How to Get an EIN for Non-US Residents (2026 Complete Guide)

• To open a US business bank account.
• To set up US payment processor.
• To comply with US tax laws and file corporate returns.

The Big Trap: Why You Cannot Apply Online
If you visit the official IRS website, you will see a big, friendly button that says "Apply Online."
The Catch: The online IRS portal strictly requires a US Tax ID — either an SSN (Social Security Number) or an ITIN. If you are a non-resident and do not have an SSN, the online system will show you an error (usually Error Reference 101) and block you. Do not waste your time trying to bypass this online form.

How International Founders Actually Get an EIN (Step-by-Step)
Because the online path is closed to non-residents, you must apply using a paper form called Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number).
Since the IRS designed this form primarily for US citizens, it contains several "trap" fields. One minor mistake can lead to an immediate rejection. Here is how to fill out the most difficult lines correctly:

Step 1: Fill Out Form SS-4 (Avoiding the Traps)

• Line 1 (Legal Name): Enter the exact name of your LLC, just as it appears on your approved state formation documents.
• Lines 4a–4b (Mailing Address): Enter your US mailing address (like your virtual Mailbox or your registered agent's address). This is where the IRS will mail your official paper confirmation letter.
• Lines 5a–5b (Street Address): Leave these fields completely blank (you and your clients do not need to fill them out).
• Line 7a–7b (Responsible Party): On line 7a, write your full name exactly as it appears in your international passport. On line 7b (SSN, ITIN, or EIN), write the word "FOREIGN" in bold, clear letters. This is the legal way to tell the IRS that you do not hold US citizenship or US documents. Never leave this box blank!
• Lines 8a–8c (LLC Details):
  • 8a: Check YES.
  • 8b: If you are the only owner, write 1. If you have partners, write the total number of members.
  • 8c: Check YES (because your LLC was organized in a US state, like Florida).
• Line 9a (Type of Entity): This is highly confusing because there is no checkbox for "LLC." If you are a Single-Member LLC (one owner), check the box for Other (specify) and write "Foreign-owned disregarded entity". If you have two or more owners, check the box for Partnership.
• Line 10 (Reason for Applying): Check the box for Started new business (specify type) and write "LLC" next to it. Important: Never specify the actual industry your company operates in (e.g., do not write e-commerce or software) — we always follow the Bizee standard approach here.
  Pro Tip: Do not just check "Banking purposes," as this can limit your EIN usability later.
• Lines 13–15 (Employees): If you run your business from abroad and do not have official W2 employees in the US, enter 0 on line 13, leave line 14 blank, and write "N/A" on line 15. If you write any number higher than 0, the IRS will force your company to file complex quarterly payroll tax forms, even if you pay no wages.

Understanding the Signature & Contact Blocks
This section can be confusing if you have never dealt with IRS paperwork before, so let's break it down in detail:

1. The Signature Box: At the bottom, you must provide your physical signature and the current date.
2. Name and Title Block: Print or type your name clearly. Next to your name, under "Title," write "Managing Member" or "Owner." Do not write "CEO" or "President" — those titles belong to Corporations, not LLCs.
3. Third Party Designee Fields: Leave this entire section completely blank.
4. Designee's Phone & Fax Numbers: Do NOT fill these out.
5. Applicant's Phone & Fax Numbers: You MUST fill these fields out with your actual contact numbers (include your country and area codes).

Step 2: Send Your Form to the IRS by Fax
Once your Form SS-4 is signed, you must send it to the IRS international fax division.
Fax your form to: +1 (855) 215-1627 (or +1 (304) 707-9471 if you are using an international fax line).
Note: If you do not have a physical fax machine, you must use a digital online fax service that allows you to receive an inbound fax response.

Step 3: The Insider Shortcut — Call the IRS to Get Your EIN Immediately
Officially, the IRS states they will fax your EIN back within 4 to 7 business days. In reality, international digital faxes frequently fail, or the IRS takes weeks to respond.
Here is the professional workaround: You do not have to wait for a return fax. Instead, you can call the IRS directly and get your number over the phone.

1. Wait 2-3 business days after sending your fax to give the IRS time to upload your document into their system.
2. Call the IRS International EIN Operation line at +1 (267) 941-1099 (open Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time).
3. Expect long hold times: You will likely wait on the line for 30 to 60 minutes before an agent answers.
4. Tell the agent: "I am a non-US resident calling to obtain the EIN for my newly formed LLC. I have already submitted my Form SS-4 via fax."
5. The agent will ask you to read and verify the exact details from your Form SS-4. Spell out your company name carefully.

If your paperwork has been reviewed, the agent will read your 9-digit EIN directly to you over the phone.