How to get an EIN without an SSN
An EIN is your company's federal tax number. You need it for a bank account, Stripe, payroll and every tax return. Founders outside the US can get one without a Social Security number.
Why the online application doesn't work
The IRS online EIN application asks for the SSN or ITIN of the company's "responsible party". If that person doesn't have one, the online tool isn't an option, and the IRS says international applicants can't use it. You apply on Form SS-4 instead.
Three ways to apply
| Method | How | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | Call the IRS international line at 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern. Have a completed SS-4 in front of you. | EIN given during the call |
| Fax | Fax the signed SS-4 to 304-707-9471 from outside the US. | Usually about 4 business days |
| Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. | Allow 4 to 5 weeks |
Phone numbers and fax lines change from time to time. Check the current Form SS-4 instructions on irs.gov before you call or fax.
Filling in Form SS-4
- Line 1: the company's exact legal name, as on the formation documents.
- Line 7a and 7b: the responsible party, a person who owns or controls the company. If they have no SSN or ITIN and aren't eligible for one, write "Foreign" on line 7b. The line can't be left blank.
- Line 9a: the entity type. A single-member LLC owned by a non-US person checks "Other" and writes "Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity-Form 5472". A corporation checks "Corporation" and the form number it will file, usually 1120.
- Line 10: the reason, usually "Started new business".
- Signature: the responsible party or an authorized officer signs. If someone else calls or faxes for you, also sign the third-party designee section.
After you get it
The IRS sends a confirmation letter, CP 575, by mail. Banks and payment processors often ask for it. If you lose it, the IRS can send a replacement letter (147C) when you call the business line.