Short answer: non-residents get an EIN without SSN or ITIN by sending Form SS-4 to the IRS by fax, phone or mail — the online application is only for applicants with a US presence. Where the form asks for the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN, you write “Foreign”. By fax, it usually takes about 4–6 weeks in our experience.
What an EIN is and why you need it
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your company’s US tax ID. You need it to:
- open a US business bank account or fintech account,
- apply to Stripe, PayPal, Amazon and other platforms,
- file your yearly US tax forms.
It is free from the IRS. Anyone charging for an “EIN” is charging for preparing and sending the form.
Why you can’t apply online for an EIN without SSN
The IRS online EIN application is only for applicants with a legal residence, main place of business or office in the US. If you live in Bangladesh, Pakistan or anywhere else outside the US, you must use one of the international methods below.
The three ways international applicants can apply
| Method | Details | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Fax | Send Form SS-4 to 304-707-9471 from outside the US, or 855-215-1627 from within the US. Include a return fax number. | About 4–6 weeks in our experience |
| Phone | Call the IRS international line, 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern time | Same call, if the agent completes it |
| Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 | About 4 weeks or more |
Filling in Form SS-4 without an SSN
- Line 1: the LLC’s legal name, exactly as on the state certificate.
- Lines 7a and 7b: the responsible party (you) and their SSN or ITIN. If you don’t have either and aren’t eligible for one, write “Foreign”.
- Lines 8a–8c: confirm it is an LLC, the number of members and that it was organised in the US.
- Entity type: choose the option that matches a foreign-owned single-member LLC. A wrong choice here is a common reason for rejection.
- Third-party designee: you can authorise someone, such as your formation agent, to receive the EIN and answer IRS questions. You still sign the form.
Tip: many delays come from small mismatches — the LLC name written differently from the certificate, or the owner’s name differing from the passport. We copy the certificate name character by character.
Want us to set this up for you?
USA LLC from $140 or UK Ltd from £150, plus government fees. Pay 50% now, 50% when your documents arrive.
What happens after you send it
- The IRS processes the application and assigns the EIN.
- You receive the EIN confirmation, usually a CP 575 notice, by fax or mail.
- Keep this notice safe. Banks and platforms often ask for a copy.
If you hear nothing after about six weeks, call the international line and ask about the status. Don’t send a second application — duplicates can create two EINs and a mess to fix.
Common mistakes
- Applying online with a fake or borrowed SSN. Never do this.
- Mismatched names between the certificate, the SS-4 and the passport.
- No return fax number, so the IRS can only reply by post, which takes longer.
- Applying twice because the first one feels slow.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ITIN the same as an EIN?
No. An ITIN is a personal tax number for individuals. An EIN is for the company. Most non-resident LLC owners don’t need an ITIN to get an EIN.
Can I open a bank account before the EIN arrives?
Most providers ask for the EIN, so plan for the wait. Use it to build your website and prepare documents.
Is the EIN included in your packages?
Yes. All our USA packages include preparing and submitting the EIN application. See USA LLC formation.
Do I need an EIN for a UK company?
No. UK companies use their Companies House number and an HMRC UTR. See UK company from Pakistan.
