The CP-575 letter, your IRS-issued confirmation of your Employer Identification Number (EIN), serves as your business's official identity. It's essential for opening bank accounts, setting up payroll, and proving your business status. Once your EIN application is approved, the CP-575 arrives automatically, and banks and payroll providers easily accept digital copies. If it's ever misplaced, replacements are straightforward to request.
Ever opened an envelope from the IRS and expected bad news, only to find out it was something good? If you recently applied for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), that letter is your CP-575.
Your CP-575 letter is one of the first building blocks of business legitimacy. You will need it to open a business bank account, set up payroll, and file returns such as Form 1120-S. Because the IRS issues it only once, it should be stored safely with your core business records. Keeping it organized now prevents problems later when you need proof of your EIN.
Lettuce automates this entire process from the start. When you form your business, Lettuce handles your free EIN application, securely stores your CP-575, and uses it to open your business bank account and power your S Corp election. Everything stays compliant, connected, and ready for growth, without any extra steps on your part.
The CP-575 letter is your business’s official birth certificate from the IRS. When you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), the IRS issues the CP-575 as your official confirmation that your EIN has been assigned and your business is now recognized in its system. It is more than a formality; it is the primary document that establishes your business identity with the federal government.
Vendors and contractors may ask to see it as proof that your business is legitimate. The IRS systems use your EIN as the controlling identifier for your business, which makes this letter essential for accessing key financial and operational services.
What makes the CP-575 so valuable is its authority. It comes directly from the IRS, complete with official formatting and security features that confirm its authenticity. This letter serves as the standard proof of EIN assignment, which is why it remains one of the most important documents for any new business owner.
Your CP-575 is your business’s official ID card from the IRS. It confirms your EIN details and outlines your federal filing responsibilities.
Your unique EIN: The nine-digit number that identifies your business to the IRS and replaces your Social Security number for business purposes.
Legal business name: The official name you registered with the IRS, exactly as it appears on your formation documents and tax filings.
Business address: Both your mailing and physical addresses, ensuring the IRS knows where to send important correspondence.
Required tax forms: The specific returns you must file based on your business structure, such as Form 1120-S for S Corps or Form 1065 for partnerships.
Filing deadlines: Key dates when your business tax documents are due, helping you stay compliant from day one. If you applied as the sole owner of a disregarded entity (such as a single-member LLC), you won’t have separate business filing deadlines; your tax due dates are the same as those for your personal Form 1040.
Employment tax codes (if applicable): Included if you plan to hire employees, showing which payroll tax forms you will need to file.
The IRS uses this information to track your business activity and send notices when filings are due. Keep your CP-575 stored securely and easily accessible. You will need it for banking, payroll setup, and tax filings as your business grows.
You do not need to request a CP-575 letter separately. The IRS automatically issues it after your EIN application is approved. When you apply for an Employer Identification Number using Form SS-4 or the online application, the IRS generates your unique nine-digit EIN and sends the CP-575 as your official confirmation.
If you apply through the IRS online system, your EIN is issued instantly. You can view and print your CP-575 letter at the end of your session, giving you immediate proof to open business accounts or complete other setup steps without delay.
If you apply by fax or mail, expect to wait a bit longer. Faxed applications are typically processed within a few business days if you provide a return fax number. Mailed applications can take up to four weeks before your CP-575 letter arrives. For freelancers and consultants planning their S Corp election, these timelines are important to keep in mind.
Losing your CP-575 letter is not a crisis. The IRS will not reissue the original, but you can easily request an official replacement called a Form 147-C EIN Verification Letter. Follow these steps to get it and keep your business records organized going forward.
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM local time). Ask for a Form 147-C, which serves as your official proof of EIN.
Prepare your business details before calling. You will need your legal business name, EIN (if known), business address, and personal identification to verify ownership.
Choose your delivery method. The IRS can fax your verification letter immediately while you are on the call or mail it to your address of record within 10–14 business days.
Once you receive your 147-C letter, treat it like your original CP-575.
Scan and store it digitally in secure cloud storage along with your other business documentation.
Keep all your tax records organized and easy to access for future filings.
Use a single system for storing compliance tasks, banking details, and payroll documents so nothing important gets lost again.
Automate EIN tracking and compliance management with Lettuce. Lettuce securely stores your IRS confirmations, syncs your records, and keeps your filings audit-ready. Get started today and let Lettuce handle your documentation while you focus on growing your business.
Your CP-575 questions answered, no more guessing or wondering what to do next. These topics come up all the time for solopreneurs, and you're in control of every situation once you know the facts.
Absolutely fine, banks and payroll providers accept digital copies without any issues. The IRS confirms that when you complete the online EIN application, you can "view, save, and print their CP 575 at the end of the session." Your printed copy carries the same weight as the original mailed version.
You can fix this by contacting the IRS directly. For address changes, file Form 8822-B or send a signed letter with your EIN, old address, and new address. Name changes require additional documentation and agency review; please contact them directly for guidance. When Lettuce handles your business formation, we make sure everything is set up correctly from the start.
Yes, they're the same document. The agency's manual specifically identifies the CP-575 as "the EIN confirmation notice generated when an EIN is assigned." If you need verification later, they'll send you a Letter 147C instead of duplicating your original notice.
Keep this document permanently in your business records, as it proves your business identity for banking, contract, and tax purposes. The agency recommends retaining employment tax records for at least 4 years, but your EIN verification serves you much longer than that. Store both physical and digital copies in a secure, easily accessible location.
No. The IRS issues only one original CP-575 letter, and it cannot be reprinted. If you need another copy, request a Letter 147-C EIN Verification by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. This letter serves as your official proof of EIN and is accepted anywhere your CP-575 would be used.
Your CP-575 letter is one of the most important documents your business will ever receive. It’s the official proof of your EIN and the cornerstone of your business identity, the key to opening bank accounts, setting up payroll, and filing your taxes with confidence.
Losing it isn’t the end of the world, but keeping it organized from the start saves time, prevents errors, and keeps you ready for any verification or filing need. Whether stored physically or digitally, your CP-575 deserves a permanent place in your business records.
Your CP-575 is the first confirmation that powers everything from your business bank account to your S Corp election, all automated through Lettuce. From EIN acquisition to formation, banking, and compliance, Lettuce keeps your business organized and audit-ready so you can focus on growth. Get started today and let Lettuce handle the paperwork while you build what’s next.