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What is a CP-575 Letter?

Allen Ren
Allen Ren
ByAllen Ren
On May 29, 2025

What is a CP-575 Letter?

The CP-575 is an official document from the Internal Revenue Service confirming that you have been granted an EIN (Employer Identification Number). The EIN is sometimes also referred to as FEIN, or Federal Employer Identification Number and this nine digit number is essential for various business activities such as tax filings, opening business bank accounts, applying for credit, setting up payroll systems, etc.

The CP-575 will contain the following information:

  • EIN, the nine-digit tax ID number used for filing your federal payroll taxes

  • Business name

  • Business’s official filing address

  • Federal tax forms your company is required to file (such as Form 941, Form 940, and Form 1120)

Why do I need a CP-575 letter?

While you can use your EIN for most instances, there are cases where institutions and agencies will require you to provide the CP-575 letter as proof for your EIN. This is particularly common when:

  • Opening a business bank account

  • Applying for business loan or credit

  • Registering as a medicare provider

  • Setting up a payroll system

How do I obtain a CP-575 letter?

In order to obtain a CP-575 letter, you will need to first apply for an EIN using Form SS-4. Once you have been approved, the IRS will mail a CP-575 letter to the address provided on the application. The application should arrive in around 4-6 weeks. Please keep this document stored safely as they will not reissue another one if you lose it. Below is an example of the CP-575 Letter:

cp575 example form

What if I lose it?

If you do happen to lose it, you can request for the substitute document known as the EIN Verification Letter (Form 147-C). You will have to call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: 1-800-829-4933 Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time and ask the representative for 147-C Form. Keep in mind they will ask a couple of questions to verify your identity.

Note: This is not to be taken as tax advice. Since tax rules change over time and can vary by location and industry, consult a CPA or tax advisor for specific guidance.