You can get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) directly from the IRS for free, and if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN, the online application issues it instantly. Non-U.S. residents without an SSN or ITIN cannot use the online tool — they apply with Form SS-4 by phone (+1-267-941-1099, EIN issued during the call), by fax (~4 business days), or by mail (~4–5 weeks).
What an EIN Is
An EIN is a 9-digit federal tax ID — format XX-XXXXXXX — that identifies a business entity to the IRS, the way an SSN or ITIN identifies a person. The IRS uses it to track the entity's tax filings: income tax returns, employment taxes, information returns like Form 5472, and excise taxes.
Three facts define the EIN:
- It is free. The IRS never charges for an EIN through any application method. Anyone charging you is charging for preparation service, not the number itself.
- It never expires. Unlike an ITIN, which lapses after 3 years of non-use, an EIN is permanent. There is no renewal.
- One per entity, forever. Once assigned, the EIN stays with that entity even if the business changes its name or closes.
If you are unsure whether your situation calls for an EIN, an ITIN, or both, the comparison section below sorts it out.
Who Needs an EIN
The IRS requires an EIN if any of these apply:
- You have employees or will hire any
- You operate as a corporation or partnership (and multi-member LLCs, which default to partnership treatment)
- You formed an LLC — single-member foreign-owned LLCs need an EIN to file Form 5472
- You withhold taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien
- You file excise tax returns (fuel, tobacco, certain services)
- You have a Keogh plan (self-employed retirement plan)
- You are involved with certain trusts, estates, or non-profit organizations
Beyond the legal requirements, two practical reasons drive most applications:
- Opening a U.S. business bank account. Every U.S. bank requires an EIN for an entity account.
- Paying U.S. contractors. Issuing Form 1099-NEC to U.S. freelancers requires an EIN. Marketplaces such as Amazon and Stripe also ask for it during tax onboarding.
The 4 Ways to Apply, Compared
| Method | Who can use it | Time to EIN | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (irs.gov) | Responsible party with an SSN or ITIN; U.S.-based entity | Instant | Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET |
| Phone (+1-267-941-1099) | International applicants only (no SSN/ITIN required) | During the call | Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET |
| Fax | Anyone with a completed Form SS-4 | ~4 business days | 24/7 submission |
| Anyone with a completed Form SS-4 | ~4–5 weeks | Anytime |
Two limits apply across all methods: the responsible party must be an individual (not a company), and the IRS issues a maximum of one EIN per responsible party per day.
Step-by-Step: Online Application (SSN or ITIN Holders)
The online assistant at irs.gov is the fastest route if you qualify.
- Confirm eligibility. The responsible party needs an SSN or ITIN, and the entity's principal business must be located in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
- Gather details before starting. The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity and cannot be saved: legal entity name, formation state, responsible party's name and tax ID, U.S. address, entity type, and reason for applying.
- Start during operating hours. Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET. The tool is offline on weekends.
- Select your entity type. LLC, corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, estate, or trust. For an LLC, you will also enter the number of members and formation state.
- Enter the responsible party. Name and SSN/ITIN of the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity.
- Choose the reason for applying. "Started a new business" or "Banking purposes" cover most cases.
- Receive the EIN immediately. Download the CP575 confirmation letter as a PDF at the end of the session — the IRS does not re-issue this exact letter, so save it.
If you have an ITIN, it works exactly like an SSN here. Don't have one yet? See how to get an ITIN — though for an EIN alone, you do not need to wait for one, as the next section shows.
Step-by-Step: Non-U.S. Residents Without an SSN or ITIN
Most non-resident founders fall here. You cannot use the online tool, but you can absolutely get an EIN. The vehicle is Form SS-4, filed by phone, fax, or mail.
Completing Form SS-4: the lines that matter
| Line | What to enter |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exact legal name of the entity as it appears on formation documents |
| 2 | Trade name, only if different from line 1 |
| 4a–4b | Mailing address — a foreign address is acceptable |
| 7a | Responsible party's full name (an individual, not a company) |
| 7b | SSN/ITIN field — write "FOREIGN" if the responsible party has neither, per the SS-4 instructions |
| 8a–8b | Check "Yes" for LLC and enter the number of members |
| 9a | Entity classification — a single-member foreign-owned LLC typically checks "Other" and writes "Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity" |
| 10 | Reason for applying — "Started new business" or "Banking purpose" |
| 11 | Date the business started or was formed |
| 16 | Principal activity of the business |
Sign and date the form. An unsigned SS-4 is the most common rejection cause.
Option A: Phone (fastest for non-residents)
Call +1-267-941-1099, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET. This line serves international applicants only and is not toll-free. Have your completed SS-4 in front of you — the agent walks through it line by line and issues the EIN during the call. Expect hold times of 30–60+ minutes; early morning ET is typically quietest.
Option B: Fax (~4 business days)
Fax the signed SS-4 to the number listed in the current Form SS-4 instructions for international applicants. Include a return fax number, and the IRS faxes the EIN back in roughly 4 business days. Online fax services work fine.
Option C: Mail (~4–5 weeks)
Mail the signed SS-4 to the IRS address in the current SS-4 instructions for entities with no U.S. location. Allow 4–5 weeks. This is the slowest route and makes sense only when phone and fax are impractical.
If you would rather not navigate IRS phone queues from another time zone, itin.net obtains EINs for non-U.S. residents for $297, with a 100% money-back guarantee — see pricing.
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN at a Glance
| EIN | ITIN | SSN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identifies | A business entity | An individual (no SSN eligibility) | An individual authorized to work |
| Issued by | IRS | IRS | Social Security Administration |
| Form | SS-4 | W-7 | SS-5 |
| Expires | Never | After 3 years of non-use | Never |
Full breakdown with decision scenarios: EIN vs ITIN vs SSN: which tax ID do you need.
Common SS-4 Mistakes That Delay Your EIN
- Entity name mismatch. Line 1 must match the formation documents character for character — "LLC" vs "L.L.C." discrepancies cause rejections.
- A company listed as responsible party. Line 7a must name an individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity.
- Leaving line 7b blank. Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN should write "FOREIGN," not leave it empty.
- Missing signature. Unsigned forms are returned, restarting the clock.
- Wrong entity classification on line 9a. A foreign-owned single-member LLC that checks the wrong box can end up misclassified for tax purposes.
- Applying before the entity exists. Form the LLC or corporation first; the EIN application references the formation date and state. Forming the entity itself is covered in LLC formation for foreign nationals.
- Duplicate applications. Filing by fax and then also calling creates duplicate-EIN headaches that take months to untangle. Pick one method and wait it out.
After You Get Your EIN
The EIN is the key that unlocks the rest of your U.S. setup:
- Save the CP575 letter. Banks, payment processors, and marketplaces all ask for it.
- Open a business bank account. You will need the CP575/147C letter, formation documents, and owner ID. See opening a US bank account as a non-resident.
- Check federal beneficial ownership (BOI) reporting. Reporting companies file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN; requirements have shifted over time, so confirm the current rules for your entity type at fincen.gov.
- Register with your state where required. Sales tax permits, state withholding accounts, and annual report obligations vary by state — check the relevant state agency for your formation and operating states.
- Set up tax onboarding with platforms. Amazon, Stripe, PayPal, and app stores collect the EIN on Form W-9 or W-8BEN-E during verification.
- Calendar your federal filings. A foreign-owned single-member LLC files Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 annually; penalties for missing it start at $25,000.
Lost Your EIN? Get a 147C Letter
If the CP575 letter is gone and the number is not on past tax returns or bank paperwork, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. After identity verification, the agent can fax or mail a 147C verification letter — banks accept it as equivalent to the CP575. The IRS never re-issues the original CP575 itself.
Bottom Line
An EIN is free, permanent, and obtainable by anyone with a legitimate U.S. entity or filing obligation — no SSN, ITIN, or U.S. residency required. Online takes minutes if you hold an SSN or ITIN; otherwise the phone line at +1-267-941-1099 issues it in one call, fax takes about 4 business days, and mail takes 4–5 weeks. Prepare Form SS-4 carefully, write "FOREIGN" on line 7b if applicable, and keep the confirmation letter safe. If you want the whole thing handled — SS-4 preparation, IRS filing, and the confirmation letter delivered to your inbox — itin.net does it for $297 flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an EIN number?
Apply free through the IRS. If the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN, the online application issues the EIN instantly. Non-U.S. residents without either apply by phone at +1-267-941-1099, by fax (about 4 business days), or by mail (4 to 5 weeks) using Form SS-4.
How much does an EIN cost?
Nothing. The IRS issues EINs for free through every application method. Fees only apply if you hire a service to prepare and file Form SS-4 on your behalf.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online is instant. Phone applications for international applicants receive the EIN during the call. Fax takes about 4 business days, and mail takes about 4 to 5 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. The online tool requires an SSN or ITIN, but non-U.S. residents can apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4 and writing "FOREIGN" in the SSN field on line 7b, per the SS-4 instructions. Full details in how to get an EIN as a non-US resident.
What is the IRS phone number for international EIN applications?
+1-267-941-1099, available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. It serves international applicants only and is not a toll-free line.
What is Form SS-4?
Form SS-4 is the IRS Application for Employer Identification Number. It collects the legal name of the entity, the responsible party, entity type, and reason for applying, and is used for phone, fax, and mail applications.
Who is the responsible party on an EIN application?
The individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity, such as the LLC owner. It must be a person, not another company, and each responsible party can receive only one EIN per day.
Do EINs expire?
No. An EIN never expires and never needs renewal. It stays assigned to your entity permanently, even if the business closes.
What if I lost my EIN?
Check the CP575 confirmation letter, prior tax returns, or bank documents first. Otherwise call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 and request a 147C verification letter, which banks accept in place of the original.
Do I need an EIN to open a U.S. business bank account?
Yes. U.S. banks require an EIN to open an account in a business entity's name, along with formation documents and owner identification.
Can a foreign-owned LLC get an EIN?
Yes. Foreign ownership does not block an EIN. The foreign owner applies as the responsible party by phone, fax, or mail, writing "FOREIGN" on line 7b if they have no SSN or ITIN.
Is an EIN the same as an ITIN?
No. An EIN identifies a business entity to the IRS, while an ITIN identifies an individual who is not eligible for an SSN. A non-resident business owner often needs both.
What are the IRS online EIN application hours?
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The tool is not available on weekends, and a session must be completed in one sitting — it times out after 15 minutes of inactivity.
