How to Get an EIN Without an SSN: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Founders

One of the biggest questions international entrepreneurs face after forming a US LLC is: *How do I get an EIN if I don't have a Social Security Number?*

The good news — you don't need one. Non-US residents can absolutely obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for their US LLC. The process is slightly different from what domestic applicants use, but it's straightforward once you know the steps.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what an EIN is, why you need it, and exactly how to get one as a foreign national with no SSN.

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What Is an EIN and Why Does Your LLC Need One?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Think of it as a Social Security Number — but for your business.

Your Nevada LLC needs an EIN for several critical reasons:

• Opening a US business bank account — banks require your EIN to verify your business before opening an account
• Filing federal and state taxes — both the IRS and Nevada tax authorities require it on business returns
• Hiring employees or contractors — required for payroll processing and issuing 1099s
• Applying for business credit — lenders use your EIN to pull business credit reports
• Receiving payments — clients and vendors may request your EIN for W-9 forms and payment records
• Applying for business licenses or permits — many Nevada licenses require an EIN on file

Even if you're a single-member LLC with no employees, you need an EIN. Without it, you cannot open a US bank account — which effectively makes your US LLC unusable for real business operations.

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Can Non-US Residents Get an EIN?

Yes — absolutely. The IRS does not require you to be a US citizen or permanent resident to obtain an EIN for your LLC. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as a prerequisite.

However, there is one important distinction:

• US residents with an SSN can apply online at IRS.gov and receive their EIN instantly
• Non-US residents without an SSN cannot use the online tool and must apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4

This is the step where many international founders get stuck — they try the IRS online portal, hit a wall, and assume EIN is out of reach. It's not. You just need the right process.

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What You Need Before Applying

Before you start your EIN application, gather the following:

• 1. Your LLC Formation Documents
• Articles of Organization (filed and approved by Nevada Secretary of State)
• Your LLC's official name exactly as registered
• Your LLC's principal office address (can be international)

• 2. Your Personal Information
• Full legal name (as it appears on your passport)
• Country of citizenship
• Foreign address

• 3. Your Passport
• You'll reference your passport number during phone applications
• Keep it on hand for verification purposes

• 4. Business Information
• The primary reason for applying for an EIN (e.g., "banking purposes," "started a new business")
• Your business type (Limited Liability Company)
• Number of members in the LLC
• The state of formation (Nevada)
• The fiscal year end (typically December 31)

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How to Apply for an EIN Without an SSN: Three Methods

Method 1: Apply by Phone (Fastest — Recommended)

This is the quickest method for international applicants. The IRS International EIN line is:

📞 +1 (267) 941-1099

Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Eastern Time

1. 1What to expect:
2. 2Call the number and select the option for international business callers
3. 3An IRS representative will conduct a verbal interview asking for your LLC's information
4. 4Have your Form SS-4 completed (but not mailed) so you can answer all questions accurately
5. 5The IRS rep will assign your EIN on the spot and read it to you over the phone
6. 6A written confirmation (CP575 notice) will be mailed to your address within 4–6 weeks

• Tips for a smooth call:
• Call during off-peak hours (early morning Eastern time) to avoid long hold times
• Speak slowly and clearly — the rep will be entering data into the system in real time
• Confirm the EIN number by asking the rep to repeat it twice before hanging up
• Note your name, the date, and the EIN number immediately

Method 2: Apply by Fax (5–10 Business Days)

If phone isn't an option, faxing Form SS-4 is the next fastest method.

📠 IRS Fax Number: +1 (855) 215-1627

1. 1Download and complete Form SS-4 from IRS.gov
2. 2Write "Foreign — No SSN" at the top of the form
3. 3Fax the completed form to the number above
4. 4Include a cover sheet with your name, LLC name, and a contact fax or email number for the response
5. 5The IRS will fax your EIN back within approximately 5–10 business days

Method 3: Apply by Mail (4–6 Weeks)

Mail is the slowest option and typically only used when fax isn't available.

📬 Mail to: Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN International Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999 USA

Allow 4–6 weeks for processing. This method is not recommended if you need your EIN quickly to open a bank account or start operations.

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How to Complete Form SS-4 as a Foreign Applicant

Form SS-4 is the official IRS application for an Employer Identification Number. Here's how to fill it out as a non-resident:

• Line 1: Legal name of your LLC (exactly as registered with Nevada Secretary of State)
• Line 2: Trade name (if different; leave blank if same)
• Line 3: Executor/trustee name (leave blank for LLCs)
• Line 4a-b: Your LLC's mailing address (can be your international address)
• Line 7a-b: Your name as responsible party + foreign address (no SSN/ITIN required — leave SSN blank)
• Line 8a: Check "LLC"
• Line 8b: Number of LLC members
• Line 9a: Select "Other" and write "International — Started new business"
• Line 10: Select the reason — typically "Started a new business"
• Line 11: Date your LLC was formed (from your Articles of Organization)
• Line 12: Closing month of accounting year (typically December)
• Line 13: Highest expected employees in next 12 months (write "0" if no employees)
• Line 14: First date wages were paid (leave blank if no employees)
• Line 16: Check the primary activity of your business
• Line 18: Check "Yes" if you've applied for an EIN before for this entity, otherwise "No"

Important: Write "Foreign — No SSN" across the top of the form to alert IRS processors that this is an international application and no Social Security Number is required.

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Common EIN Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong IRS phone number The standard domestic EIN line does not handle international applications well. Always use +1 (267) 941-1099 — the dedicated international line.

2. Applying before your LLC is officially formed Your LLC must be approved by the Nevada Secretary of State before you apply for an EIN. The IRS will ask for your formation date and state of registration.

3. Leaving the responsible party section incomplete Even without an SSN, you must complete the responsible party section with your full legal name and foreign address. Do not leave it blank.

4. Applying for multiple EINs for the same LLC Each LLC gets one EIN. Applying multiple times causes IRS database conflicts and delays.

5. Providing an incorrect LLC name Your LLC name on Form SS-4 must exactly match the name on your Nevada Articles of Organization — including punctuation, commas, and "LLC" or "L.L.C."

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What Happens After You Get Your EIN?

Once you have your EIN, you're ready to move forward with your US business operations:

1. 1Open a US business bank account — Use your EIN + LLC formation documents to open accounts with banks like Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business. See our guide: How to Open a US Bank Account Remotely →
2. 2Register for state business licenses — Nevada requires a state business license, and your EIN may be required during the registration process
3. 3Set up US payment processing — Stripe, PayPal, and other processors require an EIN for business accounts
4. 4File annual taxes — Your EIN is what the IRS and Nevada use to identify your LLC on all future filings

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How Long Does It Take?

| Method | Timeline | |---|---| | Phone | Same day (EIN issued during the call) | | Fax | 5–10 business days | | Mail | 4–6 weeks |

For most international founders, the phone method is the fastest and most reliable path to getting your EIN on the same day.

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How eCorp Helps International Founders Get Their EIN

Navigating the IRS as a non-US resident can be confusing — especially when the online tools aren't available to you and phone hold times can stretch.

eCorp's Pro and Premium formation plans include EIN obtainment as part of the package. Our team handles the application on your behalf, ensuring your Form SS-4 is filed correctly and your EIN is obtained as quickly as possible — without you having to navigate the IRS process yourself.

If you've already formed your LLC and just need EIN assistance, we offer it as a standalone service as well.

Ready to get your US LLC fully operational? Start with eCorp today.

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Note: IRS processing times and contact information are subject to change. Always verify current details at IRS.gov before submitting your application.