CP-575 form
Summary definition: An official IRS document confirming the employer identification number (EIN) assigned to a business.
What is a CP-575 form?
A CP-575 form, also called the IRS CP-575 letter, CP-575 notice, or Employer Identification Number (EIN) confirmation letter, is the official IRS notice issued to a business after its EIN application is approved.
The EIN is a unique nine-digit federal tax ID number that identifies the business for federal tax purposes, much like a Social Security number identifies an individual.
Key takeaways
- A CP-575 form is a one-time IRS notice confirming a business's EIN, the nine-digit federal tax ID required to file payroll taxes, open a business bank account, and establish the business's identity.
- Form CP-575 also contains the business's legal name, mailing address, entity type, and a list of federal tax forms it’s required to file.
- HR and payroll teams also need the CP-575 (or its equivalent) to set up payroll processing, respond to IRS correspondence, and establish employee benefits.
What does form CP-575 include?
IRS letter CP-575 contains the core information a business needs to establish its federal tax identity and meet compliance requirements.
| Form field | Details |
| EIN | The assigned nine-digit federal tax ID number |
| Legal business name | Business name as registered on Form SS-4. |
| Business mailing address | Address on file with the IRS |
| Entity type | Corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietor, etc. |
| Required federal tax forms | Forms the business must file (e.g., Form 941, Form 940, or Form 1120) with applicable due dates |
| Notice date and IRS contact information | Date of CP-575 letter issuance and the IRS phone number for follow-up questions |
CP-575 vs. 147-C letter
Businesses that lose the original IRS CP-575 form must use a 147-C letter to request a substitute with the same legal validity directly from the IRS.
| CP-575 | 147-C | |
| Issued | Upon EIN approval; mailed automatically by the IRS | Upon request, when the CP-575 is lost or unavailable |
| Reissued | N/A (issued only once) | On request, as many times as needed |
| Delivery | Mail or immediate digital download for online applicants | Mail or fax only; not available online or by email |
| Accepted as EIN proof | Yes | Yes, most banks and providers treat both as equivalent |
How to get a copy of the CP-575 form
If the original IRS CP-575 is lost, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line and request a 147-C federal EIN (FEIN) verification letter. Remember to have the business’s name, FEIN, and address on hand.
The 147-C can be faxed during the call or mailed within four to six weeks. When received, store the IRS federal tax ID letter in both a secure physical location and a protected digital backup. The EIN itself should never be shared on unsecured platforms, as exposure can lead to business identity theft.
Why does IRS Form CP-575 matter?
HR and payroll teams need a CP-575 form to complete a range of extremely important tasks, including:
- Setting up payroll: Payroll providers require the IRS EIN letter to configure an employer's account, ensure accurate tax withholdings, and file payroll taxes under the correct federal ID.
- Opening a business bank account: Most financial institutions require form CP-575 (or an equivalent) as proof of the business's federal registration before opening accounts or extending credit.
- Responding to IRS correspondence: IRS notice letter CP-575 may be required when responding to IRS inquiries or resolving discrepancies involving the business's EIN.
- Applying for licenses and permits: State and local agencies may request the EIN verification letter as part of business licensing, regulatory compliance, or government contracting applications.
- Establishing benefits and insurance: Carriers and Medicare providers often request IRS proof of EIN when a business sets up employee health, retirement, or other benefit plans.
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