Forming a U.S. company from another country is often the easy part. Then you reach the EIN step and hit a wall: the IRS online application asks for a Social Security Number or ITIN, and you have neither.
The good news is that you can still get an Employer Identification Number for your LLC. This guide explains which application methods are open to international applicants, what you need before you start, how to complete Form SS-4, and what to do once your number arrives. It is written for founders who are comparing LLC formation Services as well as owners whose company already exists and now needs a federal tax ID.
What Is an EIN and Why Does an LLC Need One?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS to businesses. For a U.S. LLC, it identifies the company for federal tax purposes and is commonly requested when opening a U.S. business bank account, setting up payment processing, hiring employees, or filing certain tax forms.
An EIN is not the same as a Social Security Number, and it is not the same as your LLC registration with the state. The state creates the company. The IRS assigns the tax ID. The IRS does not charge a fee to apply for an EIN, so be careful with any website that looks official and asks you to pay the IRS directly.
Can a Non-US Resident Get an EIN for an LLC?
Yes. A non-US resident can get an EIN for a U.S. LLC without an SSN, without an ITIN, and without traveling to the United States.
The difference lies in how you apply. The IRS online application is only for applicants with a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office in the U.S. or its territories, and it also requires the responsible party to hold a valid taxpayer identification number. If that does not describe you, the IRS directs you to apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4.
What Do You Need Before You Apply?
Getting the details ready first is the best way to avoid a rejected or delayed application. Here is what to have on hand:
- A formed LLC. The application asks for information that comes from your formation, such as the exact legal name and the state where the LLC was organized. That is why the EIN normally follows your LLC registration with the state. Formation timelines differ from state to state.
- A responsible party. In most cases this must be an individual, not another company. The IRS generally means the person who owns, controls, or manages the LLC and its funds.
- Basic business details. These include the number of LLC members, the date the business started, the principal business activity, and the addresses you will list.
- A working phone number and, if you apply by fax, a fax number that can be received. The IRS may need to reach you.
- The current Form SS-4 and its instructions. Download both from IRS.gov so you are not working from an outdated copy.
How Do You Get an EIN for an LLC as a Non-US Resident?
Here is the process in short:
- Complete your LLC formation in the state you have chosen.
- Download the current Form SS-4 and its instructions from IRS.gov.
- Fill in the form using the LLC’s exact legal name and formation details.
- Enter “Foreign” on the line for the responsible party’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN if that person does not have one.
- Sign and date the form.
- Submit it to the IRS by phone, fax, or mail.
- Save the EIN confirmation once you receive it.
The three submission options are explained below.
Apply by Phone
International applicants can call the IRS at 267-941-1099. It is not a toll-free number, and the IRS lists the hours as 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. The person who calls must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions about Form SS-4.
Complete the form before you call. An IRS representative uses the information on it to set up the account and assign your EIN during the call. Write the number on the upper right corner of the form, then sign and date it for your records.
Apply by Fax
You can fax the signed Form SS-4 to the IRS. The IRS page for EIN applicants lists 304-707-9471 for faxes sent from outside the U.S. and 855-215-1627 for faxes sent from within the U.S. by applicants without a U.S. residence. Include a fax number where you can receive a reply. If you provide one, the IRS typically returns your EIN by fax in about four business days.
Fax numbers can change without notice, so confirm the current number on IRS.gov before you send anything.
Apply by Mail
Mail is the slowest route. Send the signed form to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. The IRS instructions suggest submitting at least four to five weeks before you need the number, and you should add international postage time on top of that.
Which Application Method Is Best?
It depends on how quickly you need the number and how comfortable you are with each method.
| Method | Best for | Timing stated by the IRS | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | Applicants who want the number quickly | Assigned during the call | Not toll-free. Caller must be authorized. Eastern time hours apply. |
| Fax | Applicants who want a written trail without calling | About 4 business days if you give a return fax number | Use the correct fax number and sign the form. |
| Applicants with no time pressure | Approximately 4 weeks, plus mailing time | Slowest option. Delays are possible when the IRS is busy. |
Choose one method only. The IRS instructions say to use a single method per entity so that you do not end up with more than one EIN for the same company.
How Do You Fill Out Form SS-4 as a Non-US Owner?
Line numbers can change when the IRS revises the form, so follow the instructions that come with the version you download. These are the areas that usually cause questions:
- Legal name. Enter the LLC name exactly as it appears in your formation documents.
- Responsible party and taxpayer ID. List the individual who controls the LLC. If that person has no SSN or ITIN, write “Foreign” where the ID number goes rather than leaving it blank.
- LLC questions. Confirm that the applicant is an LLC, enter the number of members, and confirm that it was organized in the United States.
- Entity type. Choose the option that matches how the LLC will be classified for federal tax purposes. Single-member and multi-member LLCs are treated differently, so read the instructions for your situation.
- Reason for applying and start date. Most new companies select the reason that describes starting a new business.
- Addresses. Give accurate mailing and business address details. If you are unsure how to list an address that involves a registered agent, ask your formation provider or a tax professional.
- Signature. An unsigned form can be returned or delayed.
If you want someone else to receive the EIN and answer questions about the form, the Third Party Designee section lets you name that person. Complete the signature area so the authorization is valid.
What Mistakes Delay an EIN Application?
- Applying before the LLC exists, or entering a name that does not match the formation documents.
- Trying the online application from outside the United States and then submitting a second application by another method.
- Leaving the taxpayer ID line blank instead of following the IRS instruction for foreign applicants.
- Listing a company, a registered agent, or a service provider as the responsible party when a different individual actually controls the LLC.
- Faxing without a return fax number, which means the IRS replies by mail instead.
- Using an unofficial website that presents itself as the IRS and charges for a free number.
What Should You Do After You Receive the EIN?
Keep the IRS confirmation in a safe place. The IRS may also mail a written notice, and banks or payment providers can ask to see it. From there, three areas deserve attention.
Banking and Payments
Many U.S. banks and payment platforms ask for an EIN together with formation documents and identity verification. Requirements differ by institution, and having an EIN does not guarantee that an account will be approved.
Federal Tax Filings
A single-member LLC owned by a non-US person is generally treated as a disregarded entity for federal income tax. In some cases, a foreign-owned disregarded LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 when it has reportable transactions with its owner, such as capital contributions or loans. A multi-member LLC is generally taxed as a partnership unless it elects a different classification. The rules depend on ownership, business activity, tax residency, and treaties, so speak with a qualified U.S. tax professional before you file.
State Requirements
State rules vary. Depending on where the LLC was formed and where it operates, you may face annual reports, franchise or state taxes, registered agent requirements, and local licenses. Check the requirements for your state instead of assuming they match another state.
Do You Need an ITIN to Get an EIN?
No. An ITIN is not required to obtain an EIN for your LLC. An ITIN is a separate tax processing number for individuals who cannot get an SSN, and whether you need one depends on your personal tax situation. A tax professional can tell you whether it applies to you.
Your Next Step
For a non-US founder, the EIN process comes down to a few clear moves: form the LLC, prepare Form SS-4 carefully, and submit it by phone, fax, or mail. Getting the legal name, responsible party, and signature right the first time saves more time than any shortcut.
If you have not formed your company yet, start there, because the EIN depends on it. The team at Jorofy LLC works with entrepreneurs, including non-U.S. residents, who want to establish and manage a U.S. business. You can reach out to Jorofy with questions about your own situation and to learn what support is available for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. International applicants can apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4. The online application requires a valid taxpayer identification number and a U.S. connection, so it is not available to most non-US founders.
How long does it take to get an EIN as a non-US resident?
By phone, the IRS assigns the number during the call. By fax, the IRS typically responds in about four business days when you provide a return fax number. By mail, expect roughly four weeks plus mailing time. Processing times can change, so check IRS.gov.
Does the IRS charge for an EIN?
No. The IRS does not charge a fee for an EIN application. Some third-party providers charge for preparing or submitting the form, which is a separate service.
Can I apply before my LLC is formed?
It is better to wait. The form asks for details such as the legal name and state of organization, and those are settled when the LLC is formed.
Can someone else apply for me?
You can name a third party designee on Form SS-4 to receive the EIN and answer questions about completing the form. The designee’s authority ends once the EIN is assigned, and you must sign the form for the authorization to be valid.
Do I need a U.S. address to apply?
Not to use the phone, fax, or mail methods, which exist for applicants without a U.S. legal residence or principal place of business. Follow the form instructions for how to list your addresses.