Overview
If you can't find your S corporation Approval Letter, CP261 Notice, you can request a copy from the IRS if it was never sent to you. If you've lost your CP261 Notice, you cannot request another copy. However, you can request an S corp Verification Form 385C.
S corporation Verification
The CP261 or 385C is required for your Business Tax Checklist to verify the date the IRS approved your S-Corp election before filing your 1120-S return. There are two methods to receive a copy of your 385C
- Mail: The IRS will mail you a letter to confirm your S corp status. The IRS suggests it takes 10-14 business days to mail the form.
- Fax (Recommended): If you'd like to expedite getting the document, one option is to request that the IRS fax it to you. If you don't have access to a fax machine, you can use electronic fax services (e.g., eFax, DropboxFax, RingCentral, etc) to receive faxes. While there are costs associated, if you're interested in getting the CP261 quickly, this option can get the document in around a business day.
How to request S Corp Verification
We recommend calling as soon as possible since you may need to wait on hold for an extended period. Unfortunately, we don't have the standing to call on your behalf. Just so you know – only you, as the owner of the S corp, have the standing to contact the IRS about your election status.
To request a Form 385C, you should be able to reach the correct department using the steps below.
Steps
- Call IRS at 1-800-829-4933
- Press option 1 for "English."
- Press option 7 for "Other Questions."
- Press option 2 for "Submitted forms or Tax History."
- Press option 1 for "Questions about Corporate."
- After you get connected to an agent, they'll verify your identity/ownership.
- Request a confirmation that your S corp election was accepted by the IRS, confirm the election date, and request a copy of the CP261 or 385C letter.
- If you are requesting a fax, the agent will confirm if you have a private and secure fax line. Confirm this is the case, and provide them with your fax number. After that, you should receive a copy of your form within the same day.
Once you have your S corp Verification letter, please upload it to Heard by going to Your Practice>Documents>Taxes.