How to Apply for an EIN as a Non-US Resident (Step-by-Step Guide)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for any LLC operating in the United States. Without an EIN, a business cannot open a U.S. bank account, apply for Stripe or PayPal business accounts, or conduct legal business activities in the country.
This guide will walk you through the EIN application process step-by-step, ensuring that you can obtain your EIN quickly and efficiently.
What is an EIN?
EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, sometimes referred to as a Federal Tax ID. It is a 9-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business for tax and reporting purposes. An EIN follows this format: XX-XXXXXXX.
Why Do You Need an EIN?
An EIN is required for various business activities, including:
Opening a U.S. business bank account (Mercury, Payoneer, Wise, etc.).
Registering with payment processors like Stripe or PayPal.
Filing U.S. tax returns if necessary.
Hiring employees in the U.S.
Complying with IRS regulations for foreign-owned LLCs.
Without an EIN, your LLC will not be able to legally operate in the U.S. financial system.
Can Non-US Residents Apply for an EIN?
Yes! Whether you live inside or outside the U.S., if you own a U.S.-based LLC, you must obtain an EIN. The good news is that you do not need to be physically present in the U.S. to apply for an EIN. The process is completed remotely by submitting IRS Form SS-4.
How to Apply for an EIN for Your LLC
Step 1: Download Form SS-4
Before filling out the application, download the latest version of IRS Form SS-4 from the official IRS website. Though the form has not changed since 2019, always verify you are using the most recent version.
Step 2: Complete Form SS-4
Filling out Form SS-4 correctly is crucial to ensure your application is not delayed. Below are detailed instructions based on your LLC structure.
📌 For Single-Member LLCs (Foreign-Owned Disregarded Entities):
Refer to this table to complete your SS-4 Form for a Single-Member LLC:
Single-Member LLC SS-4 Completion Table
⚠️ Warning: The following information is for example purposes only. Please replace it with your actual business details.
| Form Field | Example Data (Enter your actual business details here) | Should Be Changed? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Name of Entity | GlobalTrade LLC (Enter your official business name) | ✅ Yes |
| 2. Trade Name (if different) | Enter trade name if applicable, leave blank otherwise | ❌ No |
| 4a. Mailing Address | 1201 N Market St, Suite 111 (Enter your Registered Agent’s address) | ✅ Yes |
| 4b. City, State, ZIP | Wilmington, DE 19801 (Registered Agent’s address) | ✅ Yes |
| 5a. Street Address (if different) | Enter your LLC's physical address if different, otherwise leave blank | ❌ No |
| 6. County and State | New Castle, Delaware (Enter the county and state where your LLC is registered) | ✅ Yes |
| 7a. Name of Responsible Party | John Doe (Enter the full name of the LLC owner) | ✅ Yes |
| 7b. SSN, ITIN, or EIN | Enter ITIN/EIN if applicable, leave blank otherwise | ❌ No |
| 8a. Is this application for an LLC? | Yes should be selected | ❌ No |
| 8b. Number of LLC Members | 1 (As this is a Single-Member LLC) | ❌ No |
| 8c. Was the LLC organized in the US? | Yes should be selected | ❌ No |
| 9a. Type of Entity | Foreign-Owned US Disregarded Entity | ❌ No |
| 9b. State or Foreign Country of Incorporation | Delaware (Enter the state where the LLC is formed) | ❌ No |
| 10. Reason for Applying | Banking Purpose (For opening a US bank account) or Compliance with IRS withholding regulations | ❌ No |
| 11. Date Business Started | 03/15/2024 (Enter the actual formation date of your LLC) | ✅ Yes |
| 12. Closing Month of Accounting Year | Usually December is selected | ❌ No |
| 13. Number of Employees Expected | 0 (If you do not plan to have employees) | ❌ No |
| 16. Principal Business Activity | E-Commerce & Consulting | ❌ No |
| 17. Describe Business Activity | Online Retail & Business Advisory | ❌ No |
| 18. Has this entity ever applied for an EIN before? | If yes, select Yes, otherwise select No | ❌ No |
| Third Party Designee | Enter details if someone is applying on your behalf, leave blank if applying yourself | ❌ No |
| Name and Title (Type or Print Clearly) | John Doe, Owner (Enter the LLC owner’s name and title) | ✅ Yes |
| Applicant’s Telephone Number (Include Area Code) | +44 20 7946 0958 (Enter your contact number) | ✅ Yes |
| Applicant’s Fax Number (Include Area Code) | Enter fax number if applicable, leave blank otherwise | ✅ Yes |
| Signature | Clearly sign your name (Enter your handwritten signature) | ✅ Yes |
📌For Multi-Member LLCs (Partnerships):
Use this table to fill out your SS-4 Form for a Multi-Member LLC:
Multi-Member LLC SS-4 Completion Table
⚠️ Warning: The following information is for example purposes only. Please replace it with your actual business details.
| Form Field | Example Data (Enter your actual business details here) | Should Be Changed? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Name of Entity | Valhallan Guard LLC (Enter your official business name) | ✅ Yes |
| 2. Trade Name (if different) | Enter trade name if applicable, leave blank otherwise | ❌ No |
| 4a. Mailing Address | 30 N Gould St, Ste N (Enter your Registered Agent’s address) | ✅ Yes |
| 4b. City, State, ZIP | Sheridan, WY 82801 (Registered Agent’s address) | ✅ Yes |
| 5a. Street Address (if different) | Enter your LLC's physical address if different, otherwise leave blank | ❌ No |
| 6. County and State | Sheridan, Wyoming (Enter the county and state where your LLC is registered) | ✅ Yes |
| 7a. Name of Responsible Party | Deniz Alkan (Enter the full name of the LLC owner) | ✅ Yes |
| 7b. SSN, ITIN, or EIN | Enter ITIN/EIN if applicable, leave blank otherwise | ❌ No |
| 8a. Is this application for an LLC? | Yes should be selected | ❌ No |
| 8b. Number of LLC Members | 2 (Since this is a Multi-Member LLC) | ✅ Yes |
| 8c. Was the LLC organized in the US? | Yes should be selected | ❌ No |
| 9a. Type of Entity | Partnership (Multi-Member LLCs should select Partnership) | ✅ Yes |
| 9b. State or Foreign Country of Incorporation | Wyoming (Enter the state where the LLC is formed) | ❌ No |
| 10. Reason for Applying | Banking Purpose (For opening a US bank account) or Compliance with IRS withholding regulations | ❌ No |
| 11. Date Business Started | 06/28/2024 (Enter the actual formation date of your LLC) | ✅ Yes |
| 12. Closing Month of Accounting Year | Usually December is selected | ❌ No |
| 13. Number of Employees Expected | 0 (If you do not plan to have employees) | ❌ No |
| 16. Principal Business Activity | E-Commerce & Consulting | ❌ No |
| 17. Describe Business Activity | Online Retail & Business Advisory | ❌ No |
| 18. Has this entity ever applied for an EIN before? | If yes, select Yes, otherwise select No | ❌ No |
| Third Party Designee | Enter details if someone is applying on your behalf, leave blank if applying yourself | ❌ No |
| Name and Title (Type or Print Clearly) | Deniz Alkan, Managing Partner (Enter the LLC owner’s name and title) | ✅ Yes |
| Applicant’s Telephone Number (Include Area Code) | +90 505 208 7715 (Enter your contact number) | ✅ Yes |
| Applicant’s Fax Number (Include Area Code) | Enter fax number if applicable, leave blank otherwise | ✅ Yes |
| Signature | Clearly sign your name (Enter your handwritten signature) | ✅ Yes |
✅ Important Notes:
Use only English characters and write in uppercase letters.
Ensure the date format follows MM/DD/YYYY.
Make sure to sign the form before submission.
Step 3: Obtain a Virtual Fax Number
The IRS only accepts EIN applications via fax for non-US residents. Since most people do not have access to a traditional fax machine, you can use an online fax service such as Fax Plus.
📌 Suggested Virtual Fax Service: Fax Plus (starting at $5.99/month)
You need to keep your fax service active until you receive your EIN, as IRS may send communications through fax if they require further verification.
Step 4: Submit Form SS-4 to the IRS
Once you have completed your SS-4 form, send it to the IRS via fax.
📌 IRS Fax Number for EIN Applications: +1 855-641-6935
✅ Submission Checklist:
Ensure SS-4 Form is correctly completed and signed.
Attach your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization/Certificate of Formation).
Double-check the fax number and confirm that the transmission was successful.
Step 5: Wait for Your EIN Approval
The IRS processes EIN applications within 4 to 6 weeks, but it may take longer depending on IRS workload. Your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) will be mailed to the U.S. mailing address provided on Form SS-4. If you use a Registered Agent service, they will forward the document to you digitally.
It is recommended to check your business address mailbox regularly for IRS notifications. If you provided a fax number, IRS might fax your EIN directly, written at the top of the SS-4 form.
Applying for an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN
Many non-U.S. residents worry about obtaining an EIN without an SSN or ITIN. Fortunately, an SSN or ITIN is not required to get an EIN for a foreign-owned LLC. Simply leave the SSN/ITIN field blank on Form SS-4.
What If You Don’t Receive Your EIN?
If your EIN does not arrive within six weeks, you can re-fax your SS-4 application to the IRS. Write “SECOND REQUEST” at the top of the form and submit it again to the fax number listed above.
Additionally, you can contact the IRS EIN department at +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free) to inquire about your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take to get an EIN for a foreign-owned LLC?
Typically, it takes 4 to 6 weeks, but delays may occur depending on IRS workload.
2. Can I apply for an EIN without a U.S. address?
Yes, but you must provide a valid U.S. mailing address for EIN confirmation delivery.
3. Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN?
No, non-US residents do not need an SSN or ITIN to apply for an EIN.
4. What happens if my EIN application is rejected?
You may need to correct errors and reapply or contact the IRS for clarification.
5. Can I apply for an EIN online as a non-US resident?
No, the IRS requires non-US residents to apply via fax or mail.
6. Can I use a virtual address for my EIN application?
Yes, but it must be a real, physical business address in the U.S.
7. What is the cost of obtaining an EIN?
The EIN itself is free, but fax services may charge a small fee.
8. Will the IRS notify me if there is a problem with my application?
Yes, they may fax or mail you if additional information is needed.
9. Can I reapply if I don’t receive my EIN?
Yes, after six weeks, you can re-fax your application with “SECOND REQUEST.”
10. Can I get an EIN if I don’t have a company yet?
No, an EIN is only issued to legally registered entities.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an EIN as a non-US resident is a straightforward process when following the correct steps. By correctly filling out Form SS-4 and submitting it via fax, you can ensure smooth approval.
If you need assistance, refer to our Single-Member LLC and Multi-Member LLC EIN application tables above to make the process easier. 🚀
