EIN - Bizstartz LLC

How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (2026): A Non-Resident’s Guide

Posted on July 30, 2026July 30, 2026 by Kiran Kauri

You can get an EIN without an SSN — a Social Security Number is not required to obtain a US federal tax ID. Every year thousands of non-resident founders form a US company and request an EIN (Employer Identification Number, the IRS’s nine-digit tax ID for businesses) without ever setting foot in the United States. The catch is that the fast online application is closed to applicants who lack an SSN or ITIN, so you have to know the manual path. This 2026 guide walks through exactly how it works — the line-by-line form entries, the three filing channels and their real turnaround times, and the mistakes that add weeks to your wait.

If you are still deciding on a structure first, our overview of the US LLC explains why most non-residents start there before applying for an EIN.

What an EIN Is — and Why You Need One

An EIN is to your business what an SSN is to a person: a permanent federal identification number. The IRS uses it to track your entity, and almost every other provider asks for it. You will need an EIN to:

Open a US business bank account;
Apply for Stripe, PayPal or other payment processors;
Hire US contractors or employees;
File required IRS returns such as Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs;
Apply for business licences and wholesale accounts.

In short, your company is barely functional until it has one — which is why getting an EIN without an SSN is one of the first things foreign founders sort out after formation.

Why You Don’t Need an SSN to Get an EIN

The IRS issues EINs to “responsible parties” who may be individuals or entities, US or foreign. The online EIN assistant simply requires the responsible party to enter an SSN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for instant verification — which is why it is restricted to people who have one. It is a limitation of the online tool, not of EIN eligibility itself. Foreign founders apply on paper instead, and the IRS has a dedicated process for exactly this situation.

The authority for this sits in the IRS’s own instructions. The Instructions for Form SS-4 direct you to “enter ‘foreign’ or N/A on line 7b if the responsible party doesn’t have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN.” That single sentence is the whole basis of the non-resident route — there is no special programme to apply to and no waiver to request.

EIN vs ITIN vs SSN — Don’t Confuse Them

Number	Belongs to	Needed to get an EIN?
EIN	A business	—
SSN	A US citizen/resident individual	No
ITIN	A non-resident individual (for personal tax)	No

You do not need an ITIN or an SSN to be issued an EIN. People often apply for an ITIN unnecessarily — for most founders, the EIN alone is enough to operate. See the section on whether you also need an ITIN further down before you spend money on one.

How to Get an EIN Without an SSN: Step by Step

The whole process runs on a single form, Form SS-4, the Application for Employer Identification Number.

Form your US entity first. You generally need a registered company (an LLC or corporation) before the EIN makes sense. Keep your Articles of Organization handy.
Complete Form SS-4. Fill in the legal name, mailing address, entity type and reason for applying. A foreign address is completely fine.
Handle line 7b — the SSN/ITIN field. This is the line that trips people up. If the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN, write “Foreign” in box 7b. This is the IRS-approved entry for non-resident applicants.
Submit by phone, fax or mail. International applicants have all three channels available; each has a very different turnaround, covered below.
Receive your EIN. Phone can be same-call, fax is generally about four business days, and mail takes roughly four weeks.

Form SS-4 Line by Line for a Non-Resident

Most rejected and stalled applications come down to two or three boxes filled in the way a US resident would fill them. This is what each line means when you are applying from abroad for a foreign-owned LLC.

Line	What it asks	What a non-resident enters
1	Legal name of entity	Exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization — including “LLC”. Any mismatch here is the most common cause of trouble later at the bank.
2	Trade name / DBA	Leave blank unless you have actually registered one.
3	Executor, administrator, trustee	Leave blank.
4a–4b	Mailing address	Your registered agent’s US address or your own foreign address. This is where the paper EIN letter goes, so use an address you can actually receive post at.
5a–5b	Street address	Only if different from line 4. A foreign address is acceptable — enter city, province and country, and do not abbreviate the country.
6	County and state where principal business is located	The US state of formation (for example, Sheridan County, Wyoming).
7a	Name of responsible party	Your own full legal name as it appears on your passport. This must be a real human being with control over the entity — not your formation agent.
7b	SSN, ITIN or EIN of responsible party	“Foreign” (or “N/A”). This is the line the whole guide exists for.
8a–8c	Is this an LLC? Members? Organised in the US?	“Yes”, the number of members, and “Yes”.
9a	Type of entity	A single-member LLC with a foreign owner normally ticks “Other” and writes “Foreign-owned US disregarded entity”. A multi-member LLC is a partnership by default.
10	Reason for applying	“Started new business” for most founders. Tick “Banking purposes” only if that is genuinely the sole reason.
11	Date business started	Your formation date from the state.
12	Closing month of accounting year	December, unless you have a specific reason to differ.
13	Expected number of employees	Zero in all three columns if you have no US staff. Do not guess high — it can trigger employment-tax filing expectations.
14	Employment tax election	Leave blank if you have no employees.
16	Principal activity	Be specific and plain: “e-commerce retail”, “software development”, “digital marketing services”.
17	Principal merchandise or services	One line describing what you actually sell.
18	Has the applicant ever received an EIN?	“No” for a newly formed entity.
Third Party Designee	Someone authorised to receive the EIN for you	Optional — see the section below. Requires their name, address, phone and fax.
Signature	Name, title, date, phone, fax	Sign it. An unsigned SS-4 is returned without being processed. Include a fax number if you want the reply by fax.

Print and sign the form rather than typing a signature into the PDF — a wet signature on a faxed form causes fewer questions.

The Three Filing Channels, and How Long Each Really Takes

The EIN is free through every channel, so the only thing you are choosing is speed and hassle. Details below are drawn from the current Instructions for Form SS-4 — always confirm on the IRS page before you send anything, because these details do change.

Channel	Where it goes	Typical turnaround
Phone (international applicants only)	+1 267-941-1099, 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday to Friday. Not toll-free.	Same call, in many cases
Fax	304-707-9471 from outside the US (855-215-1627 if you are faxing from inside the US)	About 4 business days
Mail	Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999	About 4 weeks

The phone channel is the one most guides get wrong. The IRS stopped issuing EINs by telephone to domestic applicants years ago, which is why you will read “you cannot get an EIN by phone” all over the internet. That is true for US residents and false for you: the international line still exists precisely because foreign applicants cannot use the online tool.

Calling the IRS from Your Time Zone

The line runs 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern. That window is more generous than it looks from Asia, but it does cross midnight in most of the countries our clients call from. Approximate local equivalents during US daylight saving (roughly March to November — shift each by one hour in the US winter):

Your location	Line opens	Line closes
Nigeria (WAT)	11:00 a.m.	4:00 a.m. next day
UAE (GST)	2:00 p.m.	7:00 a.m. next day
Pakistan (PKT)	3:00 p.m.	8:00 a.m. next day
India (IST)	3:30 p.m.	8:30 a.m. next day
Nepal (NPT)	3:45 p.m.	8:45 a.m. next day
Philippines (PHT)	6:00 p.m.	11:00 a.m. next day

Have the completed SS-4 in front of you before you dial — the agent works through the form in order and will ask you to read the answers back. Expect to be asked to confirm your name as responsible party and to spell the entity name. Write down the EIN when the agent gives it to you, then ask how the confirmation letter will be sent.

How to Fax if You Have No Fax Machine

Almost nobody in Karachi, Lagos or Kathmandu owns a fax machine, and this is where founders stall for weeks. You do not need hardware — any of the online fax services will send a PDF to a US fax number for a small fee, usually a couple of dollars or a short free trial. Practical points:

Send the signed SS-4 as a single clean PDF, portrait orientation, at a normal scan resolution;
Include a brief cover page with the entity name and your fax number for the reply;
Keep the transmission confirmation — it is your only evidence of the send date;
If you want the EIN faxed back, your own receiving fax number must be on the form. A service that gives you an inbound number is worth the extra dollar, because a faxed reply arrives days before the posted letter;
Do not send the same application twice. Duplicate submissions can produce two EINs for one entity, which is genuinely painful to unwind.

Documents and Details You’ll Need

The exact legal name and address of your US company;
The responsible party’s full legal name and foreign address;
Your entity type (most non-residents check “LLC” and report the number of members);
A reason for applying — usually “Started new business.”

You do not need a US address, US phone number, ITIN or SSN. If you do not have a US phone number, you can leave that field blank or use your international number.

Who Counts as the “Responsible Party”

The IRS wants a named human being who actually controls the entity — the person who can direct its funds and assets. For a single-member LLC that is you, the owner. For a multi-member LLC it is one of the members, typically whoever manages the company.

Two rules matter here. First, the responsible party cannot be a nominee. Using a formation agent, a friend with an SSN, or any stand-in as the responsible party in order to unlock the online application is not a shortcut — it puts false information on a federal form and creates an entity whose IRS record does not match its owner. It also tends to surface later, at exactly the wrong moment, when a bank compares your formation documents against the EIN letter. Second, the online tool limits applicants to one EIN per responsible party per day; that limit is irrelevant to you if you are filing on paper, but it explains a lot of confusing advice you will read elsewhere.

Using a Third-Party Designee

If you would rather not handle the IRS directly, you can authorise a third-party designee on Form SS-4 to receive the EIN on your behalf. Many formation services offer this. Remember two things: the EIN itself is always free from the IRS — you are paying only for the service — and the responsible party should still be you, the true owner, not the agent. A designee’s authority also ends once the EIN is issued; it is not an ongoing power of attorney.

What Arrives, and What to Do With It

The IRS confirmation is a letter called the CP 575. If you applied by fax you will normally receive a faxed cover sheet carrying the EIN first, with the CP 575 following by post. This letter is the document your bank, Stripe, Amazon and Payoneer will all eventually ask for.

Save it in three places the day it arrives — a cloud drive, your own device, and a copy with whoever handles your bookkeeping. The IRS does not re-issue the CP 575. If you lose it, the replacement is a different document called a 147C letter, which you request by calling the same international line and asking for EIN verification. A 147C is accepted everywhere the CP 575 is, so a lost letter is an inconvenience rather than a disaster — but it is another two to four weeks you will not want to spend.

If Nothing Arrives

Silence is the normal failure mode, not rejection. If you faxed and have heard nothing after roughly two weeks, or posted and heard nothing after six, call the international line, confirm whether the application was received, and ask whether an EIN was already assigned before you resend anything. Applications most often go quiet for mundane reasons: an unsigned form, an illegible fax, a missing line 7b entry, or an entity name that does not match state records.

Resist the urge to file a fresh SS-4 as a fix. If an EIN was already issued, a second application creates a duplicate record attached to the same company, and correcting that takes considerably longer than the wait you were trying to shorten.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

Leaving box 7b blank. The IRS may reject or stall the application — write “Foreign.”
Paying a “fee” to the IRS. The EIN is free. You only pay if you hire a third party to file for you.
Using a US-resident fax/mail address. Non-residents must use the international filing destination in the instructions.
Applying before the company exists. Form your LLC or corporation first.
Name mismatches. The name on Form SS-4 must match your formation documents exactly.
Forgetting to sign. An unsigned SS-4 is not processed, and you will not be told why.
Overstating employees on line 13. Entering a number when you have no US staff invites employment-tax notices you then have to answer.
Filing twice out of impatience. Duplicate EINs for one entity are far harder to fix than a slow first application.

Do You Also Need an ITIN?

Usually not, and this is where founders waste the most money. An ITIN is a personal tax number for an individual who has a US filing obligation of their own. It is not a prerequisite for an EIN, a bank account, or a payment processor.

You generally look at an ITIN only when you personally have to file a US return — for example if you have income effectively connected to a US trade or business, or you need to claim a treaty benefit. Getting the EIN first and revisiting the ITIN question at tax time, with an accountant who knows your country’s treaty position, is the cheaper order of operations for most people.

What You Can Do Once You Have an EIN

An EIN unlocks the rest of your US business setup: opening a US business bank account, applying for Stripe or PayPal, hiring contractors, and meeting IRS filing duties. Store the IRS confirmation letter somewhere safe — banks and processors frequently ask to see it, and the IRS does not casually re-issue it.

It also starts your compliance calendar. A foreign-owned single-member LLC generally has to file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 each year, and that filing is impossible without an EIN — which is the real reason to apply early rather than waiting until a bank asks. Your state has its own annual obligations on top: in Wyoming that is an annual report with a $60 minimum fee.

How Long It Takes and What It Costs

The EIN is free, so the only variable is speed. The method you choose decides how long you wait:

Method	Typical turnaround	Notes
Phone (international line)	Same call, when available	Agent reads the EIN to you; confirm hours first
Fax	~4 business days	Most reliable quick option for non-residents
Mail	4 weeks or more	Slowest; use only if fax is not possible

Plan your timeline backwards from when you need a bank account or Stripe. If you are on a deadline, fax — and apply as soon as your formation documents are issued, because there is nothing else to wait for. Note that the turnaround clock starts when the IRS opens your application, not when you send it, and that processing slows noticeably around the April filing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EIN without an ITIN too? Yes. Neither an SSN nor an ITIN is required. Write “Foreign” on line 7b.

Is the EIN really free? Yes — the IRS never charges for an EIN. Third-party filing services charge for convenience only.

How long is an EIN valid? Indefinitely. It is tied to your entity for life and is not re-issued each year.

Can I open Stripe with just an EIN? Generally yes — an EIN plus your formation documents and a US business bank account is the standard stack for non-resident founders.

Can I really get an EIN by phone as a foreigner? Yes. The international line on +1 267-941-1099 exists for applicants without an SSN or ITIN, even though the IRS no longer issues EINs by phone to US residents.

Do I need a US address or US phone number? No. A foreign address and foreign phone number are both acceptable on Form SS-4.

Can my formation agent be the responsible party? No. The responsible party must be a person who genuinely controls the entity. An agent can be listed as third-party designee instead.

I lost my CP 575 — what now? Call the international line and request a 147C letter. It serves the same purpose and is accepted by banks and processors.

Do I need an EIN before opening a bank account? Yes, in practice. Every US bank and fintech that serves non-resident LLCs asks for the EIN and the IRS letter as part of onboarding.

Does having an EIN mean I owe US tax? No. An EIN is an identifier, not a tax liability. Whether you owe US tax depends on where your income is effectively connected and on any treaty between your country and the US.

Bottom line: you can absolutely get an EIN without an SSN — file Form SS-4 with “Foreign” in box 7b, call the international line or fax it, and you will have your federal tax ID in days rather than months. Start with the right structure using our US LLC guide, or let us handle the EIN application for you as part of formation.

This guide is general information about IRS procedure, not tax or legal advice. Form numbers, filing destinations and processing times change — verify the current details on IRS.gov or speak to a cross-border tax professional about your own situation.

What is a 147c Letter? Why Do You Need One?

Posted on May 19, 2025July 31, 2026 by Kiran Kauri

When it comes to operating a business within the United States, one of the more underrated forms of documentation is the IRS 147c Letter which, just like any other business document, has its own specific purpose.

If you have, at any point, tried validating your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or required asserting your business identity to a financial institution, government agency, or even a vendor, the 147c Letter serves as an invaluable asset.

This guide will explain everything there is to know about the 147c Letter, detailing why it is important, what other people might request it, the processes involved in obtaining one, and the role of Bizstartz in helping you get it seamlessly.

What is a 147c letter?

This is a document that serves as proof confirming the association of an entity with an Employee Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In simpler terms, the IRS 147c Letter is an official document issued by the IRS confirming the association of a business name and EIN for a company. It acts as an EIN verification letter when the original CP 575 EIN confirmation letter is misplaced.

Upon applying for an EIN, the IRS confirms your application by sending a CP575 notice, however this letter can be easily misfiled or lost, especially if you move houses, forgot to update files or delete files digitally. In those scenarios, the 147c Letter helps fill in the gaps.

The letter cannot be obtained online and needs to be requested from the IRS directly. It proves your EIN number and is in most instances accepted by banks and partnering businesses as sufficient identification of your entity’s legal existence.

What Information is on a 147c Letter?

A 147c Letter contains the basic identification details of your business extracted from the IRS records. Following is what the letter typically entails:

Business Legal Name: As filed with the IRS during the EIN issuance application.

Employer Identification Number (EIN): Your unique federal tax identification number consisting of 9 digits.

Business Address: Address registered with the IRS concerning your entity.

Entity Type: Whether your business is LLC, C Corporation, S Corporation, Partnership etc.

Date the EIN Was Assigned: Helpful in verifying applicable history for your business.

IRS Contact Information: Containing the IRS section and office telephone number in the instance additional confirmation is required.

When dealing with organizations and businesses that require government-issued documents and trustworthy identification, this document provides an undeniable assurance as well as an official confirmation of your EIN.

Who Would Request a 147c Letter?

Before providing services or approving applications, numerous agencies require formal verification of your EIN as a form of identification. Following are some examples of entities that are likely to request your 147c Letter:

1. Banks and Financial Institutions

While opening a business bank account with a corporation or applying for a loan, banks especially request for Proof of EIN. In case you have lost your CP 575, the 147c Letter can acts as a substitute.

2. Government Agencies

Local and state licensing departments often verify the EIN for registration purposes while issuing business permits, licenses or sales tax registrations. These departments frequently need to verify that your business is registered with the federal government.

3. Vendors and Suppliers

Particularly larger suppliers such as those providing credit or extended terms may use these to check if your business is registered with the IRS. They often seek to confirm that your business is legitimate and formally registered before any contracts are signed.

4. Payroll and HR Services

Tax reporting under the correct business entity is a requirement when onboarding employees, thus it is common for payroll providers to verify EIN prior to filing taxes.

5. Credit Agencies and Lendors

Lines of credit, business credit cards, and financing partners wish to see confirmed documentation of your EIN to validate your business identity and mitigate identity theft.

In all these matters, the 147c Letter serves as a confirmation of your business identity and registration with the IRS for a federal tax number.

Why is a 147c Letter Important?

The 147c Letter is much more than a mere formality. The letter is crucial in providing seamless functioning, while reducing bureaucracy in administrative processes.

Here are a few reasons why the 147c letter is important:

✅ Official EIN Verification

The only document issued by the IRS which can replace the CP 575 EIN confirmation letter is the 147c Letter. The letter serves as proof of an EIN and its validation comes from the IRS itself.

✅ Required for Business Operations

Bank account openings and licenses applications are governed by EIN verification. Without a 147c Letter or CP575, one may encounter several obstacles in various aspects of business operation or setup.

✅ Avoiding Delays and Rejections

Insufficient compliance in EIN verification is a common reason why banks, creditors, and even some government institutions may reject applications or delay processing. The possession of a 147c Letter means that you can readily meet such requests without frustrating delays.

✅ Peace of Mind and Compliance

In addition to helping with practical matters, the 147c Letter protects your business as it operates in compliance and in a manner that is credible with institutions that need to matter.

How To Request A 147c Letter From The IRS: Step by Step Guide

Acquiring a 147c Letter for the purpose of verifying your EIN is a very easy process as long as you follow the guidelines. To make the request as easy and streamlined as possible, make sure to follow the guide listed below:

Step 1: Prepare Required Information

Make sure that the essential information is in your possession to make the call to IRS. The details that you will need include:

The business’s legal name (as registered with the IRS)
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The address the IRS has on record for the business
An explanation as to why the information is needed, example: confirmation of the EIN, bank requirements, etc.

Being armed with this information ensures that you will not face delays in the review process.

Step 2: Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line

To obtain your 147c Letter, you must contact the IRS directly at:

Phone: 1-800-829-4933
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (local time)

To request a 147c Letter, this is the only method that the IRS offers. Online and email requests are not accepted.

Step 3: Confirm Your Identity and Authorization

IRS representatives require you to verify your identity and your authority to act for the business, so once the line is connected, you will have to answer questions regarding.

Prepare the following:

State your full name and position in the business (owner, partner, officer, etc.)
Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Provide any extra verification information that the IRS may ask for.

Only those listed as an authorized contact on the IRS record can request for this letter.

Step 4: Request the 147c Letter

After confirming your identity, inform the representative that you intend to request a 147c Letter confirming your EIN. At that point, you will be asked about your preferred method of receiving the letter.

By Fax (Fastest Option): If you value speed, ask the letter to be sent via fax. Just ensure you provide a secure fax number.
By Mail: In situations where a fax machine is not readily available, the IRS can send the letter through the postal service to the address on file.
Note: This method in receiving the letter may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on postal delivery times.

Step 5: Confirm and Safeguard the Letter

Review the document thoroughly to ensure there were no mistakes with the business name, address, and EIN number.
Store the letter safely in case it is needed for business bank accounts, licenses, or other official documents.

If any discrepancies are identified, reach out to the IRS immediately to update the record.

What is the Process of Receiving a 147C Letter from the IRS?

After going through identity verification steps with the IRS, the requested letter will be sent through one of the following ways:

📠 Fax

In case you have access to a fax machine, the 147c Letter can be sent to you immediately after the phone call. This is the fastest way of receiving the document, which can come through within minutes.

📬 Mail

If a fax isn’t available, the IRS will be able to mail the letter to the business address in their records. This option takes 7 – 14 business days depending on your location and USPS delivery timelines.

Tip: It is extremely important to keep your IRS records current. If your address has changed and is not reflected in the IRS records, the letter is likely to be sent to the wrong location.

How Can Bizstartz Assist in Filing a 147C Letter

We at Bizstartz take pride in supporting business owners across the globe in registering and managing businesses in the US. Regardless of whether you are new in becoming a business founder or a seasoned business owner, dealing with the IRS is always complex, more so for overseas citizens.

This is precisely why we are here.

This is how Bizstartz will assist you with your 147c Letter:

✅ Interaction with IRS: We make the call to the IRS for you (with your permission), so you do not have to sit on hold or pass through screens of menus.

✅ Fast Deliveries: We guarantee fast delivery either by fax or mail of the 147c Letter.

✅ Bilingual Support Worldwide: We help foreign non-residents and foreign entrepreneurs cope with IRS paperwork in a timely and hassle-free manner.

✅ Other Services: If you require more than just a 147c Letter, we also provide EIN registration, ITINs, BOI filings, bookkeeping, provide registered agent services and set up US bank accounts – all in one place.

Reducing the frustration associated with compliance is our number one goal so you can concentrate on what is important, expanding your company.

Get Your 147c Letter with Minimal Effort

If you need quick verification to keep your business operations running smoothly, or have misplaced your EIN letter, don’t hassle with the IRS’s long wait times. With Bizstartz, you get the value of having the entire process handled with expert oversight, all while being guided securely and efficiently through every stage of the procedure.

👉 Reach out to us today for more information on requesting your 147c letter and to find out about other services related to business compliance in the United States.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is it possible for me to place an order for a 147c Letter on the internet?

No. There is no online option provided for requesting a 147c Letter and it must be done over the telephone with the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.

How long does it take to receive the letter?

If the letter is sent by fax, you’ll have it in your hand immediately after the call. If you are mailed, it may take between 7 – 14 working days for you to receive it based on your geographical location and the postal service.

What’s the difference between the CP 575 and the 147c Letter?

The CP 575 letter is the original EIN confirmation letter that is issued when you apply for an EIN. The 147c letter is a reissued confirmation but serves as a valid substitute when CP 575 is lost.

Can I have someone else call the IRS for me?

The request can only be made by someone who is listed as an authorized person in the IRS records (like a business owner or an officer). As for now, Bizstartz is able to help you with this as long as you give them the right instructions through IRS Form 2848 or 8821.

Will banks accept a 147c Letter to open an account?

Yes. A 147c Letter is most accepted by banks in the US as proof of EIN Quote when opening a business account especially where CP 575 is unavailable.

Related Guides

Need the EIN itself sorted? Our EIN application service files it for you, including the non-resident paper route.

What is an EIN Number? Why Do You Need an EIN Number?

Posted on May 16, 2025July 31, 2026 by Kiran Kauri

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a free 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. For a non-resident-owned US LLC, it is a hard operational requirement, not a formality.

Without an EIN, you cannot open a US bank account, activate Stripe payment processing, or file required IRS returns. These gates do not open without it.

Here is the critical constraint competitors ignore: the IRS online EIN application requires an SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Non-residents without either cannot use it.

According to the IRS, non-residents must apply via Form SS-4 — the paper application submitted by fax, mail, or the IRS international phone line. Everything you need to understand about the EIN process is covered on the EIN page.

This page explains what an EIN is, why it is non-negotiable, how non-residents obtain one, and what to expect by country.

What Is an EIN? Definition, Format, and Key Documents

EIN Definition Block

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax purposes. The format is always XX-XXXXXXX — a hyphen after the second digit. IRC §6109 (Internal Revenue Code Section 6109) is the statutory basis requiring taxpayer identification numbers on tax filings.

The IRS issues EINs completely free of charge. According to IRS Publication 1635 (‘Understanding Your EIN’), any fee you pay to a formation service covers Form SS-4 preparation labor, not the EIN itself.

After the IRS assigns your EIN, it is valid immediately. The CP 575 a paper confirmation letter, is mailed separately, arriving 2–6 weeks later. The CP 575 is not the EIN. Do not wait for it before opening a bank account or activating Stripe.

EIN vs SSN vs ITIN: Comparison Table

Dimension	EIN	SSN	ITIN
Full Name	Employer Identification Number	Social Security Number	Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
What it identifies	Business entity	US individual	Non-resident individual (personal tax)
Issued by	IRS	Social Security Administration (SSA)	IRS (via Form W-7)
Who needs it	US businesses, including LLCs and corporations	US citizens and eligible work-authorized residents	Non-residents with US tax filing obligations who are not eligible for an SSN
Primary purpose	Business tax reporting and identification	Personal identification, employment, taxes, and benefits	Personal tax reporting only
Free to obtain	Yes	Yes	Yes
Non-resident can obtain	Yes	No	Yes
Required for LLC formation	Usually required after formation	No	No
Used to open a US business bank account	Commonly required	Not required for the business itself	Sometimes requested for owner verification
Used for personal tax returns	No	Yes	Yes
Can be used for employment in the US	No	Yes	No
Can build personal credit history	No	Yes	Generally no
Format	9 digits (XX-XXXXXXX)	9 digits (XXX-XX-XXXX)	9 digits (9XX-XX-XXXX)
Validity	Remains with the business	Remains with the individual	May expire if not used on tax returns for several years
Non-resident LLC owner typically needs	Yes	Not eligible	Only if personal US tax obligations require it

Seven Reasons a Non-Resident US LLC Owner Must Have an EIN

1. US Business Bank Account (Mercury, Wise, Relay)

Mercury requires a US LLC and an EIN (Employer Identification Number US business tax ID) to open a business account. No SSN or US address is needed from the founder. Mercury is a fintech, not a bank deposits are FDIC-insured via partner banks Choice Financial Group and Column N.A.

Note: according to Mercury prohibited-countries list, founders domiciled in Nigeria, Pakistan, or the Philippines cannot apply. India and UAE founders may apply subject to standard KYC checks.

2. Stripe and Payment Processor Activation

Stripe requires a verified EIN to fully activate payment processing on a US LLC account. Stripe determines eligibility by where the business is registered, not where the founder lives.

This matters directly for founders from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Local Stripe access is restricted or unavailable in those countries. A US LLC registration unlocks full USD Stripe access regardless of the founder’s nationality.

Founders running e-commerce operations should also review whether they need an EIN specifically for their sales model Do I Need an EIN for Dropshipping covers that question in detail.

3. IRS Tax and Information Return Filing

Every federal filing, Form 1065 (partnership return), Form 5472, and all payroll forms, requires your EIN. The IRS cannot process returns without it.

Zero US income does not eliminate your filing obligation. A foreign-owned LLC with no revenue may still owe an information return.

4. Form 5472: The Filing Non-Residents Cannot Skip

Form 5472 is an IRS information return for foreign-owned single-member US LLCs. It is filed with a pro-forma Form 1120 annually whenever there are reportable transactions, including capital contributions and distributions.

The penalty for failure to file is $25,000 per form per year under IRC §6038A. An additional $25,000 applies for every 30-day period after 90 days from IRS notice. There is no maximum cap.

A multi-member LLC files Form 1065 instead, due March 15 (extension to September 15). That return also requires an EIN.

5–7. Contractors, Licenses, and Personal Privacy

Paying a contractor requires an EIN on IRS Form 1099-NEC. Most state business license applications ask for one. Using an EIN instead of a personal SSN or ITIN on business documents reduces personal identity exposure.

Before issuing a 1099-NEC, you collect a W-9 from each US contractor you pay, Form W-9 Explained in Detail covers how that works and when a W-8 applies instead for non-residents.

How Non-Residents Apply for an EIN Without an SSN

Why the IRS Online Application Is Closed to Non-Residents

The IRS online EIN application requires an SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Most non-residents have neither. The online portal blocks you entirely, not as a policy choice, but as a hard technical gate. Your three options are fax, phone, or mail.

Method 1: Fax Form SS-4 (Recommended)

Form SS-4 is the IRS application for an EIN. Understanding What is Form SS-4 before you fill it out reduces errors that delay processing. The IRS routes fax applications by where the entity is located not where the owner lives:

– Entity with a principal business, office, or legal residence in a US state or DC: fax 855-641-6935 (EIN Operation, Cincinnati). A US LLC with a registered-agent address in its formation state generally qualifies for this line.
– Entity with no presence in any US state: fax 855-215-1627 from within the US, or 304-707-9471 from outside the US (EIN International Operation, Cincinnati).

Many non-resident filers use the international line; either way, include a return fax number on your SS-4. According to the IRS, the EIN arrives back by fax in approximately 4 business days. Without a return fax number, the IRS mails it adding approximately 4 weeks.

Founders in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh should fax rather than mail to avoid postal delays.

During IRS high-inventory periods, including the January–April tax season fax processing may extend beyond 4 business days.

Method 2: IRS International Phone Line

Call 267-941-1099, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern. According to the IRS, the EIN can be issued during the call. Line congestion and disconnects are common, fax is the more reliable path.

Method 3: Mail (Slowest)

Mail your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. Processing takes approximately 4 weeks from receipt. Use this only if fax is unavailable.

Responsible Party Rule on Form SS-4

The ‘responsible party’ is the individual who controls the LLC and its funds. Since 2018, the IRS requires this to be a natural person, not another company or entity. For a single-member LLC, this is the sole member. If you have no SSN or ITIN, write ‘none’ in that field. The IRS processes fax and mail applications without one.

One important constraint: the IRS limits EIN issuance to one per responsible party per day, relevant if you are forming multiple LLCs simultaneously.

EIN Timeline by Application Method: What to Expect

Timeline Table

Method	Typical Timeline	Key Condition
Fax with return fax number	~4 business days	IRS faxes back a cover sheet containing the EIN
Fax without return fax number	~4 weeks additional	IRS sends the EIN notice by postal mail instead of fax
Phone (267-941-1099)	EIN issued during the call, if successful	Available Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern Time; long hold times and disconnects are common
Mail	~4 weeks	Slowest method; not recommended if postal service is unreliable
CP 575 EIN Confirmation Letter	Typically 2–6 weeks after EIN issuance	Issued for all EIN applications and delivered separately by mail

According to the IRS, faxing Form SS-4 with a return fax number returns the EIN in approximately 4 business days. Without a return fax number, the IRS mails it, adding approximately 4 weeks.

Peak Season Warning: January–April

IRS processing slows during high-volume periods, particularly the January–April tax season. Fax processing may extend beyond 4 business days during these windows. Plan accordingly, do not schedule bank account steps immediately after filing.

Founders in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh should prioritize fax over mail. Postal delivery to these countries adds unpredictable weeks to an already slow method.

Operational Note: EIN vs CP 575 for Bank Accounts

The EIN is valid immediately upon IRS assignment. Mercury does not require the CP 575 — the number itself is sufficient.

Wise Business account is different. According to Wise documentation, Wise may require an official IRS EIN confirmation document a CP 575, 147C, or IRS-stamped SS-4 during US LLC business verification. The EIN number alone may not pass compliance review. The CP 575 arrives 2–6 weeks after issuance. If it has not arrived, request a 147C from the IRS as an alternative.

One additional constraint: a new EIN takes up to approximately 2 weeks to enter IRS permanent records. Until then, it cannot be used to e-file returns or pass IRS TIN matching.

EIN and Payment Access by Country: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, UAE, Philippines

Stripe eligibility is determined by where your business is legally registered, not where you live. A US LLC is US-registered, making it Stripe-eligible regardless of founder nationality.

India: Stripe Invite-Only, Mercury Open

Stripe moved India-registered businesses to invite-only in May 2024. Self-serve signup is unavailable for India-local entities. A US LLC gives an India-based founder full USD Stripe access without an invitation. According to Mercury, Mercury does not list India as prohibited India-domiciled founders may apply subject to standard KYC.

Nigeria: Stripe Blocked Locally, Mercury Prohibited, EIN Unlocks Both via US LLC

Stripe does not directly support Nigerian-registered businesses; in-country access runs through Paystack, which Stripe owns. According to Mercury , Mercury prohibits Nigeria-domiciled founders. A US LLC with an EIN unlocks full USD Stripe via US registration.

According to wise, Wise Business account generally accepts Nigeria-resident owners of US LLCs with an EIN, subject to enhanced KYC approval is not guaranteed and document scrutiny is strict.

UAE: Stripe Available, Mercury Open

According to stripe, Stripe is available in the UAE. According to Mercury , Mercury does not list UAE as prohibited. An EIN is still required to open a Mercury account and activate Stripe on the US LLC.

Pakistan: Stripe Unavailable Locally, Mercury Prohibited the EIN Is the Gateway

Stripe is not available to Pakistan-registered businesses at all a US LLC is the standard route to Stripe access for Pakistani founders. According to Mercury, Mercury prohibits Pakistan-domiciled founders. Wise Business accepts Pakistan-resident owners of US LLCs with an EIN, subject to enhanced KYC approval is not guaranteed. The EIN is the document that makes both Stripe activation and Wise Business possible.

Philippines: Mercury Prohibited, Wise Is the Path

According to Mercury, Mercury prohibits Philippines-domiciled founders. Wise Business accepts Philippines-resident owners of US LLCs with an EIN, subject to standard KYC Wise has operated fully in the Philippines since May 2024. A US LLC with an EIN gives Philippine founders full USD Stripe access re gardless of local platform limitations.

One compliance note: per FinCEN’s interim final rule effective March 26, 2025, US-formed LLCs including those owned by non-residents are exempt from BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. The final rule is still pending; re-verify before making compliance decisions.

Lost EIN, CP 575, and How to Cancel an EIN Account

How to Retrieve a Lost EIN and Request a 147C Letter

An EIN (Employer Identification Number your US business tax ID) never expires and is never reassigned. Losing your confirmation letter does not mean losing your EIN.

Check these sources first: prior tax returns, bank account opening documents, or any IRS correspondence. If unavailable, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time. Request a 147C EIN Verification Letter if you are unfamiliar with this document, What is a 147c Letter explains exactly what it is, when the IRS issues it, and how to use it for bank and payment-processor verification.

The CP 575 confirmation letter is issued once and never reissued. The 147C is the only IRS-accepted substitute.

Non-residents calling from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the UAE, or the Philippines cannot treat 800-829-4933 as toll-free international calls to US 800 numbers incur charges. Use VoIP software or have a US-based representative make the call.

Wise Business account may require an official IRS EIN confirmation document CP 575, 147C, or IRS-stamped SS-4 — not just the EIN number itself. Plan for this before applying.

How to Close an EIN Business Account (Not Cancel the Number)

An EIN cannot be cancelled. It is permanently assigned to your entity.

To close the IRS business account, send a written request to IRS, Cincinnati OH 45999. Include the entity name, EIN, address, and reason for closing. The number remains permanently on record.

Closing the EIN account does not dissolve your LLC. State dissolution requires a separate filing with your state of formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EIN as a non-US resident with no SSN or ITIN?

Yes. Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN apply using Form SS-4 via fax or the IRS international phone line (267-941-1099, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern). The IRS online application requires an SSN or ITIN and is not an option for most non-residents.

Fax Form SS-4 with a return fax number (domestic line 855-641-6935 for a US-state LLC; international line 304-707-9471 from outside the US) and receive your EIN in approximately 4 business days.

Is an EIN free, or do formation services charge for it?

According to IRS Publication 1635, EINs are issued at no charge. Formation services charge only for preparing and submitting Form SS-4 on your behalf not for the EIN itself.

How long does it take to get an EIN if I’m based in India?

India-based founders follow the same non-resident process: fax Form SS-4 with a return fax number (855-641-6935 for a US-state LLC, or 304-707-9471 via the international line from outside the US). According to the IRS, processing takes approximately 4 business days. Allow extra time during the January–April tax season processing may extend beyond that estimate.

I’m in Nigeria. Mercury is blocked. Can I still open a US bank account with my EIN?

Yes. Mercury prohibits Nigeria-domiciled founders. Wise Business generally accepts Nigeria-resident owners of US LLCs with an EIN, subject to enhanced KYC. Have your CP 575 or 147C EIN Verification Letter ready the EIN number alone may not satisfy Wise’s compliance review. Approval is not guaranteed.

Does my US LLC need to file anything with the IRS even if I have no US income?

Yes. According to the IRS, a foreign-owned single-member US LLC must file Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 annually if there are reportable transactions including capital contributions and distributions. Zero US income does not eliminate this obligation. The penalty for failure to file is $25,000 per form per year, with no maximum cap.

Can I open a Stripe account with my US LLC if I live in the UAE?

Yes. According to stripe, eligibility is determined by where the business is legally registered, not where the founder lives. A US LLC is US-registered and therefore Stripe-eligible. Stripe requires a verified EIN to fully activate payment processing. Mercury does not list UAE as a prohibited country, so UAE founders may also apply for Mercury.

What is the difference between an EIN, SSN, and ITIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number ) identifies a business entity issued free by the IRS, available to any LLC owner. An SSN (Social Security Number) identifies US citizens and authorized residents for personal taxes not available to non-residents.

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) identifies a non-resident individual for personal US tax filing, applied for via Form W-7. A non-resident forming a US LLC needs an EIN for the business; an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may be needed later for personal US tax filings.

I lost my CP 575 letter. Is my EIN still valid?

Yes. According to the IRS, an EIN never expires and is never reassigned. The CP 575 is a one-time confirmation letter the IRS does not reissue it. Request a 147C EIN Verification Letter by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Note: Wise and some banks require the CP 575, 147C, or IRS-stamped SS-4 not just the EIN number.

Do I need to file a BOI report for my US LLC as a non-resident owner?

No. Per FinCEN’s interim final rule effective March 26, 2025, US-formed LLCs including those owned by non-residents are exempt from BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting. The requirement currently applies only to foreign-law entities registering to do business in a US state. The final rule is still pending re-verify before making compliance decisions.

How many EINs can I get if I’m forming multiple US LLCs?

According to the IRS, EIN issuance is limited to one per responsible party per day across all application methods. Each LLC requires its own Employer Identification Number . If you are the sole member of multiple LLCs, stagger applications one per business day.

Conclusion

An EIN is not optional for a non-resident-owned US LLC. Without it, US bank accounts, Stripe activation, and IRS information filings are all blocked.

Non-residents apply via Form SS-4 by fax (855-641-6935 domestic line for a US-state LLC, or 304-707-9471 international line from outside the US), or by phone at 267-941-1099 (Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern).

According to the IRS, fax applications with a return fax number receive the EIN in approximately 4 business days. Allow extra time during the January–April tax season, when IRS processing slows.

Bizstartz Pro ($299 + state fees) includes Form SS-4 preparation and IRS submission. If your LLC is already formed and you need only the EIN, standalone EIN service is available contact Bizstartz directly.

Haven’t formed your LLC yet? That step comes first.

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Need the EIN itself sorted? Our EIN application service files it for you, including the non-resident paper route.