Every US LLC needs an EIN (Employer Identification Number). It is the tax ID that lets you open bank accounts, accept payments through Stripe or PayPal, and file taxes. If you are a non-US resident without a Social Security Number, you can still get one. Here is how.
What is an EIN?
An EIN is a 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your LLC. You need it for banking, payment processors, hiring contractors, and filing your annual Form 5472.
Why you cannot apply online
The IRS online EIN application requires a Social Security Number or ITIN. Without either, you must apply by fax using the paper Form SS-4.
Step-by-step: applying by fax
Step 1: Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf.
Step 2: Fill in the form. Key fields: Line 1 (LLC name exactly as filed), Line 3 (your name), Line 4a (your address), Line 7b (leave blank), Line 8a (check “LLC”), Line 9a (check “Other”, write “formed in [state]”), Line 10 (“Started new business”), Line 11 (LLC approval date), Line 16 (12 for December).
Step 3: Sign at the bottom. Title: “Member” or “Managing Member”. Include your phone number with country code.
Step 4: Fax to 855-215-1627 (the IRS international fax line for applicants without SSN). Use FaxZero.com if you do not have a fax machine.
Step 5: Wait 4 to 6 weeks. The IRS faxes back your EIN confirmation letter (document CP 575).
Important: form your LLC first
You need the LLC approval date for Line 11. Complete your state filing, wait for approval, then fax the SS-4.
What if you do not hear back?
Fax the form again after 6 weeks. The IRS sometimes loses faxes. Keep copies of everything.
Faster option: apply by phone
Call the IRS at 267-941-1099 (Monday to Friday, 6am to 11pm Eastern). An agent processes the SS-4 over the phone and gives you the EIN immediately. Hold times can be very long. freeLLC offers EIN application services starting at $19 if you prefer not to handle it yourself.
Need help? Start your LLC with freeLLC — the DIY path includes a pre-filled SS-4 guide with your data.