Can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes. Foreign nationals can obtain an EIN without an SSN by faxing IRS Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935 or calling (267) 941-1099. Write 'Foreign' in the SSN field on Line 7b. The EIN is free and typically issued within 4 business days via fax.

How long does it take to get an EIN as a foreigner?

By fax: 4-5 business days. By phone: same day (if you get through — expect 30-60+ minute hold times). By mail: 4-6 weeks. By third-party service: 5-10 business days.

Do I need to form my LLC before applying for an EIN?

Yes. You must have a legally formed entity (LLC or corporation) before applying for an EIN. File your Articles of Organization with your chosen state first, then apply for the EIN using the exact legal entity name.

What is the IRS fax number for EIN applications?

Domestic fax: (855) 641-6935. International fax: (304) 707-9471. Include a cover sheet with your return fax number or email. The IRS will fax your EIN assignment letter (CP 575) back within 4 business days.

EIN Without SSN: How Foreigners Get an IRS Tax ID in 2026

Sergei Tokmakov, Attorney — California Bar #279869

Key Takeaway

You do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. Fax IRS Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935 with "Foreign" in the SSN field — you'll receive your EIN within 4 business days. Form your LLC first, then apply for the EIN. The EIN is free. Use our Entity Comparison Tool to decide between LLC and C-Corp before applying.

What is an EIN and Why Do You Need One?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called a Federal Tax ID Number, is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to business entities. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your company. Every US LLC and corporation needs one.

You need an EIN to:

Open a US business bank account
File federal tax returns for your entity
Hire employees in the United States
Apply for business licenses and permits
Establish business credit
Accept payments through US payment processors

Good News for Foreign Investors

You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to obtain an EIN for your business. The IRS has specific procedures for foreign applicants.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your EIN Without an SSN

Foreign nationals cannot use the IRS online EIN application - that system requires an SSN or ITIN. Instead, you have three options: fax, mail, or phone. I recommend the fax method for most clients.

Form Your US Entity First

Before applying for an EIN, you must have a legally formed entity. This means:

File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation with your chosen state
Receive confirmation from the Secretary of State
Have your formation documents ready - you will need exact entity name and formation date

Most clients choose Delaware or Wyoming for their LLCs. The EIN application requires your exact legal entity name as registered with the state.

Appoint a Responsible Party

The IRS requires a "responsible party" for every EIN application. This is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the entity. For foreign-owned LLCs:

The responsible party can be a foreign national
You will enter your foreign passport information instead of SSN
Use your foreign address if you do not have a US address
Only one person can be the responsible party

Complete IRS Form SS-4

Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov. Key fields for foreign applicants:

Line 1: Legal name of entity exactly as registered with state
Line 4a-b: Mailing address (can be foreign)
Line 7a: Name of responsible party (foreign national)
Line 7b: Leave SSN/ITIN blank - write "Foreign" or "N/A"
Line 9a: Type of entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
Line 10: Reason for applying (Started new business)
Line 18: Check if this is a foreign applicant

Submit via Fax (Recommended)

Fax your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. This is the fastest non-phone method for foreign applicants:

Domestic fax: (855) 641-6935
International fax: (304) 707-9471
Include a cover sheet with your return fax number or email
The IRS typically responds within 4 business days
They will fax your EIN assignment letter back to you
Limit: One EIN per responsible party per day — do not resubmit before 62 days if rejected

Receive Your EIN Confirmation

Once approved, the IRS will send you:

CP 575 Notice - Your official EIN assignment letter
This letter is critical - banks require it to open accounts
Keep both faxed confirmation and mailed letter safe
Your EIN is active immediately upon assignment

Alternative EIN Application Methods

Method	Processing Time	Best For	Notes
Fax	4-5 business days	Most foreign applicants	Fastest non-phone option; recommended
Phone	Same day (if you get through)	Urgent needs, English speakers	Call (267) 941-1099; long hold times; not toll-free
Mail	4-6 weeks	No rush, paper trail needed	Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Third-Party Service	5-10 business days	Those who want assistance	Registered agent or attorney can apply on your behalf

Phone Application Tips

Call +1 (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free). Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Be prepared for hold times of 30-60+ minutes. Have your Form SS-4 fully completed before calling. The representative will ask for all the same information and assign your EIN during the call. This is the fastest method — you get your EIN instantly during the phone call.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Entity Name Mismatch

Your EIN application will be rejected if the entity name does not exactly match your state registration. Check for:

Exact spelling, including punctuation and spacing
Include "LLC" or "Inc." exactly as registered
Watch for "The" at the beginning of company names

Wrong Entity Type

On Line 9a, select the correct entity type:

Single-member LLC: Check "LLC" and write "1" for number of members
Multi-member LLC: Check "LLC" and write the actual number of members
Corporation: Check "Corporation (or LLC electing corporate status)"

Responsible Party Confusion

The responsible party must be an individual, not another company. Even if your LLC is owned by a foreign company, a human being must be listed as the responsible party.

Multiple Applications

Never submit multiple EIN applications for the same entity. If your first application is lost or delayed, call the IRS to check status before reapplying. Having two EINs for one entity creates serious tax complications.

After You Receive Your EIN

With your EIN in hand, you can now:

Open a US Business Bank Account

Most banks require your EIN assignment letter (CP 575), Articles of Organization, and Operating Agreement. Some banks allow remote account opening for foreign owners; others require an in-person visit.

Set Up Payment Processing

Apply for Stripe, PayPal Business, or other payment processors. Your EIN is required for all US payment accounts.

Handle Ongoing Tax Obligations

Foreign-owned LLCs have specific reporting requirements, including:

Form 5472 - Information Return (annual, due with tax return)
Form 1120 or 1065 depending on tax election
State tax returns if operating in the US

Practical Tips

Fax is fastest: The IRS online application requires an SSN — it won't work for foreigners. Fax Form SS-4 for 4-day turnaround, or call (267) 941-1099 for same-day if you can handle hold times.
Get your LLC first: You cannot apply for an EIN without a formed entity. Form your LLC, then immediately fax SS-4.
Keep the CP 575 letter: Banks require the original EIN assignment letter (CP 575) to open accounts. Do not lose it — getting a replacement (Form 147C) takes weeks.
One EIN per entity: Never submit duplicate applications. If rejected, wait 62 days before resubmitting. Call the IRS to check status first.
File Form 5472 after: Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 annually — $25,000 penalty for failure to file.

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Need Help With Your EIN Application?

I handle EIN applications for foreign investors as part of my entity formation services. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.

Sergei Tokmakov, Attorney — California Bar #279869

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