What Is an EIN and the 147C Letter?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security Number, but for your business. It’s issued by the IRS and used to identify your company for tax and banking purposes. If you’ve formed a US LLC, especially as a foreign business owner, chances are you’ve already applied for an EIN to open a US bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.
Now, what happens if you misplace your original EIN letter? That’s where the 147C letter comes in.
The 147C letter, also known as the EIN verification letter, is a formal document issued by the IRS to confirm your EIN. It acts as a replacement for the original EIN assignment notice (CP 575) you received when your number was first issued. Think of it as your official backup.
You might need this letter when you’re experiencing the following:
- A bank or payment processor asks for EIN verification
- You apply for business licenses or tax registrations
- You’ve lost or never received your original EIN letter
- You need to update business records or communicate with the IRS
Whether you’re running a solo business or managing multiple entities, this EIN letter is a simple but important piece of paperwork you’ll want to keep handy.
How to Request a 147C Letter (If You’re Outside the US)
Lost your EIN and need a new copy of the verification letter while living overseas? Don’t worry, it’s more common than you think, and the IRS has a process for that.
If you’re outside the US, here’s how you can get your hands on a 147C letter:
- Call the IRS International Number
The fastest way to request the letter is by calling the IRS by phone. For international business owners, the number to call is:
+1-267-941-1099 (Not toll-free)
This line is open Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
Ensure you’re the authorized person to speak on behalf of the business, such as the owner or a responsible party listed on the EIN application.
- Be Ready to Verify Your Identity
The IRS agent will ask you to confirm details such as:
- Your full name
- Business name
- EIN (if you remember it)
- Your mailing address
- Your role in the company
If you no longer remember the EIN, the agent can still look it up using other details. Once verified, they’ll prepare to send the 147C letter.
- Choose How to Receive It
You’ll typically receive the 147C letter by fax. That’s the IRS’s preferred delivery method, so if you don’t have a fax machine, consider using an online fax service.
Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t email 147C letters for security reasons.
- Be Patient
Sometimes, the line is busy or the wait time is long. Calling during US off-peak hours (early morning or late evening Eastern Time) may help reduce your wait time.
Knowing how to request an EIN verification letter 147C from the IRS while living outside the US gives you peace of mind when managing your business remotely. It’s one phone call and a bit of patience away.
Tips for a Smooth Request
Requesting your 147C letter from outside the US might sound stressful, but with the right prep, it can be surprisingly easy. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
- Use a Reliable Fax Option
Since the IRS sends the letter via fax, make sure your fax machine is working, or use a trusted online fax service. Services like eFax, iFax, or HelloFax are commonly used by overseas business owners. But you have to remember, these services come at subscription fees, so make sure you do your research on which one fits your budget.
- Time Your Call Wisely
Call during US off-peak hours to avoid long wait times. The IRS line for international callers is open Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST. Aim for early morning (US time) when it’s less busy.
- Be Polite and Patient
IRS agents are more likely to help when you’re kind and cooperative. The process may take a few minutes, especially if they have to look up your EIN from scratch.
- Ask Clarifying Questions
If you’re unsure about anything the agent says, don’t hesitate to ask. Getting your EIN verification letter 147C instructions clearly from them ensures there’s no confusion later on.
A little preparation goes a long way when requesting your 147C letter. With these tips, you’ll have that fax in hand before you know it.
How to Keep Your EIN Safe Moving Forward
If losing your EIN once is stressful enough, no one wants to go through that twice. Thankfully, it’s easy to avoid if you take a few simple steps to protect it moving forward.
Save Your EIN in Multiple Places
To ensure you always have access to your EIN, store it in multiple secure locations:
- Cloud storage: Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Physical file: Keep a dedicated file with your other business documents.
- Business email: Save a message containing your EIN.
This multi-faceted approach guarantees a backup in case one source is lost or damaged.
Label Documents Clearly
Whenever you receive official IRS letters or forms (like your CP 575 or 147C), label them properly in your files. Consider naming them something like: “EIN_Confirmation_Letter_[BusinessName].pdf”
Share Access Cautiously
If you have business partners, bookkeepers, or virtual assistants, only share your EIN with those you fully trust. It’s sensitive information, and misuse could lead to fraud or unwanted IRS issues.
Use a Business Organizer Tool
There are apps designed to help entrepreneurs track important business data like EINs, tax due dates, and government filings. Tools like Notion, Airtable, or even Excel can do the job well.
Make It Part of Your Startup Checklist
Just started a new business? Add “secure EIN confirmation” as a task. Taking that extra 5 minutes to store it properly can save you days of hassle later.
Treat your EIN like your business’s social security number because it kind of is! Keeping it safe and easy to find is a small task that brings major peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Losing your EIN might feel stressful at first, but it’s actually a fixable issue, especially with the help of the IRS’s EIN verification letter 147C. Whether you’re applying for a business loan, setting up a bank account, or simply organizing your business documents, having access to your EIN is essential.
Now that you know what the 147C letter is, when to request it, and how to keep your EIN safe, you’re one step ahead in keeping your business running smoothly.
Need more help navigating EIN-related matters as a foreign business owner? Visit EINwaittime.com, your go-to guide for EINs, LLCs, and beyond.