EIN Documentation

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a non-negotiable requirement from the CDFI. Unfortunately, it is often a challenge to get in contact with the IRS and obtain this necessary documentation. The following guideline outlines options, requirements, and our tips and tricks to obtain your EIN documentation.

** CDFI Certification Requirement **

To be a certified CDFI, an applicant must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN). The reason an EIN is required is to help the government track and audit the use of award funds, and to identify and mitigate the risk of fraud.

For more information, see p. 29 in https://www.cdfifund.gov/sites/cdfi/files/documents/2018-cdfi-cert-app-user-guide_508c-final.pdf and p. 29-30 in https://www.cdfifund.gov/sites/cdfi/files/2022-10/CDFI_Certification_Application_Preview_Final_10322.pdf.

** Acceptable forms of EIN documentation **

Acceptable forms of EIN documentation are as follows:

1. Official letter from IRS providing EIN.
2. Confirmation fax from local IRS office with the organization’s name and EIN.
3. A printout of completed and submitted online SS-4 (with organization’s EIN in upper right hand corner) from IRS website, accompanied by a printout of the online confirmation of receipt of EIN from IRS website.

Options 1 and 2 both require an applicant to call the IRS business support line at 800-829-4933. Option 3 is for a new organization and will not be appliable for most clients (form SS-4 is used to request a new EIN).

**Guidance from the IRS website (Telephone Assistance Contacts for Business Customers | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)) is as follows: **

• Business and Specialty Tax Line and EIN Assignment: (800-829-4933)
• Regular Hours of Operation: M-F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. taxpayer local time; Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time
• Services: For Businesses, Corporations, Partnerships and Trusts who need information and/or help regarding their Business Returns or Business (BMF) Accounts. Services cover Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), 94x returns, 1041, 1065, 1120S, Excise Returns, Estate and Gift Returns, as well as issues related to Federal tax deposits.

Tips and Tricks: Obtaining an EIN Letter from the IRS

1. Call the IRS support line at 800-829-4933.

This is the business services line.  The biggest issue here is that they are usually very busy.  Most of the time you will get a “due to call volume, try again later or tomorrow”  response.  We advise trying first thing in the morning and again midafternoon.  This may take several days, but you should get through eventually.

2. Once you get through, you must select option 1 and then go to option 3 for EIN and EIN related services.

You may have to leave a call back number, after which the IRS will call back in the order received. 

3. When they call you back ask for the EIN verification letter. 

Provide the EIN, credit union name, and other verification details like address and phone number to the agent.

4. The caller must provide their info and attest that they have the right to request the info.

We advise ensuring the caller has the authority within your organization to request the EIN. The agent will verify you based on tax documents previously submitted so you will have to let them know you file a 990.

5. The agent will tell you that it will come in the mail in 10 to 15 business days but if you ask, they will fax. 

They are very particular about fax, so it is best if the fax printer is close by, since they will do it while you are on the phone. 

Additional option for clients unable to contact the IRS Business Support line

After the above options have been exhausted, you (or us acting on your behalf), can submit a Service Request in the CDFI Fund’s Award Management Information System (AMIS) to explain the challenges reaching the IRS and ask the CDFI Fund if there are alternatives to proving their status as a legal entity other than by obtaining their EIN Letter.

If you are still having difficulty, or have further questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We are more than happy to help.

Updated on: 29/09/2023