If you want to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents, forming a United States Limited Liability Company (LLC) as a foreign founder is the best way to access global financial markets, payment gateways, and premier banking networks. Whether you chose a state structure through our comparison on Wyoming vs Delaware LLC for Non-Residents, your new corporate entity remains largely inactive until you obtain an official tax ID.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify commercial business entities. While US citizens apply online, learning how to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents requires following specific international application procedures without needing an SSN or ITIN.
At PayGlobalHub, we specialize in helping remote entrepreneurs establish US financial infrastructure. In this proven 2026 guide, we break down step-by-step how foreign founders can successfully Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents through official IRS channels.
What Is an EIN and Why Do Foreign LLC Owners Need It?
An Employer Identification Number is a unique nine-digit corporate tax ID issued by the IRS. When you attempt to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents, understanding its core purpose helps you navigate compliance across US Business Bank Accounts for Non-Residents.
Core Functions of an IRS EIN Number for Non-US Founders:
┌───────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Business Requirement │ Why the EIN Is Essential │
├───────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Business Banking Accounts │ Required by Mercury, Relay, & Wise │
│ Merchant Payment Gateways │ Mandated by Stripe, PayPal, & Amazon Pay │
│ Federal IRS Compliance │ Required for Form 5472 & 1120 filing │
│ US Corporate Contracts │ Validates tax status for W-8BEN-E forms │
└───────────────────────────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────┘
- Opening US Business Bank Accounts: Digital platforms require a verified tax ID letter to activate your US LLC Bank Account for Non-US Residents.
- Payment Gateway Verification: Setting up merchant processing through platforms like Stripe or PayPal requires corporate tax ID verification when you Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents.
- IRS Reporting Compliance: Foreign-owned single-member LLCs are subject to annual IRS reporting obligations (including Form 5472 and Form 1120).
Do You Need an SSN or ITIN to Get an EIN?
No. A common misconception among international founders is that you must first obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).
The IRS explicit rules allow non-US residents who lack an SSN or ITIN to apply for an EIN. As long as you are named as the Responsible Party of the entity, you simply write “Foreign/None” in the SSN field of the official application form when you Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents.
How to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents (3 IRS Methods)
Because non-US residents without an SSN cannot access the automated IRS Online EIN Assistant, foreign applicants must use one of three designated international channels:
Comparison of IRS Application Methods for Non-Residents
| Application Channel | Processing Timeframe | Cost | Best For |
| Fax Application (Form SS-4) | 2 to 4 Weeks | Free | Most Foreign LLC Owners (Recommended) |
| Phone Application | Instant / Same-Day | International Call Rates | Urgent Corporate Processing |
| Mail Application | 6 to 8 Weeks | Postage Cost | Non-Urgent Filing |
Method 1: Applying via Fax (Recommended Method)
Faxing IRS Form SS-4 to the international operations division is the most reliable, free method when you aim to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents.
1.Download Official IRS Form SS-4:Download directly from the official IRS repository.
Obtain the latest version of IRS Form SS-4 from the official IRS website. Do not use outdated third-party templates.
2.Complete Form SS-4 Line-by-Line:Crucial: Do not leave Line 7b blank.
Fill out the form accurately to avoid automated rejection:
• Line 1: Exact legal LLC name as shown on your state formation certificate.
• Line 4a & 4b: Business mailing address (Your foreign address or registered agent address).
• Line 7a: Legal name of the Responsible Party (Your full name as managing member).
• Line 7b: Write “Foreign” or “None” (Do NOT leave blank).
• Line 8a: Check “Yes” for LLC status and specify member count.
• Line 9a: Select entity classification (e.g., Limited Liability Company).
• Line 10: Check “Started new business” and state your primary industry.
• Signature: Sign and date the form manually or via verifiable electronic signature.
3.Transmit Form SS-4 to the IRS Fax Unit:Use digital online fax services for instant tracking.
Transmit your completed Form SS-4 to the dedicated IRS international fax line:
• IRS International Fax: +1 (855) 641-6935 (Toll-free inside US) or +1 (304) 707-9471 (International).
4.Receive Official EIN Confirmation:Save the CP 575 or 147C confirmation document safely.
Once processed, the IRS will fax back your official EIN confirmation document (Form CP 575 or Letter 147C) directly to your return fax number within 2 to 4 weeks.
Pro Tip: Utilize online digital fax platforms (such as Fax.plus or WiseFax) to send your Form SS-4. These services assign you a temporary dedicated fax number, allowing the IRS to transmit your official EIN confirmation letter directly to your dashboard.
Method 2: Applying via Phone (Same-Day Processing)
If you need to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents urgently to launch operations, you can call the IRS International EIN Unit directly.
- IRS International Phone Line:
+1 (267) 941-1099(Not toll-free; standard international calling rates apply). - Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time (EST).
What to Expect on the Call:
- Have your fully completed Form SS-4 printed in front of you.
- The IRS representative will read through the document and ask you to dictate the fields line-by-line.
- Upon verification, the agent will issue your 9-digit EIN verbally over the phone immediately.
- Request the agent to fax a copy of your 147C EIN Confirmation Letter to your digital fax number for official record-keeping.
Common Reasons for EIN Delay or Rejection
Avoiding standard application pitfalls ensures you successfully Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents without unnecessary delays:
- Leaving Line 7b Blank: Automated scanners pause processing if Line 7b is empty. Always write “Foreign”.
- Entity Name Discrepancy: The business name on Form SS-4 must match your state Articles of Organization character-for-character, including capitalization and punctuation.
- Invalid Responsible Party: The Responsible Party must be an individual natural person holding ultimate control, not a corporate nominee or entity.
- Peak Season IRS Backlogs: During US tax filing season (January through April), fax processing times may extend to 4–6 weeks.
Next Steps: Activating Banking & Merchant Gateways
Once you Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents, your US business entity is fully activated in federal systems. You can now execute key commercial steps:
- Set Up US Business Accounts: Apply directly through digital providers. If you prefer high-tier fintech platforms, review our guide on how to Open Mercury Bank Account for Non-US Residents. If your application experiences compliance hurdles, refer to our troubleshooting guide on Mercury Bank Application Rejected.
- Alternative Digital Banking Solutions: You can also apply for a flexible checking account via our guide on Relay Financial Non-US Resident Account.
- Multi-Currency Business Accounts: To receive global client payouts in multiple currencies, read how to set up a Wise Business Account for Non-US Residents or follow our broader setup guide on Wise Account for Non-US Residents.
- Maintain Federal Compliance: Store a digital copy of your 147C Letter or CP 575 document safely to satisfy annual requirements under FinCEN Financial Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I hire a registered agent to get my EIN?
Yes. You can authorize a third-party designee on Line 11 of Form SS-4 to submit the application on your behalf. However, applying directly via fax is completely free.
What is the difference between IRS Form CP 575 and Letter 147C?
Form CP 575 is the original EIN confirmation letter generated when an entity is first registered. Letter 147C is an official duplicate document issued upon request. Both documents hold identical legal weight and are accepted equally across US financial institutions.
Does obtaining an EIN mean I owe US income taxes?
Not necessarily. An EIN serves as an entity identification number. Whether your LLC owes US federal income taxes depends on whether your income is classified as “Effectively Connected Income” (ECI) under US tax codes.
Final Verdict
Learning how to Get EIN Number for Non-US Residents without an SSN or ITIN is a straightforward administrative process requiring only a completed IRS Form SS-4 and a fax transmission. By following these IRS guidelines, non-resident founders can establish a fully verified US corporate footprint, access premier banking networks, and scale global operations with confidence.
Financial Disclaimer: PayGlobalHubis an independent educational portal and is not affiliated with the IRS, US government, or any legal advisory firm. Content provided is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed CPA or corporate tax attorney for formal legal and tax guidance.
