To establish a U.S. based business while living abroad, you will require an EIN. It is a federal tax identification number employed by the IRS for its identification purposes. And just to be clear, one does not need to be a U.S. resident to get an EIN, nor does one require a Social Security Number to obtain one. A non-resident can apply for it. Here is how to do it correctly in the year 2025.
What Is an EIN, and Why Do You Need It?
An EIN is essentially your business’s Social Security Number. You’ll need it in a bunch of scenarios:
- Opening a U.S. business bank account
- Filing federal tax returns
- Setting up an LLC or corporation
- Dealing with U.S. clients (especially for W‑8BEN‑E, 1099 forms, etc.)
- Getting registered with Stripe, PayPal, Amazon or similar platforms
In short: if you’re doing business in the U.S., you need an EIN. It builds credibility and keeps you compliant.
Who Needs an EIN
- Businesses with Employees
- Corporations
- Partnerships
- Multi-member LLCs
- Estates and Trusts
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Certain Sole Proprietorships
- Businesses That Change Their Structure
Benefits of Making Your EIN Application
- Simplifies Tax Filing
- Enables Employee Hiring
- Protects Personal Information
- Establishes Business Credibility
- Streamlines Banking and Credit
- Eases Business Expansion
EIN vs Tax ID Number: Key Differences
| Feature | EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Tax ID Number (TIN) |
| What it is | A unique ID number for businesses issued by the IRS | An umbrella term for several types of taxpayer IDs |
| Who uses it | Mostly businesses, LLCs, corporations, nonprofits | Anyone needing to pay taxes—individuals and entities |
| Used for | Hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, filing business taxes | Filing taxes, identifying taxpayers to the IRS |
| Format | 9-digit number (XX-XXXXXXX) | Includes SSN, ITIN, ATIN, PTIN, and EIN formats |
| Issued by | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | IRS (depending on the specific TIN type) |
| Non-US resident eligibility | Yes—you can apply for an EIN even without an SSN | Depends on the type—some require residency |
| Cost | Free from the IRS | Free (if applied directly through IRS) |
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for an EIN Without a SSN or ITIN
1. Form Your U.S. Business Entity
You must form your LLC or corporation first (in Delaware, Wyoming, or another state). Get your formation documents and a registered agent. If your application is rejected or delayed, you may need to cancel and reapply—but that rarely happens.LLC University®Delawareinc
2. Fill Out IRS Form SS‑4
Here’s how to handle the tricky parts:
- Line 1: Your business’s legal name (must match your formation docs).
- Line 7a/b: Your name as responsible party. If you have no SSN/ITIN, write “Foreign.”
- Line 9a: Tick “LLC” (or whatever structure you created), and for type write “Foreign-owned U.S. LLC.”
- Line 10: Reason: “Started new business in the U.S.”
- Mailing address (Line 4a/b): Can be outside the U.S., but a U.S. virtual address helps open bank accounts later.
Sign it at the bottom—typed and signed or printed by hand, using uppercase letters helps clarity.
3. Send the SS‑4 to the IRS (Fax or Mail)
- Fax: Use +1‑855‑641‑6935 (domestic) or +1‑304‑707‑9471 (international). If you provide a fax number, the IRS typically faxes back your EIN in about 4 business days. Wise+3IRS+3IRS+3
- Mail: Send it to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN International Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
USA
Mail takes longer—up to 4–6 weeks.
4. Apply by Phone (Optional, Faster)
If you want to speak directly to IRS staff, you can call +1 267‑941‑1099, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern Time. The IRS rep will read you questions from SS‑4 and give you the EIN on the call. You may need to mail or fax a signed copy afterward.
5. Get Your EIN Confirmation (Form CP 575 or 147C)
If you faxed your form and supplied a fax number, expect a faxed EIN letter back in ~4 business days. The IRS will still mail a formal EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) to your mailing address.
If it’s been 62+ days with no response, you can call to request a Verification Letter 147C. Be patient—don’t resubmit the form too early.
Real‑Life Example
Carlos lives in Brazil. He formed a Wyoming LLC with a registered agent, filled SS‑4, faxed it with his foreign address and no SSN. Four days later he got the EIN faxed to him. A week later, CP 575 arrived by post. He used the EIN to open a Stripe account and U.S. bank account for his Amazon FBA business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving line 7a empty or omitting “Foreign” in line 7b.
- Forgetting your signature.
- Submitting fax to the wrong IRS number.
- Resubmitting before the 62‑day mark (creates confusion).
- Expecting an online application to work without an SSN/ITIN.
What Happens After You Get Your EIN
Once you have the EIN:
- You can open a U.S. business bank account (many banks accept CP 575).
- Register to pay sales tax or employer taxes.
- Sign up with U.S. payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, etc.).
- Hire U.S. contractors or file 1099s if needed.
Tips for Smooth Filing
| Tip | Why It Helps |
| Use a U.S. virtual address or registered agent address | Banks and IRS mail arrive more reliably, and it looks more professional. |
| Print and sign SS‑4 with BLACK ink and uppercase lettering | Improves readability and acceptance. |
| Keep good records of dates, fax confirmations, and IRS letters | Helps later if there’s a question or audit. |
| Don’t re‑file without waiting at least 62 days from submission | Prevents duplicate EINs and confusion. |
Why Get Your EIN from FilingExpress.com?
Applying for an EIN on your own can feel like a maze—especially if you’re a non-U.S. resident. The IRS forms, the phone calls, the wait times… it adds up fast. FilingExpress.com takes all that off your plate.
Here’s why it’s worth using:
- No confusing paperwork – We handle the entire EIN application process for you, step by step.
- Fast turnaround – Most clients get their EIN in just a few days.Built for non-residents – No SSN? No problem. We specialize in helping non-U.S. citizens and businesses get EINs without hassle.
- Real people, real support – If you have questions, we’re here to help. No bots, no runaround.
- One-time flat fee – No hidden costs or subscriptions—just a simple, transparent service.
Whether you’re starting an LLC or need an EIN for Amazon, Stripe, or PayPal, FilingExpress.com makes the process easy, legit, and stress-free.
FAQs
Do I need a U.S. business address to get an EIN?
No. A foreign mailing address is accepted, but a U.S. address simplifies banking later.
Can I apply online for EIN as a non‑resident?
Only if you already have an SSN or ITIN. If not, you must fax, mail, or call.
Is there a fee to apply for an EIN?
No—the IRS doesn’t charge. Fees only arise if you use a third‑party to help you.
What to do if my form is rejected?
Check IRS fax feedback or mail return for errors, correct them, and re-submit. It happens—but just wait before resending.
Can I open a U.S. bank account remotely?
Yes. Services like Wise or Mercury allow online accounts for foreigners once you have your EIN and formation docs.
Final Thoughts
The process of applying for an EIN as a non-U.S. resident should not be chaotic. It only involves following a few steps. And when you have an EIN, you can start legally doing business in the U.S.-applying for licenses, opening accounts, and providing services to customers or clients. You are in business in America while sitting halfway around the globe.
The above does require patience and diligence-but it is all doable. If you encounter hurdles, there are services to help you; however, most will do just fine alone. You are almost there to expand into the world’s biggest consumer market.
