Are you a non-resident who wants to start a U.S. business but don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international entrepreneurs face this challenge when trying to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The good news is: you can absolutely get an EIN without SSN or ITIN.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to legally apply for and receive your EIN even if you live outside the U.S. and have no tax ID. Whether you’re forming an LLC, a C-Corp, or another business entity, having an EIN is essential—and LegalFlow can help make it easy.
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a federal tax ID used by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It’s required to open a business bank account, sign up for Stripe or PayPal, file taxes, and operate legally in the U.S. For non-residents, getting an EIN without SSN or ITIN may seem tricky, but it’s entirely possible and 100% legal.
First, you’ll need to choose your business structure—typically an LLC is the best option for non-residents. After that, the next critical step is applying for your EIN. Normally, U.S. residents can apply online through the IRS website. But this system requires a valid SSN or ITIN. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4.
The key to success is knowing how to fill out Form SS-4 correctly as a non-resident. For Line 7b (SSN, ITIN, or EIN), you simply write “Foreign” to indicate that you don’t have a U.S. tax ID. In Line 9a, you’ll usually select “Other” and write in “Foreign-owned single-member LLC” or whatever applies to your business. If done correctly, you’ll typically receive your EIN in 4 to 6 weeks by fax, or slightly longer by mail.
Here’s a direct link to the official IRS instructions for completing the EIN application:
🔗 IRS Form SS-4 Instructions
Another important resource is the IRS guide for foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities, which outlines filing and compliance obligations:
🔗 IRS – Foreign-Owned U.S. Disregarded Entities
If you want to avoid delays, confusion, or rejection from the IRS, you can let professionals handle it. LegalFlow specializes in helping non-U.S. residents form LLCs and get their EINs without SSN or ITIN. The process is fully remote, and we take care of the paperwork and submission to the IRS for you.
Many people ask: “Can I use LegalZoom or other automated tools?” The truth is, most large formation websites aren’t optimized for non-residents without a tax ID. You risk filling out the form incorrectly or getting stuck. That’s why using a specialized service like LegalFlow is safer and faster for international founders.
It’s also important to remember that even after you get an EIN without SSN or ITIN, you’ll still need to comply with IRS reporting. For example, if you form a single-member LLC as a non-resident, you’ll likely need to file Form 5472 and Form 1120 annually. This is where LegalFlow provides continuous support—we don’t just help you get started, we help you stay compliant long-term.
To summarize, here are the main steps to get an EIN without SSN or ITIN:
- Form your U.S. company (usually an LLC)
- Complete IRS Form SS-4 and write “Foreign” on line 7b
- Submit the form to the IRS via fax or mail
- Receive your EIN in 4–6 weeks
- Begin operating your U.S. business remotely
And if you want to make the process 10x easier, just use LegalFlow—we do it all for you.
Getting an EIN without SSN or ITIN is not only possible—it’s fast, affordable, and completely legal. With the right partner, you can start your U.S. business, open bank accounts, accept payments, and grow internationally without ever setting foot in the U.S.
Start your journey with LegalFlow and build your U.S. company the smart way.