What Is a 147c Letter?
A 147c Letter is a notice you can request from the IRS that confirms your business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). Think of it like an official receipt that proves your EIN and legal business name are correct in IRS records.
It’s not a new number, it’s simply a confirmation letter. Businesses often ask for a 147c Letter if they lose the original EIN paperwork, or if a bank, payroll provider, or vendor needs proof before moving forward.
Why the 147c Letter Matters
Your EIN works like a Social Security Number for your business. Without it, you can’t open bank accounts, hire employees, or file payroll taxes. If EIN information is wrong, it can cause payroll issues — like errors in employee pay stubs or filing the wrong IRS forms such as a 1099 NEC Form or 1099 MISC Form.
For HR teams, having the correct EIN is just as important as tracking things like Regular Hours or Accrued Leave on pay stubs. A missing or wrong EIN can create compliance problems during payroll audits or even when handling benefits like retirement contributions to a Roth IRA.
How To Request a 147c Letter
If you need a 147c Letter, here’s the process:
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
- Provide your EIN, business name, and identifying info.
- Ask for a “147c Letter.”
- The IRS will fax it immediately or mail it within about a week. You can also read more about EIN help on the IRS official website.
Example: When You Might Need One
Let’s say you’re setting up payroll before a busy season that includes several Federal Holidays 2025. Your payroll provider asks for proof of EIN before processing direct deposits. If you’ve misplaced the original EIN notice, the 147c Letter acts as your backup.
It’s also common for lenders or banks to request this letter if you’re applying for credit, opening a new account, or trying to get approved for payroll deposits.
Key Takeaways
- The 147c Letter verifies your EIN with the IRS.
- It’s free to request and doesn’t assign a new number.
- Often needed for payroll, banking, or IRS compliance.
- Keeps your business records accurate and helps avoid payroll mistakes.
FAQs About the 147c Letter
1) Does the IRS charge for a 147c Letter?
No, it’s completely free.
2) How fast can I get it?
If you ask by fax, usually the same day. Mail takes about a week.
3) Can I use it to set up payroll?
Yes, payroll companies and banks accept it as proof of EIN.
4) Is it related to employee taxes or hours?
Indirectly, while it’s not about time tracking like Regular Hours or Accrued Leave, it’s essential for payroll records and employee tax forms like the 1099 NEC Form.
5) Does it affect employee screening or hiring?
– Not directly. But just like Social Media Background Screening is part of building trust in hiring, the 147c Letter builds trust in your business records with banks and the IRS.
Stay Payroll-Ready With StubBuilder
Keeping IRS paperwork like the 147c Letter handy makes payroll and banking stress-free. And when it comes to employees, StubBuilder’s real paycheck stub generator helps you create professional pay stubs that clearly list regular hours, overtime, holiday pay, and benefits, all in just a few clicks!
