A CP575 is not a problem notice. It is the IRS's confirmation of your Employer Identification Number, the nine-digit number your business uses on tax returns, payroll filings, bank applications and more. It is also one of the documents people most often lose and later need, and the way the IRS now delivers it has changed.
What the notice is
The IRS page explains that the CP575 confirms your EIN and replaces the original CP575A through CP575J notice series and Letter 147C, EIN Previously Assigned. It is available only through your Business Tax Account. If you applied for an EIN years ago, you may hold an older paper version. The IRS says the original paper notice cannot be duplicated or recreated.
Why it matters
- Banking. Banks often ask for written confirmation of your EIN when opening a business account. The IRS says banks and other institutions accept the digital CP575 as confirmation.
- Loans and licenses. Lenders, landlords and licensing offices may request it.
- Payroll. You use the EIN on every payroll filing and deposit. See payroll tax basics.
- Social Security Administration. Use the EIN on IRS and SSA items for your business.
What to do
- Download and save it. The IRS suggests making several copies, since the notice may be requested for EIN verification.
- Check the details. Confirm the legal name, entity type and responsible party. If the name or entity type is wrong, contact the IRS before you start filing under it.
- Retrieve a copy when you need one. Because the digital CP575 is available through the Business Tax Account, that is where to look. The IRS page does not describe another replacement process.
- Keep records current. Use Form 8822-B to change your mailing or location address, or your responsible party.
- Report a responsible party change within 60 days, as the IRS says.
If you cannot find your EIN
The IRS suggests looking at the notice you received when you applied, your business bank records, state or local licensing agencies, and past business tax returns. If you still cannot find it, the IRS business tax line can provide it after verifying your identity; find the number on the IRS contact page. The IRS also says an EIN is free directly from the IRS, so be cautious about paying a third party to get one, and that you can apply for only one EIN per day. If your business is a legal entity, register it with your state first.
EIN and entity choices
An EIN identifies the entity, but the entity's tax treatment is a separate matter. A single-member LLC, for example, can be a disregarded entity, a corporation or an S corporation depending on elections. See LLC tax classification and entity selection. If your CP575 lists one entity type but you operate differently, the mismatch can cause filing notices later, such as CP259 or CP262 and CP265.
Protecting your EIN
Treat the EIN like a Social Security number for your business and share it only with banks, payroll providers and others with a legitimate need. Be wary of unsolicited requests. See how to tell if an IRS letter is real. The CP575 itself carries no balance, but filings tied to your EIN have their own deadlines and penalties. See employment tax penalties overview.
Common mistakes
- Losing the only copy and assuming the IRS can reissue the original paper notice.
- Applying for a second EIN because the first cannot be found.
- Leaving the mailing address unchanged after moving, which causes missed notices.
When to involve a CPA
Talk to a CPA before you get an EIN if you have not chosen an entity, and again whenever ownership, structure or the responsible party changes. We can confirm that the entity type on file matches how you file, and with a signed Form 2848 we can contact the IRS about your business account. See business formation and entity selection.
How we can help
We can help you form the entity, obtain the EIN and set up bookkeeping and payroll. See our bookkeeping services, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to respond to a CP575?
No. It is a confirmation. Keep it in your records.
I lost my EIN letter. What now?
The IRS says the digital CP575 is available through your Business Tax Account. The older paper CP575 cannot be duplicated or recreated.
Is the CP575 the same as Letter 147C?
The IRS says the digital CP575 replaces Letter 147C and is accepted by banks.
How do I change the responsible party?
Use Form 8822-B, and report the change within 60 days.
Official sources
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.
General information only, not tax, legal or accounting advice for your situation. Rules, limits and deadlines change; confirm the current rules with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship with CPA Tax Payroll and Accounting Corp.