official sources on . 2 minute read.

Short answer

To find a lost EIN, check the IRS confirmation notice you received when it was issued, earlier tax returns, bank records, payroll records or state filings. If you need official proof, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, or 267-941-1099 from abroad, and ask for a 147C letter. Only an authorized person can request it.

At a glance

First places to look
Original EIN notice, past returns, bank and payroll records
Official replacement
IRS letter 147C, EIN verification
How to request
By phone to the IRS
US number
800-829-4933, Business and Specialty Tax Line
From abroad
267-941-1099, not toll-free
Who can ask
The responsible party, an officer or member, or an authorized representative
Lost your EIN: how to find it or get a 147C letterSteps: 1. Call the IRS; 2. Verify your identity and authority; 3. Ask for a 147C letter.THE PROCESS AT A GLANCELost your EIN: how to find it or get a 147C letter1Call the IRSFrom the US, the Business and SpecialtyTax Line at 800-829-49332Verify your identity andauthorityYou will be asked for the business'sname and address and your role3Ask for a 147C letterThe IRS can fax it to you during orafter the call, or mail it to thebusiness's address of recordChecked against official sourcesTax BakersLost your EIN: how to find it or get a 147C letterSteps: 1. Call the IRS; 2. Verify your identity and authority; 3. Ask for a 147C letter.THE PROCESS AT A GLANCELost your EIN: how to find it orget a 147C letter1Call the IRSFrom the US, the Business and Specialty TaxLine at 800-829-49332Verify your identity and authorityYou will be asked for the business's nameand address and your role3Ask for a 147C letterThe IRS can fax it to you during or afterthe call, or mail it to the business'saddress of recordChecked against official sourcesTax Bakers
The process at a glance: 1. Call the IRS; 2. Verify your identity and authority; 3. Ask for a 147C letter.

Where can you find a lost EIN?

  • The IRS confirmation. The notice issued when the EIN was assigned, often a CP 575, or the online confirmation letter you saved.
  • Earlier federal returns, such as Form 1065, 1120 or the pro forma 1120 with Form 5472.
  • Your bank. The business account was opened with the EIN.
  • Payroll records and Forms W-2 or 1099 the business issued.
  • State registrations, licenses and sales tax accounts, which often record it.
  • Your accountant or formation service, if they applied for it.

What is a 147C letter?

An EIN verification letter the IRS issues on request. It confirms the business's name and EIN as held in IRS records. Banks, lenders and government agencies accept it as proof when the original confirmation notice is not available. The IRS does not reissue the original notice itself.

How do you request one?

  1. Call the IRS

    From the US, the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. From outside the US, 267-941-1099, which is not toll-free.

  2. Verify your identity and authority

    You will be asked for the business's name and address and your role. The IRS gives the information only to an authorized person: the responsible party, an officer, member or partner, or a representative with a power of attorney on file.

  3. Ask for a 147C letter

    The IRS can fax it to you during or after the call, or mail it to the business's address of record.

Have a fax number ready if you need the letter quickly. Mail to the address of record takes longer, and goes to the old address if you have not updated it.

Can someone else request it for you?

Yes, if they are authorized. An accountant or other representative with a Form 2848 power of attorney, or a Form 8821 tax information authorization, on file for the business can request it. See what an EIN is for how the number is used.

What if the IRS details are out of date?

If the address or responsible party the IRS holds is wrong, update it on Form 8822-B. The IRS requires a change of responsible party to be reported within 60 days. An out-of-date address can mean the 147C letter is mailed to the wrong place.

What if you never had an EIN?

If there is no record, apply for one. Do not apply for a second EIN for the same entity just because you cannot find the first, because a duplicate causes problems with returns and accounts.

If you have an EIN you no longer need, see how to close your EIN account.

Need your EIN confirmed?

With your authorization, we contact the IRS to obtain your 147C letter and get it to your bank or platform.

Book a call Chat on WhatsApp

Questions people ask

How do I find my business's EIN?

Check the original IRS notice, past returns, your bank, payroll records and state registrations. If none has it, ask the IRS for a 147C letter.

What is a 147C letter?

An IRS EIN verification letter confirming the business's name and EIN, requested by phone and accepted as proof by banks and agencies.

What number do I call for a 147C letter?

800-829-4933 from the US, or 267-941-1099 from outside the US.

Can I apply for a new EIN if I lost mine?

No. The entity keeps the same EIN. Ask the IRS to verify it instead.

Sources

Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.

  1. IRS: Employer identification number
  2. IRS: Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party
  3. IRS: Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative

Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after September 30, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.

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This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.