What the CP575 is and why banks ask for it

An IRS CP575 notice is a letter the IRS sends to confirm your tax filing status and income. Banks sometimes ask for it as proof of identity and income when you open a checking account, especially if you don't have a driver's license, passport, or other standard ID. The CP575 shows your name, address, Social Security number, and tax information — all things a bank needs to verify before opening an account.

Not every bank requires a CP575, and not every situation calls for one. If you have a passport, state ID, or military ID, most banks will accept those instead. But if your other forms of ID are expired, limited, or you're rebuilding credit after a gap, the CP575 can work as a substitute document.

The CP575 is one of several IRS notices banks might accept. The CP01H (IRS account transcript) and 1040-ES (estimated tax payment voucher) can also serve as proof of income and identity, depending on the bank's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • A CP575 shows your name, address, and Social Security number, which banks use to verify your identity and income when opening an account.
  • Banks do not require a CP575 if you have a valid government-issued photo ID like a passport or state driver's license.
  • You can request a CP575 from the IRS by phone, mail, or through your online IRS account, and it usually arrives within two to four weeks.
  • Some banks accept a CP575 as a secondary document alongside a photo ID, but policies vary by institution.
  • If the IRS has not sent you a CP575 automatically, you will need to request one before you can use it for account opening.

When banks will and won't accept a CP575

Most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — have their own ID requirements and do not list the CP575 as an accepted document on their websites. They typically want a government-issued photo ID as the primary document. However, if you call the branch directly or speak to a banker in person, they may accept a CP575 as a secondary form of identification alongside something else, like a utility bill or lease agreement.

Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to accept the CP575. Community banks and online-only banks often have more flexible policies because they work with people who have limited ID options. Before you request the CP575 from the IRS, call the bank where you want to open the account and ask directly: "Will you accept an IRS CP575 notice as proof of identity?" This saves you time and tells you whether to pursue it.

If you're opening an account to receive a tax refund, stimulus payment, or other government payment, the bank may be more willing to work with you using a CP575, because the IRS itself is directing the deposit.

How to request a CP575 from the IRS

You have three ways to request a CP575 notice from the IRS. The fastest is through your IRS online account at irs.gov. Log in with your username and password, go to "Tax Records," and select "Get Transcript." Choose "Account Transcript" and the tax year you need. You can view it immediately and print it or download it as a PDF. This takes minutes and costs nothing.

If you don't have an online IRS account, you can call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and request a CP575 by phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. The IRS will mail it to the address on file, which usually takes two to four weeks. There is no charge.

You can also mail a written request to the IRS using Form 4506-C (Request for Tax Return Transcript). Mail it to the address listed on the form for your state. This method is slower — typically four to six weeks — and should only be your last option.

What information appears on the CP575

The CP575 shows your name, current mailing address, Social Security number, filing status, and a summary of income and tax information for the year requested. It does not show your full tax return or itemized deductions. Banks use it to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you have reported income to the IRS.

The notice is dated and includes the IRS logo and an official reference number. Banks recognize it as a legitimate government document. However, if your address on the CP575 does not match your current address, the bank may ask for additional proof of your current residence, such as a utility bill or lease.

Documents to bring along with the CP575

Even if the bank agrees to accept a CP575, you will almost always need to bring at least one other document. A photo ID — even if expired — is the strongest second document. If you don't have one, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your name and current address. Some banks also accept a Social Security card, though it is not photo ID.

Bring the original CP575 or a certified copy. A photocopy may not be accepted. If you printed it from your online IRS account, bring that printout; the IRS website includes security features that make it acceptable to banks.

Have your Social Security number written down or memorized. You will need to provide it verbally or on the account application. Bring any other documents the bank listed in their account-opening requirements — some ask for proof of income, employment verification, or a list of references.

Timeline and what to expect

If you request the CP575 online through your IRS account, you can have it in hand the same day and bring it to the bank immediately. If you call the IRS, allow two to four weeks for the notice to arrive by mail. If you mail a request, allow four to six weeks.

Once you have the CP575 and bring it to the bank, the account-opening process itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or a few hours online, depending on the bank. The bank will verify the information on the CP575 against their records and may contact the IRS to confirm its authenticity, though this is rare.

Your new account may not be fully active immediately. Some banks place a hold on deposits for the first few days while they complete their verification process. If you are expecting a refund or government payment to be deposited, tell the bank the expected date so they can flag your account and process the deposit on time.

What to do if the IRS hasn't sent you a CP575

The IRS sends a CP575 automatically after you file your tax return, but only if you filed. If you have not filed taxes in the year you need the notice for, the IRS will not have a CP575 to send you. In that case, you cannot use this document for account opening.

If you filed but never received the CP575, it may have been lost in the mail or sent to an old address. Request a new one through your online account or by phone. If your address has changed since you filed, update it with the IRS first by calling 1-800-829-1040.

If you have never filed taxes and need to open a checking account, ask the bank what other documents they will accept. Many banks will open an account with just a passport, state ID, or even a combination of documents like a utility bill and Social Security card. You do not need a CP575 if another path is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a CP575 if I don't have any photo ID?

Most banks will not open an account with only a CP575. They typically want at least one photo ID, even if it is expired. If you have no photo ID at all, ask the bank whether they will accept a CP575 plus a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Some credit unions and online banks have more flexible policies.

How long does it take to get a CP575 in the mail?

If you request it by phone, the IRS mails it to your address on file, which takes two to four weeks. If you request it by mail using Form 4506-C, allow four to six weeks. The fastest method is requesting it online through your IRS account, which lets you print it immediately.

Will the bank call the IRS to verify the CP575 is real?

Banks rarely call the IRS to verify a CP575 because the document includes security features and an official reference number. However, if the bank suspects fraud or the information does not match their records, they may contact the IRS. This is uncommon and usually resolves quickly.

What if my address on the CP575 doesn't match my current address?

The bank will likely ask for proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. You can also update your address with the IRS before requesting the CP575, so the new notice shows your current location.

Can I use a CP575 from a previous year to open an account?

Yes, banks generally accept a CP575 from any recent tax year. However, if the address or other information is outdated, the bank may ask for additional documentation to confirm your current details. Using the most recent year available is simpler.