Frequently Asked Questions: IRS EIN Confirmation Letter
What Is the IRS EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575 Form)?
When the IRS assigns a business its Employer Identification Number (EIN), it mails an official confirmation called the CP 575 form. This is a single-page letter showing your EIN, your legal business name exactly as it appears in IRS records, and your business mailing address. You can verify your EIN status and learn more about EINs directly on the IRS EIN information page.
The EIN is a 9-digit federal tax identification number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. Every business entity — sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships, corporations, and medical practices — that needs to file taxes, hire employees, or open a business bank account must have one. IRS sends this letter automatically when your EIN is first issued; it does not send it again. If you need to apply for an EIN for a new practice, you can do so via the IRS EIN online application — the EIN is issued instantly.
Why Healthcare Providers Need an EIN Confirmation Letter
The EIN confirmation letter comes up more often in healthcare than in almost any other industry, because providers go through credentialing and enrollment repeatedly — each time they add a new payer, re-credential, or expand to a new group or location. Here are the most common situations where you’ll be asked to produce it:
- Insurance credentialing applications (Aetna, UHC, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, Medicare)
- PECOS Medicare enrollment — required for the CMS 855i application
- Medicaid enrollment in any state
- Hospital privileges and medical staff applications
- Opening a business bank account for your practice
- Entering into payer contracts or PPO network agreements
- Hiring staff and setting up payroll
- Applying for a DEA or state controlled substance license
- SBA loans or medical practice financing
- Vendor and supplier accounts
The key issue in credentialing is business name matching. If your practice name on the credentialing application differs even slightly from what appears on the CP 575 — a comma, “LLC” vs “L.L.C.”, an ampersand vs “and” — payers will kick back the application. Having your EIN letter on hand lets you verify the exact legal name before you submit.
CP 575 Form vs. 147C Letter: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve lost your original CP 575, the IRS will not re-issue it. Instead, they issue a different document — the Letter 147C — which is the official EIN verification letter used as a replacement. For all practical purposes, payers, banks, and credentialing bodies accept the 147C in place of the CP 575.
| Feature | CP 575 Form | 147C Letter |
|---|---|---|
| When issued | When EIN is first assigned | When you request a copy |
| Can be re-issued? | No — sent once, by mail only | Yes — available anytime |
| Cost | Free (automatic) | Free (on request) |
| Delivery method | Mail only | Fax (same-day) or mail (4–6 weeks) |
| Accepted by payers? | Yes | Yes — accepted as equivalent |
| Accepted by banks? | Yes | Yes — accepted as equivalent |
| How to get | Received automatically from IRS | Call IRS at 1-800-829-4933 |
How to Get a Copy of Your EIN Confirmation Letter from the IRS: Step by Step
The only way to get a copy of your EIN confirmation letter is to call the IRS directly. There is no online form or self-service portal. Here is the exact process:
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line
Dial 1-800-829-4933 (domestic) or 267-941-1099 (international). Lines are open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in your local time zone.
Navigate the Phone Menu
Press 1 for English, then 1 for Form, Tax History or Payment, then 3 for all other questions. Wait for a live representative.
Verify Your Identity
The IRS rep will ask for your EIN, legal business name, business address, and your role as an authorized representative (owner, officer, or authorized third party). Have these ready before you call.
Request the 147C Letter
Say: “I need a 147C EIN verification letter.” Request it by fax for same-day delivery. If you don’t have a fax, request it by mail (allow 4–6 weeks).
What to Have Ready Before You Call
- Your 9-digit EIN (check prior tax returns or bank statements if needed)
- Your legal business name exactly as filed with the IRS
- Your business mailing address on file with the IRS
- Your name and title (must be owner, principal officer, or authorized representative)
- A fax number for same-day delivery
Can You Download Your EIN Confirmation Letter Online?
No — you cannot download your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C) from IRS.gov or any official government portal. The IRS does not offer online access to EIN confirmation letters. Here’s a clear breakdown of what is and isn’t available online:
| Task | Online? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for a new EIN | ✅ Yes | IRS.gov EIN online application — save or print the on-screen confirmation immediately |
| Download your original CP 575 | ❌ No | Must call IRS — no online portal exists |
| Request a 147C replacement | ❌ No | Must call 1-800-829-4933 |
| Verify your EIN status | ❌ No self-service | Call IRS or reference prior tax filings |
| Find your EIN without calling | ✅ Partial | Check prior tax returns, bank statements, payroll records — EIN appears on all of these |
If you applied for your EIN online and received the on-screen confirmation, you should have been given the option to download or print it immediately. If you did not save it at that moment, there is no way to retrieve it again — you’ll need to call the IRS for a 147C.
Using Your EIN Confirmation Letter for Provider Credentialing
For healthcare providers going through insurance credentialing or Medicare enrollment, the EIN confirmation letter serves one primary function: verifying that your legal business name on the application matches IRS records exactly. Payers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, and CMS run name-matching checks — any discrepancy can result in a denial or weeks-long delay.
EIN Letter Credentialing Checklist
- Confirm your legal business name on the EIN letter matches your NPI registration
- Confirm your business address on the EIN letter matches your enrollment application
- If your practice has changed names since the EIN was issued, file Form 8822-B first, then request a new 147C
- Keep a scanned copy in a secure cloud folder — payers may request it multiple times
- For group practices: confirm whether payers want the individual provider’s EIN or the group practice EIN
Common Problems When Requesting Your EIN Copy
Long Hold Times
IRS phone lines can have hold times of 30–90 minutes. Call early in the morning (7:00–8:00 AM local time) on Tuesday–Thursday for the shortest waits. Avoid Monday mornings and post-holiday dates.
Can’t Pass Identity Verification
The IRS will not release the 147C if you cannot verify your identity. Have your prior-year tax return (Form 941 or 1120) handy to reference the EIN and business name if needed.
No Fax Number Available
Use a free online fax service (eFax, FaxBurner, or HelloFax). The IRS cannot email the letter — fax or mail are the only delivery options.
Business Name Changed
If your practice name changed and the IRS still has the old name, file Form 8822-B first. Allow 6 weeks for IRS records to update, then request the 147C with the corrected name.
Third-Party Rep Blocked
Credentialing companies need Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) filed with the IRS before they can call on your behalf.
International Provider
If your practice is outside the U.S., call the international line at 267-941-1099. Hours and procedures are the same; the 147C can still be faxed internationally.
Need Help with Provider Credentialing?
Getting your EIN letter sorted is just step one. If you’re going through insurance credentialing or Medicare enrollment, our team handles the entire process — including name verification, application submission, and follow-up.
