EIN for Non-US Residents: Getting a US Tax ID Without an SSN

What is an EIN and when do you need one?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID the IRS issues to businesses. An LLC needs an EIN to open a US bank account, register with Stripe/PayPal/Amazon Seller, hire staff and meet tax reporting obligations.

Applying for an EIN directly with the IRS is free. If a company charges you, understand that the charge is for doing the work on your behalf — it is not an IRS fee.

Why is it hard to apply online without an SSN/ITIN?

The IRS online EIN application requires the responsible party to have an SSN or ITIN. Most founders living abroad have neither, so they must submit Form SS-4 another way: by fax, by international phone, or by mail. The IRS publishes the fax number, phone number and mailing address for foreign applicants on irs.gov — always use the latest details from there.

The process in outline

1. Wait until the state has approved your LLC and you have the Certificate/Articles of Organization.
2. Fill in Form SS-4 following the IRS's latest instructions; the LLC name must match the state record exactly.
3. In the SSN/ITIN box for the responsible party, follow the IRS instructions for applicants who don't have one.
4. Sign it and send it through the channel meant for foreign applicants.
5. Receive the EIN confirmation letter (usually a CP 575) and keep the original safe.

Processing time

Fax is usually quicker than mail, but timing changes — anywhere from a few business days to several weeks. Plan for that before scheduling a bank application or store launch.

Common mistakes

• The LLC name on the SS-4 doesn't match the filing made with the state.
• Wrong entity type or wrong number of members.
• Listing the Registered Agent as the responsible party — this should be the person who actually runs or owns the LLC.
• Forgetting to sign or leaving fields blank, so the application is returned.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change by state and over time — check the official state/IRS pages and consult a professional before you decide.