Walmart requires a U.S. EIN for sellers from Jordan
Walmart's onboarding process for third-party sellers mandates a U.S. business presence, including a U.S. Employer Identification Number (EIN). For sellers based in Jordan, this requirement presents a unique challenge. You cannot use your Jordanian national identification number or business registration for this purpose. The EIN is a federal tax identification number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities. It is essential for establishing your U.S. business structure, opening a U.S. bank account, and complying with U.S. tax obligations, even if you have no physical presence in the United States. Without this nine-digit number, you will be unable to complete the Walmart seller application, halting your expansion into the U.S. e-commerce market. This process is distinct from obtaining a Jordanian business license and requires specific documentation to prove your U.S. business identity to the IRS.
When you need an EIN as a Walmart marketplace seller from Jordan
An EIN is required for Walmart marketplace sellers from Jordan primarily to fulfill Walmart's onboarding requirements. Walmart mandates that all third-party sellers operate under a U.S. business entity, such as a U.S. LLC, which necessitates an EIN. This is not an optional step; it's a prerequisite for listing products on the platform. Beyond Walmart, an EIN is also typically required if you plan to open a U.S. bank account to manage your sales revenue. Many U.S. banks require an EIN and U.S. business formation documents to open an account for non-resident business owners. Furthermore, if your U.S. entity structure involves partners or employees, or if you plan to file U.S. business taxes (like those related to Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs), an EIN is mandatory. The IRS uses the EIN to track business tax filings and ensure compliance with U.S. federal tax laws.
Required documents for your EIN application
To apply for an EIN, non-residents typically need a few key documents. The primary document is the passport of the responsible party. This individual is the person who will be listed on the IRS Form SS-4 and is legally accountable for the U.S. business. You will also need your U.S. business formation documents. If you have formed a U.S. LLC, this would include your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement. Even if your business is not yet fully formed, you can often apply with the intent to form. A U.S. business address is also usually required. This can be a physical address or a mail forwarding service address. It's important to have these documents ready before starting the application process to avoid delays. The IRS uses this information to verify your identity and the legitimacy of your U.S. business entity.
The EIN application process for non-residents
Applying for an EIN as a non-resident, particularly from Jordan, follows a specific process distinct from that for U.S. residents. Since you likely do not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you cannot apply online through the IRS portal. The standard method for non-residents is to complete and submit IRS Form SS-4 via fax or mail directly to the IRS. This process typically takes 3–5 weeks for the IRS to process. The form requires detailed information about your U.S. business entity, including its name, address, and the responsible party's identifying information. You must also correctly indicate that the responsible party is a foreign individual without an SSN on line 7b of the SS-4. Once approved, the IRS will issue your EIN via mail or fax. This waiting period is considerably longer than the 1–2 business days for U.S. residents applying online.
Common mistakes for Walmart sellers from Jordan
Walmart marketplace sellers from Jordan often encounter specific pitfalls when applying for an EIN. A frequent error is attempting to use the online application portal, which is designed for individuals with an SSN or ITIN. This will result in an application failure. Another common mistake is incorrectly filling out line 7b of Form SS-4. Instead of leaving it blank or entering your Jordanian national ID, you must write 'Foreign' if you do not have an SSN or ITIN. Misrepresenting the entity type or failing to provide a valid U.S. business address (or a reliable mail forwarding service) can also lead to rejection. It is critical to ensure all information on the SS-4 aligns precisely with your business formation documents and passport details. These errors can cause significant delays or outright denial of your EIN application.
How the Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) path helps
The Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) path offers a streamlined and expedited route for obtaining an EIN, especially for non-residents. As a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), itin.net can act as an intermediary with the IRS. This means we can prepare and submit your Form SS-4 on your behalf, and crucially, we can verify your identification documents in person or remotely. This verification process often allows the IRS to issue your EIN much faster than the standard mail or fax method for non-residents. While the direct IRS fax method can take 3–5 weeks, the CAA channel can often reduce this to 3–5 business days. This significantly shortens the time it takes to get your EIN, allowing you to proceed with your Walmart onboarding and U.S. bank account opening more quickly. Using a CAA like itin.net helps ensure accuracy and compliance throughout the application.
Next steps after obtaining your EIN
Once you receive your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS (often a CP-575 notice), you can proceed with the crucial next steps for your Walmart marketplace business. The immediate next step is to use your new EIN to open a U.S. bank account. Many U.S. banks, including options like Mercury, Relay, or Brex, cater to international sellers and require your EIN and business formation documents. With your EIN and bank account secured, you can finalize your Walmart seller account registration. Remember that as a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, you will likely have U.S. tax filing obligations, such as filing Form 5472 annually. Review the pricing for EIN services on our website or contact us if you need assistance navigating this process.
Practical tips
- When completing Form SS-4, ensure line 7b is clearly marked 'Foreign' if the responsible party does not possess an SSN or ITIN.
- Use a reliable mail forwarding service for your U.S. business address if you do not have a physical presence there; this is crucial for IRS correspondence.
- Ensure the name of the responsible party on Form SS-4 exactly matches their passport name to avoid discrepancies.
- If you are forming a U.S. LLC, have your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement readily available for the application.
- Choose the correct entity type on Form SS-4 that accurately reflects your U.S. business structure (e.g., LLC, Corporation).
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Jordanian business registration number instead of an EIN for Walmart?
No, Walmart requires a U.S. Employer Identification Number (EIN) for all third-party sellers, regardless of their country of origin. Your Jordanian business registration is not a substitute for a U.S. federal tax ID.
How long does it take to get an EIN from Jordan without a U.S. SSN?
Applying directly with the IRS via fax or mail typically takes 3–5 weeks. Using a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) like itin.net can often expedite this to 3–5 business days.
Do I need a U.S. address to get an EIN?
Yes, the IRS requires a U.S. business address on Form SS-4. This can be a physical address or a mail forwarding service address. It is essential for receiving IRS correspondence.
What is the cost for a non-resident EIN application?
The IRS does not charge a fee to apply for an EIN. However, services like itin.net that assist with the application, verification, and expedited processing do have fees. Our standard non-resident EIN service is $297.
Can I open a U.S. bank account with just my EIN?
Typically, you will need your EIN along with your U.S. business formation documents (like Articles of Organization for an LLC) to open a U.S. bank account. Some banks may have additional requirements for non-residents.
What if I make a mistake on my EIN application?
If you submit an incorrect Form SS-4, the IRS may reject your application or issue an incorrect EIN. It is best to use a service like itin.net that ensures accuracy, especially for non-residents unfamiliar with IRS procedures.
