Official proof your EIN is active
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues Form CP-575 to confirm the agency has assigned your business an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You'll receive it within two months of filing Form SS-4, your EIN application. The letter is official proof your EIN is active and assigned to your business.
An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your business for tax purposes. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, run payroll, and file federal taxes. Apply for your EIN with Form SS-4 at no cost.
CP-575 matters for payroll and taxes, here's how to use it and what to do if you need a replacement.
Your EIN is one step. Running payroll consistently is another. SurePayroll By Paychex automates tax calculations, quarterly filings, and direct deposits.
What is a CP-575 Used For?
CP-575, often called the CP-575 letter or the EIN Verification Letter, is written proof of your EIN. Use it when you need to verify your business to:
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees and run payroll
- File federal taxes
- Apply for business loans
- Obtain licenses and permits
The letter also documents your legal business name and address. File it with your business records.
Banks use your EIN to verify your business identity and comply with federal reporting requirements. Direct deposit setup for payroll also requires this verification.
What is an EIN?
Your EIN is a nine-digit federal tax ID that the IRS uses to identify your business for federal tax purposes. It's also called a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or taxpayer identification number.
The fastest way to get it is to apply with Form SS-4 online. You can receive your EIN in minutes if approved. You can also apply by mail.
Your business needs an EIN to operate legally in the U.S., whether you're an S-corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietor, or nonprofit. Your EIN ties to your:
- Legal business name
- Official business address
- Required federal tax forms
Learn how to apply for and use your EIN before setting up payroll.
Why the IRS CP-575 Form is Important
Your CP-575 is confirmation that your EIN is valid and ready to use. You don’t use it every day, only when you need to provide official EIN identification.
Tax Filing
Your EIN appears in your federal income tax returns and other tax-related documents. The correct ID keeps you compliant and minimizes the chance of inconsistencies and penalties.
Banking and Financial Transactions
Most banks require you to verify your business identity before opening a business account. For you personally, that may be a driver’s license. The CP-575 is proof for your small business.
Employment
When you hire employees, your EIN appears on every federal payroll tax form you file with the IRS to report payroll taxes. The CP-575 confirms the EIN you’ll use for:
- Form 941 – quarterly payroll tax filings
- Form 940 – Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes
- Form W-2 – annual employee wage reporting
Your EIN appears on every W-2 form you issue to employees at year-end.
If You Need a Replacement CP-575
If you don't have your CP-575, the IRS won't reissue it. Form 147C serves the same purpose.
What is Form 147C?
Form 147C, the official replacement for EIN verification, is an IRS letter confirming your EIN is valid and associated with your business. Use Form 147C for the same purposes as CP-575: tax filing, payroll setup, and opening financial accounts.
Just like CP-575, banks and government agencies accept Form 147C as proof of your EIN. Keep it with your important documents.
Check Your Previous Records
Before you request 147C, check your payroll setup, prior tax returns, bank statements, and other official documents — your EIN appears in all of them.
Contact the IRS to Request Form 147C
Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to request Form 147C. Be prepared to provide your business name, EIN (if known), the responsible party’s Social Security Number (SSN), and your business address.
The IRS verifies your information over the phone and delivers the form via mail or fax. If you need it quickly, request a fax.
Best Practices for Managing Your EIN
Know where your CP-575 is so you can access it quickly when you need it.
Organize Your Documents
Store your CP-575 and other important business documents in one place. Keep digital and physical copies.
Regularly Update Your Information
Keep details, like your business name and address, up-to-date and accurate with the IRS so they can reach you. Report updates using Form 8822-B when something changes.
Use Your EIN Correctly
Your EIN is for business use only. Use it consistently on all federal tax forms, payroll filings, and financial accounts. Do not use your personal SSN in place of your EIN on business documents.
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From EIN to First Payroll
Once you have your EIN, you're ready to set up to run payroll. Your EIN goes on every federal payroll tax form, including Form 940 and Form 941.
SurePayroll By Paychex calculates federal and state payroll taxes automatically and files quarterly and annual payroll tax forms on your schedule. You stay in control of payroll while SurePayroll automates the calculations, withholdings, deposits, and filings.
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This content is for educational purposes only, is not intended to provide specific legal advice, and should not be used as a substitute for the legal advice of a qualified attorney or other professional. The information may not reflect the most current legal developments, may be changed without notice and is not guaranteed to be complete, correct, or up to date
