What Form 147-C is and where to request it

Form 147-C is the IRS notice of federal tax lien. It shows that the IRS has filed a legal claim against your property because you owe back taxes. You may need a copy for a bank, mortgage lender, title company, or to understand what the IRS has claimed against you.

The IRS does not mail Form 147-C to you automatically. You have to request it. There are three main ways to get a copy: by phone, by mail, or through the IRS website if you have an account set up.

The fastest route is usually the phone. The IRS can often email or fax a copy to you the same day you call, or within a few business days. Mail takes longer but creates a paper record.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 147-C is the IRS notice of federal tax lien filed against your property, and you must request a copy — the IRS does not send it automatically.
  • Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 is usually the fastest way to get a copy, and they can email or fax it within days.
  • You will need your Social Security number or employer identification number, the tax year the lien was filed, and the amount owed.
  • If you request by mail, send Form 4506-C to the IRS address for your state, and allow two to four weeks for a response.
  • Some title companies and lien search services can also retrieve a copy for you, though they may charge a fee.

Calling the IRS to request Form 147-C

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number or EIN ready, along with the tax year for which the lien was filed.

Tell the representative you need a copy of Form 147-C. They will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask what you need it for. Be direct: if a lender or title company requested it, say so. The IRS can often email or fax the form the same day or within one to three business days.

Ask the representative for a reference number and the fax or email address where the form will be sent. Write this down. If you do not receive it within the timeframe they give, call back with the reference number.

Requesting Form 147-C by mail

If you prefer a paper copy or do not have fax or email access, you can request Form 147-C by mail using Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Record). This form asks the IRS to send you records related to your account, including lien notices.

On Form 4506-C, check the box for "Form 147-C" or write in the description "Notice of Federal Tax Lien." Include your name, Social Security number, address, and the tax year the lien was filed. Mail the form to the IRS address for your state. The IRS publishes a list of addresses by state on its website.

Mail delivery takes one to two weeks, and the IRS typically processes the request within two to four weeks of receipt. If you need the form urgently, phone is faster.

What information you need before you request

Before you call or mail a request, gather these details:

  • Your Social Security number or employer identification number
  • The tax year for which the lien was filed (for example, 2021 tax year)
  • The amount of tax owed, if you know it
  • Your current mailing address
  • A fax number or email address if you want the form sent electronically

If you do not know the tax year or amount, the IRS representative can look this up for you during the call. Have your account information ready, or be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.

Using a title company or lien search service

If a mortgage lender or title company is handling a real estate transaction, they often retrieve Form 147-C themselves as part of their title search. Ask your lender or title company whether they can obtain it for you at no cost.

Some private lien search companies also offer to retrieve federal tax lien notices. These services typically charge a fee (usually $25 to $75) and may be faster than calling the IRS, but the cost is yours to pay. Use this option only if the IRS phone line is unavailable or if you need the form on a very tight timeline.

What to do after you receive Form 147-C

Once you have the form, review it for accuracy. Check that your name, Social Security number, and the tax year are correct. If there is an error, contact the IRS immediately — errors on a lien notice can affect your credit and your ability to sell property or refinance.

If the lien was filed in error or you have since paid the tax debt, you can request that the IRS release the lien. You will need to provide proof of payment or show that the lien was filed by mistake. This is a separate process from requesting the form itself, and it may require working with an IRS representative or a tax professional.

Keep a copy of Form 147-C for your records. You may need it to show lenders, title companies, or other parties that you are aware of the lien and are taking steps to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get Form 147-C?

By phone, one to three business days. By mail, two to four weeks. If you need it urgently for a real estate closing or loan, call the IRS — they can often fax or email the same day you call.

Do I have to pay to get a copy of Form 147-C?

No. The IRS provides copies at no cost when you call or mail a request. Private lien search services may charge a fee, but you do not have to use them — the IRS will send it free.

What if the IRS says there is no lien on file?

If you believe a lien was filed, ask the representative to search by your name and Social Security number across all tax years. Liens can be filed years after the tax debt arises. If still nothing appears, the lien may have been released or the information you have may be incorrect.

Can I request Form 147-C online through my IRS account?

If you have an IRS online account (through IRS.gov), you may be able to view lien information there, but Form 147-C itself is usually requested by phone or mail. Check your account first to see what information is available.