An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your company’s US tax ID. Without it there is no bank account, no Stripe and no tax filings. The good news: you do not need an SSN or an ITIN. This guide explains exactly how a non-resident gets an EIN, how to fill in Form SS-4 correctly and which mistakes cause delays.
What is an EIN?
An EIN is a nine-digit number (format 12-3456789) that the IRS assigns to a business. It belongs to the company, not to you personally, so the owner does not need a US tax number for the LLC to receive one. The IRS does not charge a fee for an EIN. If a website asks you to pay “the IRS fee”, that is a service charge, not a government fee.
You will use the EIN to:
- open a US business bank account,
- apply to Stripe and other payment platforms,
- file the annual Form 5472 and pro forma Form 1120,
- complete tax forms such as W-9 or W-8 when clients or platforms request them.
Does a single-member LLC owned by a foreigner need an EIN?
Yes. A US single-member LLC with a foreign owner is a “foreign-owned US disregarded entity” and must file Form 5472 every year. The IRS instructions for Form SS-4 specifically say that such an LLC requests an EIN for this purpose. In practice you also cannot open a bank account or apply to Stripe without one.
Why you cannot apply online
The IRS online EIN application requires the responsible party to have an SSN or ITIN and is not available to applicants with no legal residence, principal place of business or office in the United States. That leaves three official routes.
| Method | Contact | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. US Eastern time, Monday–Friday | Often assigned during the call | Fastest route if you can handle a long hold time and speak confidently in English |
| Fax | +1 304-707-9471 (applicants outside the US) | Generally about 4 business days | Most non-residents; predictable and documented |
| Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 | About 4 weeks | Only if phone and fax are not possible |
Numbers and times are taken from the IRS Instructions for Form SS-4. IRS backlogs can make any route slower, especially at the start of the year.
Before you apply: what to prepare
- Your LLC must already be registered. Have the approved Articles of Organization and the formation date.
- The owner’s full legal name, exactly as on the passport.
- The owner’s residential address outside the US.
- The LLC’s US mailing address (often your registered agent or business address service).
- A short, specific business description (for example “web design services for small businesses”, not just “services”).
- The number of members (one for a single-member LLC).
Form SS-4, line by line (key lines for non-residents)
| Line | What to enter |
|---|---|
| 1 | The LLC’s exact legal name, including “LLC”, as it appears on the Articles. |
| 4a–4b | The LLC’s US mailing address. The EIN confirmation letter is sent here. |
| 7a | The name of the responsible party: you, the owner (a person, not a company). |
| 7b | SSN or ITIN. If you don’t have one and are not eligible for one, the IRS instructions say to enter “Foreign” or “N/A”. |
| 8a–8c | Yes, it is an LLC; the number of members (1); and whether it was organized in the US (yes). |
| 9a | For a foreign-owned single-member LLC, check “Other” and write “Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity – Form 5472”, as the IRS instructions direct. |
| 9b | The state where the LLC was formed (for example Wyoming). |
| 10 | Reason for applying: usually “Started new business” plus the type of business. |
| 11 | The date the LLC was formed (from the Articles). |
| 16–17 | Principal activity and a clear description of the products or services. |
| Third party designee | If a service provider applies for you, they are named here. They can answer IRS questions and receive the EIN for you. |
Always use the current version of Form SS-4 from irs.gov and read its instructions. The IRS updates the form from time to time.
Step by step: applying by fax
- Complete and sign Form SS-4. The owner or an authorized person signs; a third party designee also signs their section.
- Include a fax number where the IRS can send the EIN back to you. Online fax services work if they can receive international faxes.
- Fax the form to +1 304-707-9471.
- Wait about four business days. The IRS faxes back the EIN assignment.
- The official confirmation letter (CP 575) is mailed to the LLC’s US address. Keep it safe: banks often ask for it.
Step by step: applying by phone
- Fill in the SS-4 first so you can read your answers out accurately.
- Call +1 267-941-1099 during IRS hours (6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday). Hold times can be long.
- The agent goes through the SS-4 questions with you.
- If everything is in order, the EIN is often given to you during the call. Write it down and confirm the company name spelling.
How long does it take?
- Phone: often the same day.
- Fax: generally about 4 business days, sometimes longer during busy periods.
- Mail: about 4 weeks.
If you have waited much longer than expected, do not send a second application with different details. Duplicate applications can create two EINs for the same company, which is harder to fix than a delay.
Common mistakes
- Applying before the LLC is registered.
- Spelling the owner’s name differently from the passport.
- Entering the LLC name without “LLC” or with a typo.
- A vague business description such as just “services”.
- Choosing the wrong entity type, or forgetting the Line 9a “Form 5472” wording for a foreign-owned single-member LLC.
- Trying the online application without an SSN.
- Sending duplicate applications when the first one is slow.
- Using a US address you don’t control, so the CP 575 letter never reaches you.
Lost EIN or letter?
If you have your EIN but lost the CP 575 letter, the IRS can issue a replacement confirmation, called a 147C letter, on request by phone. Banks usually accept either letter as proof of the EIN.
After you have the EIN
- Open a business bank account in the company’s name.
- Apply to Stripe once the website and details are consistent. See Stripe for non-US residents.
- Put the annual Form 5472 + pro forma Form 1120 deadline in your calendar. It is required even with no income, and the penalty for not filing is $25,000.
- Keep the EIN letter together with your Articles and Operating Agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN for my LLC?
No. A foreign owner who is not eligible for an SSN or ITIN can enter “Foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b and apply by phone, fax or mail.
Can someone apply for me?
Yes. A third party designee named on the SS-4 can submit the application, answer IRS questions and receive the EIN for you.
Is the EIN public?
It is not published like the company’s registration details, but you will share it with banks, payment platforms and clients who need it for invoicing or tax forms.
Does the EIN expire?
No. It stays with the company for its whole life, even if it has no activity in some years.
How we help
The non-resident EIN application is included in every package, from Basic ($249) up. We prepare the SS-4, check your details against your passport and Articles, act as third party designee where appropriate, and follow the request until the number is issued.
Not sure what you need? Book a free consultation and get an honest assessment of your case before you commit to anything.
This is a general information guide, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; consult a qualified adviser about your specific situation. Last reviewed: September 2026.