How to get an EIN without an SSN

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An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the tax ID of a US company. You need it for a bank account, payment processors and tax filings. If you have no Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN, you cannot use the IRS website, but you can still get one.

Who can't apply online

The IRS online application needs the responsible party's SSN or ITIN, and it is not available if your principal place of business is outside the United States. That covers most non-US founders. You apply with Form SS-4 instead, by phone or by fax.

Fill in Form SS-4

1. Line 1: the LLC's exact legal name, as on the formation document.
2. Lines 7a and 7b: your name as the responsible party. If you don't have and can't get an SSN or ITIN, write Foreign on line 7b.
3. Line 8a–8c: tick that it is an LLC and give the number of members.
4. Line 9a: a single-member LLC owned by a non-US person is usually a disregarded entity; follow the instructions for foreign-owned LLCs.
5. Third-party designee: if a formation service applies for you, sign this section so they can receive the number.

Apply by phone or fax

• Phone: international applicants can call the IRS on +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday to Friday, 6 am to 11 pm Eastern time. Have the completed SS-4 in front of you; the number is usually given during the call.
• Fax: from outside the US, fax the signed SS-4 to +1 304-707-9471. Include a return fax number to get the EIN back faster.
• Mail works too but takes several weeks.

Keep the IRS confirmation letter (the CP 575 notice or the faxed reply): banks ask for it.

Or let a formation service do it

Most company formation services can apply for the EIN as your third-party designee, for free or for a small fee:

Prices from vendor websites, checked 2026-10-12; they update automatically.

Questions