01 — OverviewTwo Letters, One EIN
After the IRS assigns your Employer Identification Number, the number is usable immediately. But to open a US bank account, register with Stripe, or onboard with Amazon, you need written IRS proof — and that proof comes in two forms.
If you are still in the process of applying for your EIN, see our complete guide: What Is an EIN and How Do Non-Residents Get One?
02 — CP 575What Is the CP 575?
The CP 575 is the IRS's formal EIN Confirmation Letter, generated automatically when your EIN is assigned. No request is needed — it is mailed to the address on Lines 4a–4b of your Form SS-4 within 4–6 weeks. It arrives by postal mail only — never by email or fax.
What the CP 575 contains — LLC vs Corporation
| Field | LLC | Corporation (C-Corp / S-Corp) |
|---|---|---|
| EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) | ✓ Shown | ✓ Shown |
| Legal business name | ✓ Shown | ✓ Shown |
| Mailing address on file | ✓ Shown | ✓ Shown |
| Expected tax filings | ✓ Shown | ✓ Shown |
| Responsible Party name | ✓ Shown | ✗ Not shown |
For corporations, only entity-level information appears on the CP 575 — the individual Responsible Party name is not included. For LLCs, the person named on Line 7a of Form SS-4 is shown.
It is generated by an automated IRS system a single time. If it was lost, never arrived, or discarded, the IRS cannot issue another. The solution is a 147C EIN Verification Letter — identical content, identical legal weight.
If you used a US registered agent address on your SS-4, the CP 575 goes to that address — your agent should forward it promptly. International delivery can take many additional weeks or fail entirely. A US address on your SS-4 is strongly recommended. See our guide on what a registered agent does.
03 — 147CWhat Is the 147C?
The 147C is an EIN Verification Letter issued on request by the IRS. It is not automatic — you must call to trigger it. It exists for situations where the CP 575 was lost, never arrived, or contains an error.
The 147C contains the same EIN, legal business name, and mailing address as the CP 575. It does not show the Responsible Party name. Every institution that accepts a CP 575 accepts a 147C — no distinction is made between them.
If you correct a name or address error with the IRS, request a 147C immediately. The CP 575 reflects the original record and cannot be updated — only a 147C will show the corrected information.
Only the Responsible Party named on Form SS-4, or an authorized representative with IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) on file, can request a 147C. There is no online self-service option.
04 — ComparisonCP 575 vs 147C: Full Side-by-Side
Sent automatically once
- Triggered automatically on EIN assignment
- Postal mail only — no fax, no email
- Arrives 4–6 weeks after EIN is issued
- Issued once — can never be reissued
- Shows Responsible Party name (LLCs only)
- Reflects the record at time of original issuance
Requested when CP 575 is lost
- Triggered by phone — 1-800-829-4933
- Fax (same day) or postal mail (4–6 weeks)
- Can be requested any time, unlimited times
- Reflects current IRS record — shows corrections
- Does not show Responsible Party name
- Identical legal weight to the CP 575
| Feature | CP 575 | 147C |
|---|---|---|
| How triggered | Automatic | Phone request only |
| Delivery | Postal mail only | Fax (same day) or mail |
| Can be reissued? | Never | Yes — unlimited |
| Reflects corrections? | No — fixed at issuance | Yes — current record |
| Responsible Party name | Yes (LLCs only) | No |
| Accepted by banks? | Yes | Yes — equally |
| Accepted by Stripe / PayPal? | Yes | Yes — equally |
| Available by email? | No | No — fax or mail only |
05 — AcceptanceWhat Banks and Platforms Accept
All three documents serve distinct roles. The IRS fax cover sheet gets you into a bank account quickly. The CP 575 and 147C are the formal records that all institutions accept equally for full onboarding.
| Institution | IRS Fax Cover Sheet | CP 575 | 147C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Bank | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Relay Bank | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Wise Business | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Airwallex | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Stripe | Verify at onboarding | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Amazon / Shopify | Not sufficient | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| State licensing agencies | Not sufficient | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
Every institution cross-references the name on your EIN letter against your state formation documents. A single character difference will trigger a rejection. Fix name errors with the IRS before approaching any institution — see Section 07.
For the full guide to opening a US bank account as a non-resident, see: How to Open a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident.
06 — ProcessHow to Request a 147C Letter
The process takes one phone call. Prepare the information below before dialing — the IRS verifies identity strictly and will not issue the letter if your answers do not match their records.
Prepare your information
Have ready: your 9-digit EIN, the exact legal business name on IRS file, the mailing address on file (as entered on Form SS-4 or updated via Form 8822-B), and your title as Responsible Party — typically "Managing Member" for a single-member LLC.
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
From inside the US: 1-800-829-4933. From outside the US: +1 267-941-1099. Open Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM local time. Mid-week mornings tend to have shorter wait times.
Ask for the 147C by fax
Tell the agent you need a "147C EIN Verification Letter" sent by fax. Verify your identity when prompted. Provide your fax number. The letter typically arrives within minutes of the call. Save the PDF immediately.
Say "147C by fax" explicitlyThe IRS does not offer a self-service online portal to request a 147C. The phone call is the only method available.
07 — ErrorsName Errors and How to Fix Them
A business name mismatch between your EIN letter and your Articles of Organization is the most common reason bank account applications and Stripe registrations are rejected. The IRS enters the name exactly as written on Form SS-4 — any typo on the form creates the same typo on the letter. Phone applications carry additional risk: verbal transcription errors by the IRS agent during the call create the same problem.
To correct a name: call 1-800-829-4933 and provide your EIN, the incorrect name shown on the letter, and the correct legal name from your Articles of Organization. The agent updates the record. Request a 147C on the same call — it will immediately reflect the corrected name.
For address or Responsible Party changes, file IRS Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business). Neither change requires a new EIN. After filing, request a 147C to have a letter showing current information.
Attempting to open accounts with a mismatched EIN letter can trigger additional compliance scrutiny beyond the initial rejection. Correct the IRS record first, obtain a 147C, then proceed.
08 — FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Your EIN or Confirmation Letter?
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