If you are a non-US resident who has formed a US company, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). It is your business’s federal tax identification number, and you cannot open a US bank account, hire employees, or file US tax returns without one. The good news: you do not need a Social Security Number to get one. The process is different for foreign nationals, but it is straightforward once you know the steps.
What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business. It identifies your company for tax purposes at the federal level. You need it to:
- Open a US business bank account
- Hire employees and process payroll
- File federal and state tax returns
- Apply for business licenses and permits
- Sign contracts with clients and vendors who require it for 1099 reporting
Every US business entity should have an EIN, regardless of whether it has employees or generates revenue yet.
EIN vs ITIN: What Is the Difference?
Foreign nationals often confuse the EIN with the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). They are not the same thing.
EIN: A tax ID for a business entity. Issued to corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business structures. You are applying on behalf of your company.
ITIN: A tax ID for an individual who is not eligible for a Social Security Number. Used to file personal US tax returns if you earn income from US sources as an individual.
You may eventually need both, but your first priority after forming your US company is the EIN. The ITIN comes later if and when your personal US tax obligations require it.
Why You Cannot Apply Online
The IRS online EIN application at irs.gov requires the responsible party to have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN. If you have neither, the online system will reject your application. This is the most common stumbling block for foreign founders who try to apply the same way a US resident would.
Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN must apply by phone or fax using IRS Form SS-4. The phone method is by far the fastest option.
How to Apply by Phone: Step by Step
The IRS International EIN line for foreign applicants is: +1-267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number). Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time.
Before you call, prepare the following:
- Your company’s legal name exactly as it appears on your formation documents
- Your company’s state and date of formation
- The type of entity (LLC, C-Corp, etc.)
- The reason you are applying (starting a new business is fine)
- Your name, foreign address, and country
- The principal business activity (what your company actually does)
- Whether the business has or will have employees in the next 12 months
On the call, the IRS agent will ask you questions from Form SS-4. Answer honestly and directly. You do not need to be nervous; this is a routine process. At the end of the call, the agent will give you your EIN verbally. Write it down immediately. You will also receive a confirmation letter by mail, but the verbally-issued number is valid and usable right away.
How to Apply by Fax
If you prefer not to call, you can complete the IRS Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS at +1-855-215-1627 (from within the US) or +1-304-707-9471 (from outside the US). The IRS typically responds within four business days. You will receive your EIN by fax in return.
When completing Form SS-4, write “N/A” in the SSN/ITIN field. The IRS is aware that foreign applicants will not have one, and this will not disqualify your application.
What to Write in the Responsible Party Field
Line 7b on Form SS-4 asks for the responsible party’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN. If you have none of these, write “Foreign” or “N/A” and include your name and foreign address. Some applicants have success writing “Foreign” explicitly. The IRS processes these applications regularly; this is not an unusual situation for them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several errors consistently delay or derail EIN applications for foreign founders:
Applying online without an SSN or ITIN. The system will not allow it. Use phone or fax.
Mismatching the entity name. The name on your SS-4 must match exactly what is on your state formation documents. Discrepancies cause delays.
Applying before your company is formed. You need a valid, existing entity before you can obtain an EIN. File your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation first.
Calling outside IRS hours. The international line has specific hours. Plan your call accordingly and account for time zone differences.
After You Get Your EIN
Once you have your EIN, your next steps are opening a US business bank account and setting up your accounting system. For context on how the EIN fits into the broader process of setting up your US entity, our post on how to start a company in the US as a foreign founder walks through the full sequence. And once your finances are running, our guide on how to expense business travel the right way will help you stay compliant as your US operations grow.
Getting an EIN without an SSN takes a bit more patience than the standard online process, but it is entirely doable. Thousands of international founders complete this step every year. With your EIN in hand, your US business is fully operational and ready to open a bank account, accept payments, and grow.
Ready to build your US business the right way? Join Hustler’s Library free and get your personalised roadmap.
Services like LegalZoom can simplify the business formation process and help ensure your legal documents are filed correctly.
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