If you’re a non-resident forming a U.S. Limited Liability Company (LLC), getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential. The EIN, also called the Federal Tax Identification Number, is required to open a U.S. business bank account, apply for Stripe or PayPal, and file your IRS tax forms. But what if you don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)? Can you still get an EIN from the IRS legally? The answer is yes—and this guide will show you how, step by step.
Why Non-Residents Need an EIN
The EIN acts as the official tax ID for your U.S. business. Even if you’re a solo founder, and yourhttps://legalflow.blog/best-states-to-start-an-llc-for-non-residents-wyoming-vs-delaware-vs-new-mexico/ LLC doesn’t have employees, the IRS requires it for:
- Opening a U.S. business bank account
- Filing IRS Form 5472 + 1120 (for foreign-owned single-member LLCs)
- Registering for sales tax or employer payroll tax if applicable
- Applying for merchant accounts (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Receiving income from U.S. platforms like Amazon, Shopify, Etsy
Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes, non-residents can apply for an EIN without an SSN, ITIN, or U.S. address. The IRS allows foreign individuals to apply by mailing or faxing a completed Form SS-4, leaving the SSN field blank, and writing “Foreign” instead.
✅ There is no legal requirement to have an SSN to obtain an EIN if you’re a non-U.S. person.
🔗 See official IRS instructions here:
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online – IRS
Step-by-Step: How to Get an EIN as a Non-Resident Without SSN
1. Create Your U.S. LLC First
The EIN is linked to your business. Before you apply, make sure you’ve officially formed your LLC in a U.S. state (such as Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico). You’ll need your approved Articles of Organization.
If you need help forming an LLC, you can use Legal Flow to handle everything for you remotely.
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2. Fill Out IRS Form SS-4
Download the official form here:
🔗 Form SS-4 – IRS (PDF)
How to fill it out as a foreign individual:
- Line 1: Your LLC’s legal name
- Line 7a/b: Your full name and foreign address
- Line 8a: Check “No” (LLC doesn’t have employees)
- Line 9a: Type of entity → Check “Other” and write “Foreign-owned U.S. LLC – Disregarded Entity”
- Line 10: Write “To open a business bank account and file tax returns”
- Leave line 7b (SSN/ITIN) blank, and write “Foreign” above it
Pro tip: You must sign the form and include your title (e.g., “Owner” or “Managing Member”)
3. Submit the Form to the IRS
As of 2025, the IRS no longer allows online EIN applications for non-U.S. persons without an SSN. You must send the form by:
Option 1 – Fax:
- IRS Fax Number: +1 855-641-6935 (for international applicants)
- Processing time: 1–2 weeks
Option 2 – Mail:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
USA
- Processing time: 4–6 weeks
Note: You can also authorize a third party (like Legal Flow) to file on your behalf using the “Third Party Designee” section of Form SS-4.
4. Receive Your EIN Letter (CP 575)
Once approved, the IRS will issue you an official EIN confirmation letter (CP 575). If you faxed the form, you can request them to fax it back to you. Otherwise, they’ll mail it to your foreign address.
Keep this letter safe. Banks, payment processors, and the IRS will ask for it as proof of EIN assignment.
What If You Don’t Want to Wait Weeks?
If you want to avoid dealing with fax machines, international mail delays, and IRS errors, you can use Legal Flow to apply for your EIN on your behalf. We help non-residents every day by:
- Reviewing and preparing Form SS-4
- Contacting the IRS directly
- Ensuring you receive your EIN securely
- Helping you stay compliant with tax reporting
Learn more or request EIN service at:
👉 Legal Flow
Common EIN Mistakes by Non-Residents
- Submitting the form with a U.S. address you don’t actually use
- Including an invalid SSN or ITIN when not required
- Not stating “Foreign-owned U.S. LLC – Disregarded Entity” in Line 9a
- Forgetting to sign or date the form
- Assuming the EIN means you’re fully tax compliant (you still need to file IRS forms annually)
Do You Still Need to File IRS Forms After Getting an EIN?
Yes. An EIN doesn’t mean your tax obligations are done. If you’re a foreign owner of a U.S. single-member LLC, you must file:
- Form 5472 + pro forma Form 1120 every year
- Form 1040-NR if you earned U.S.-connected income
More about these rules here:
🔗 IRS Instructions for Form 5472
🔗 Taxation of Nonresident Aliens – IRS
Failing to file these forms can result in a $25,000 penalty per year, even if you owe no tax.
Final Thoughts: EIN Without SSN Is 100% Possible
Getting an EIN as a non-resident without a Social Security Number is absolutely possible and legal if you follow the correct process. The IRS allows you to form and operate a U.S. LLC and apply for an EIN using Form SS-4, even if you live abroad and don’t have a U.S. address.
At Legal Flow, we specialize in helping international entrepreneurs form their U.S. LLCs and get EINs without hassle. Whether you’re a digital nomad, e-commerce founder, or global freelancer, we’ve got your back.
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