A CP 575 letter, or employer identification number (EIN) notice, is an official document that's issued when a business registers with the US federal government for tax purposes. It's used to verify that necessary business information (e.g., EIN, legal business name, business address) matches US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) records.

Below, we'll explain why businesses need a CP 575 letter, what to do if the letter is misplaced, and common mistakes for businesses to avoid.

Key takeaways

• The IRS issues a CP 575 letter as a confirmation notice after assigning a business its EIN.

• In the US, banks, vendors, and state agencies might require a business to provide a CP 575 letter as proof of the business's EIN, legal business name, and address.

• CP 575 letters are issued only once. If a CP 575 letter is lost, the IRS will not reissue it. Instead, a 147C letter can be requested as a replacement.

What is a CP 575 letter?

A CP 575 letter is a digital notice the IRS issues automatically after assigning a US-based business an EIN. The letter serves as official confirmation of a business's EIN, legal business name, and address. Banks, vendors, and state agencies use CP 575 letters to verify information about your business matches IRS records when you open a new account or apply for business licences or permits.

The IRS issues a CP 575 letter only once and it must be downloaded through IRS Business Tax Account, the agency's secure platform for federal tax management. The IRS will not send a replacement copy if you lose the original document, so it's a good idea to make several copies and store them securely with your other important business paperwork.

Why do businesses need a CP 575 letter?

Businesses are typically asked to provide a copy of their CP 575 letters to prove their EINs match IRS records. You might need a CP 575 letter when you:

• Open a business bank account

• Apply for business licences or permits

• Enrol in payroll or benefits systems

• Respond to vendors' and lenders' due diligence requests for official IRS documentation

• Register for state tax accounts

What happens if the CP 575 letter is lost?

The IRS will not reissue a CP 575 letter if it's lost, misplaced, or never received. Instead, founders must request a 147C letter as a replacement. This document can be used for the same verification purposes as the CP 575.

You'll have to request a 147C letter by phone. Within the US, call the IRS's business and specialty tax line (1-800-829-4933) during normal business hours. Outside the US, business owners can call the International Taxpayer Service Call Center (+1 267 941 1000). You'll typically receive your 147C letter by fax or mail within 10 – 14 business days after you request it.

What's the difference between a CP 575 and 147C letter?

A CP 575 letter is the official confirmation that's issued by the IRS when your business's EIN is assigned. A 147C letter is the official replacement document that's available if a CP 575 letter is lost or misplaced.

While the documents may look different, a 147C letter is as valid as your original CP 575. Both documents are used to confirm the EIN and legal name of a business and can be used for EIN verification when requested.

What are some common mistakes to avoid with CP 575 letters?

Here are some potential mistakes for founders to avoid:

• Using unofficial third-party services that charge fees: You can apply for an EIN yourself with the IRS at no cost.

• Expecting physical mail: The CP 575 isn't sent by mail. It's a digital notice that must be downloaded from your IRS Business Tax Account.

• Discarding the letter: A CP 575 letter is issued only once. The IRS recommends making multiple copies of your CP 575 letter and storing them securely with your business's other important documents.

• Not checking for business name accuracy: If your business name is misspelled or misrepresented on your CP 575 letter, it can prevent you from opening a business bank account or being verified by vendors. Contact the IRS directly to report an error.

• Using an unacceptable substitute: Tax returns or bank statements are generally not acceptable substitutes for a CP 575, even if they include your EIN. A CP 575 or 147C letter is generally required to verify your EIN.

How long do you need to keep the CP 575 letter?

Keep your CP 575 letter securely with your business's records as long as your business remains active; you might need to provide copies of the letter long after your business is formed. For example, if an established business opens a new credit card or decides to switch payroll systems, a CP 575 letter might be required by financial institutions and vendors to verify its EIN.

Storing a digital copy with your other core formation documents in a secure document management system can help keep your CP 575 letter easily accessible.

How Stripe Atlas can help

Stripe Atlas handles everything you need to legally launch your company – incorporation, EIN, equity setup, and tax filings – so you can fundraise, open a bank account, and start accepting payments in as little as two business days, from anywhere in the world.

Join 100,000+ startups incorporated using Atlas, including startups backed by top investors like Y Combinator, a16z, and General Catalyst.

Get started in minutes with Atlas

The application takes under 10 minutes. You'll choose your company structure, confirm your name is available, add up to four cofounders, set your equity split, and e-sign. Then, Atlas takes it from there, including notifying cofounders to sign their documents electronically.

Banking and payments before your EIN arrives

Atlas files your EIN application automatically after incorporation. You don't have to wait. Atlas enables pre-EIN payments and banking so you can start accepting payments and making transactions right away. US founders with a Social Security number are typically eligible for expedited IRS processing.

Automatic 83(b) tax election filing

Atlas files your 83(b) election for you – US and non-US founders alike – with US Postal Service certified mail and tracking to reduce personal income taxes. You'll get a signed 83(b) election and proof of filing directly in the Stripe Dashboard, with certified mail confirmation.

World-class company legal documents

Atlas provides all the legal documents you need to start running your company – drafted by Cooley, one of the world's leading venture capital law firms – and stores them directly in the Stripe Dashboard. These documents are designed to help you fundraise immediately and ensure your company is legally protected, covering aspects like ownership structure, equity distribution, and tax compliance.

US$2,500 in Stripe credits, plus US$50K+ in partner discounts

Atlas startups get US$2,500 in Stripe product credits for their first year, plus US$50,000+ in discounts on essential tools – Mercury, AWS, Carta, Xero, Perplexity, and more. Delaware registered agent service is also included free for your first year.

Learn more about how Atlas can help you set up your new business quickly and easily or get started today.

FAQs about CP 575 letters