How to Get an EIN for Your LLC Without an SSN (2026 Guide)
A complete walkthrough for non-U.S. citizens and foreign entrepreneurs to obtain an Employer Identification Number without a Social Security Number.
What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need One?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax ID assigned by the IRS to business entities. It functions like a Social Security Number for your company. Every LLC needs an EIN to:
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- File federal tax returns (Form 1065 for partnerships, Form 1120 for corporations)
- Hire U.S. employees and run payroll
- Apply for wholesale accounts and business licenses
- Build U.S. business credit history
Even Single-Member LLCs with no employees technically need an EIN for banking and to avoid using the owner's personal SSN on business documents.
Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes. The IRS explicitly allows foreign applicants to obtain an EIN without an SSN or ITIN. The online application system (EIN Assistant) requires an SSN/ITIN for identity verification, but the paper/fax process does not.
Important Clarification:
Many blogs incorrectly state that an ITIN is required. It is not. The IRS only requires a responsible party name and foreign address. If you do not have an ITIN, leave that field blank and write "N/A" or "Foreign" in the appropriate boxes.
Step-by-Step: Getting an EIN as a Non-Resident
Step 1: Form Your LLC First
You must have a legally formed LLC (or corporation) before applying for an EIN. The IRS asks for your state file number and formation date. Have your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation ready.
Step 2: Download and Complete Form SS-4
Download IRS Form SS-4 from IRS.gov. Key sections for non-residents:
- Line 1: Legal name of the LLC (exactly as filed with the state)
- Line 2: Trade name (DBA) if applicable
- Line 3: Executor, administrator, or "care of" name (if using a registered agent or third party)
- Line 4: Mailing address (can be your registered agent's U.S. address)
- Line 7a: Name of responsible party (must be an individual, not an entity)
- Line 7b: SSN, ITIN, or EIN of responsible party. Write "Foreign" if you have none.
- Line 8a: Type of entity — check "Limited Liability Company"
- Line 8c: Number of LLC members (1 for SMLLC, 2+ for MMLLC)
- Line 9a: Reason for applying — select "Started new business" or "Banking purposes"
- Line 10: Date business started (LLC formation date)
- Line 11: Closing month of accounting year (usually December)
Step 3: Choose Fax or Mail Submission
The IRS accepts Form SS-4 from international applicants via:
- Fax: Send to (855) 641-6935. Faster processing (2–4 weeks). Include a cover sheet with your contact email for the IRS to send the EIN confirmation.
- Mail: Send to Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0215, USA. Slower processing (4–6 weeks or longer).
Tip: Fax is strongly recommended. It is faster and creates a digital trail. Use an online fax service if you do not have physical fax access.
Step 4: Receive Your EIN Confirmation
The IRS will send a CP 575 Notice (EIN Assignment Letter) to the mailing address on Line 4. If you used your registered agent's address, ensure they forward official mail to you promptly. This letter is your official proof of EIN—guard it carefully.
Common Mistakes Non-Residents Make
- Using the online EIN application (requires SSN/ITIN and rejects foreign addresses)
- Leaving Line 7b blank instead of writing "Foreign"
- Using a business entity as the responsible party (must be a natural person)
- Applying before the LLC is officially approved by the state
- Using a P.O. Box as the principal business address (IRS requires a physical street address)
- Not keeping the CP 575 Notice (needed for banking and tax filings forever)
Using a Third Party to Obtain Your EIN
If you prefer not to handle IRS paperwork yourself, several services can act as your authorized third party:
| Service | Cost | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $50–$100 | 2–4 weeks | Includes EIN retrieval with formation bundle |
| ZenBusiness | $70 | 2–4 weeks | Add-on during checkout |
| Bizee | $70 | 2–4 weeks | Free tax consultation included |
| CPA/Attorney | $200–$500 | 2–4 weeks | Best for complex structures |
When using a third party, you must sign Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or provide a signed authorization letter allowing them to receive your EIN on your behalf.
After You Get Your EIN: Next Steps
- Verify EIN: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at +1 (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free) to confirm your EIN is active.
- Open a U.S. Bank Account: Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business support non-resident LLCs. Some require a U.S. visit (Chase, Bank of America).
- Register for State Taxes: If your LLC operates in a state with sales tax or income tax, register with the state revenue department.
- File Form 5472: Foreign-owned Single-Member LLCs must file this annually to report related-party transactions, even if no tax is due.
- Obtain an ITIN (Optional): If you need to file a U.S. personal tax return, apply for an ITIN using Form W-7. This is separate from the EIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EIN online without an SSN?
No. The IRS EIN Assistant online portal requires an SSN or ITIN for identity verification. Non-residents must use Form SS-4 via fax or mail.
Do I need an ITIN before getting an EIN?
No. An ITIN is not required. The EIN is for your business; the ITIN is for your personal tax obligations. They are independent applications.
How long does it really take for non-residents?
Fax submissions typically take 2–4 weeks. Mail submissions take 4–6 weeks, but international mail delays can extend this to 8–10 weeks.
Can I use my home country address on Form SS-4?
Yes, but using a U.S. registered agent address is often better for banking and IRS correspondence reliability.
Is the EIN application free?
Yes, the IRS does not charge for EIN issuance. Third-party services charge for convenience and expertise, but the government fee is $0.
What if the IRS rejects my application?
Common rejections are due to mismatched LLC names or missing "Foreign" on Line 7b. Resubmit with corrections. If rejected due to duplicate EIN suspicions, call the IRS to clarify.
Get Your EIN and Start Operating
The EIN is your gateway to U.S. banking, credit, and legitimacy. File Form SS-4 by fax today, and you'll be operational within a month.