Apply for EIN Online as Non-Resident: Full Guide

Can non-residents apply for an EIN online?

Non-residents can use the IRS online EIN application only if they have an SSN or ITIN. The online system at irs.gov validates the responsible party's SSN or ITIN in real time and rejects applications without a valid number. Non-residents without either number must use the fax or mail method.

The IRS EIN online application is available at irs.gov under "Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online." The system operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. It walks you through a series of questions about your business entity type, number of members, responsible party information, and business activity. Upon completion, it issues an EIN immediately and displays your EIN confirmation notice (which you should print or save as a PDF).

The critical field is the responsible party's SSN or ITIN. The system performs an instant validation check. If the number does not match IRS records, the application fails. Non-residents who enter fabricated numbers or numbers belonging to others will have their application rejected and may face scrutiny on future applications.

For non-residents without an SSN or ITIN, the IRS provides alternative methods. Fax is the most common, followed by mail. Both methods use IRS Form SS-4 and accept "Foreign" in the SSN/ITIN field. The trade-off is processing time: fax takes 4-8 weeks compared to the instant online result. Learn more about the ITIN vs SSN for LLC owners and when obtaining an ITIN first makes sense.

How do you use the online application with an ITIN?

Non-residents with an ITIN can complete the IRS online EIN application and receive an EIN within minutes. The process involves 5 screens of questions and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Step-by-Step Online Application

1. Navigate to irs.gov: Go to the IRS EIN application page. Click "Apply Online Now." Click "Begin Application."
2. Select entity type: Choose "Limited Liability Company (LLC)."
3. Confirm LLC details: Select the number of members. For single-member, select 1. For multi-member, select the actual number.
4. Select state: Choose "Wyoming" as the state of organization.
5. Reason for applying: Select "Started a new business" for newly formed LLCs.
6. Responsible party information: Enter your full legal name as it appears on your ITIN documentation. Enter your ITIN in the SSN/ITIN field. The system validates the number in real time.
7. Business information: Enter LLC legal name (must match Articles of Organization exactly), trade name (if any), registered agent's Wyoming address, and description of business activity.
8. Additional details: Enter expected number of employees (0 if none), first date wages will be paid (N/A if no employees), and accounting year-end (December for calendar year).
9. Confirmation: Review all information for accuracy. Submit the application. The system displays your EIN immediately.
10. Save confirmation: Print or save the EIN confirmation notice as a PDF. This serves as your initial proof until the official CP 575 letter arrives by mail in 4-6 weeks.

How do you apply for an EIN by fax?

Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN apply by faxing completed Form SS-4 to the IRS international fax number (855) 641-6935. This is the most common method for foreign Wyoming LLC owners and processes in 4-8 weeks.

Step-by-Step Fax Application

1. Download Form SS-4: Go to irs.gov and search for "Form SS-4." Download the fillable PDF.
2. Complete the form: Follow the line-by-line instructions in the section below. Write "Foreign" on Line 7b (SSN/ITIN field).
3. Prepare a cover sheet: Include your full name, LLC name, international phone number with country code, email address, and the text "EIN Application - Form SS-4 Enclosed."
4. Fax the documents: Send the cover sheet and completed Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935. Use an online fax service (eFax, HelloFax, Fax.Plus) if you do not have a physical fax machine.
5. Confirm transmission: Save the fax confirmation receipt showing successful transmission. This is your proof of submission date.
6. Wait for CP 575: The IRS mails the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) to the address on Form SS-4 within 4-8 weeks.
7. Optional phone follow-up: After 4 weeks, call (267) 941-1099 to check status and potentially receive the EIN over the phone.

Online Fax Services

Most non-residents do not have access to physical fax machines. Online fax services send documents via fax using the internet. Recommended services include eFax (efax.com), HelloFax (hellofax.com), Fax.Plus (fax.plus), and FaxBurner (faxburner.com). Most offer free trials or pay-per-fax options. Upload the Form SS-4 PDF, enter (855) 641-6935 as the recipient fax number, and send.

How do you complete Form SS-4 step by step?

Form SS-4 is a one-page IRS form with 18 fields. Non-residents complete it identically to US applicants except for Line 7b where "Foreign" replaces the SSN/ITIN. Here is the complete line-by-line walkthrough for non-resident Wyoming LLC owners.

Section A: Entity Information

• Line 1 - Legal name of entity: Enter the exact LLC name as filed with Wyoming Secretary of State, including "LLC." Example: "Pacific Digital Solutions LLC."
• Line 2 - Trade name: Enter DBA name if different from legal name. Leave blank if operating under the LLC name.
• Line 3 - Executor, administrator, trustee: Leave blank for LLCs.
• Line 4a - Mailing address: Enter the street address. Use your registered agent's Wyoming address.
• Line 4b - City, state, ZIP: Enter the city, "WY," and ZIP code of the registered agent address.
• Line 5a-5b - Street address: Same as 4a-4b unless the physical address differs from mailing address.
• Line 6 - County and state: Enter the Wyoming county (e.g., "Laramie") and "WY."

Section B: Responsible Party

• Line 7a - Name of responsible party: Enter your full legal name as shown on your passport. The responsible party must be an individual (not a company).
• Line 7b - SSN, ITIN, or EIN: Enter your SSN or ITIN if you have one. If you have neither, write "Foreign" in this field. This is the critical field for non-residents.

Section C: Entity Details

• Line 8a - Type of entity: Check the box for "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" and enter the state: "Wyoming."
• Line 8b - Number of LLC members: Enter 1 for single-member or the actual number for multi-member LLCs.
• Line 9a - Reason for applying: Check "Started new business" and describe your business. Example: "Online consulting services" or "E-commerce."
• Line 9b - If changed type of organization: Leave blank for new LLCs.
• Line 10 - Date business started: Enter the date Wyoming approved your Articles of Organization (format: MM/DD/YYYY).
• Line 11 - Closing month of accounting year: Enter "December" for calendar year accounting (most common).

Section D: Employment Information

• Line 12 - First date wages paid: Enter the expected date or "N/A" if no employees.
• Line 13 - Highest number of employees: Enter 0 if no employees planned.
• Line 14 - Employment tax liability: Check "N/A" or leave blank if no employees.
• Line 15 - First date of IRS liability: Leave blank or enter "N/A" if no employees.
• Line 16 - Principal activity: Describe your primary business activity in 4-5 words.
• Line 17 - Principal line of merchandise: Describe products or "N/A" for service businesses.
• Line 18 - Third party designee: If you want a third party (formation service, attorney) to receive the EIN, check the box and enter their information.

Sign and date the form. The responsible party or the third-party designee signs. For the complete document checklist, see documents needed for EIN application.

How do you apply for an EIN by mail?

Mail the completed Form SS-4 to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Processing takes 8-12 weeks. Mail is the slowest method and should only be used when fax is unavailable.

Mailing Instructions

1. Complete Form SS-4 following the same instructions as the fax method.
2. Sign the form in ink (digital signatures are not accepted for mailed forms).
3. Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
4. Use an international tracked mailing service (FedEx, UPS, DHL) for delivery confirmation.
5. Keep a photocopy of the completed form for your records.

Why Fax Is Preferred Over Mail

Fax is faster (4-8 weeks vs 8-12 weeks), provides instant transmission confirmation, and allows phone follow-up after 4 weeks. Mail has no tracking once it enters the USPS system, and the IRS does not send confirmation of receipt. International mail to Cincinnati can take 7-14 days for delivery, adding to the total processing time. Use fax whenever possible.

How do you follow up by phone to get your EIN faster?

After faxing Form SS-4, call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 after 4 weeks to check your application status. If the IRS has processed your application, the agent can provide the EIN verbally over the phone, reducing total wait time from 8 weeks to 4 weeks.

Phone Call Procedure

1. Dial (267) 941-1099: This is the IRS international line. It is not toll-free. Expect charges based on your international calling plan. Call between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
2. Navigate the menu: Listen to the automated prompts and select the option for EIN inquiries. You may need to wait on hold. Wait times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time.
3. Verify your identity: The agent will ask for the LLC name, responsible party name, the date you faxed the application, and the fax number you sent it from.
4. Request the EIN: If your application has been processed, the agent provides the EIN verbally. Write it down carefully and verify by reading it back.
5. Request the CP 575: Ask the agent to mail the official CP 575 confirmation letter to the address on your application. This letter serves as official proof of your EIN for banking purposes.

Tips for a Successful Call

Call early in the day (6:00-8:00 AM Eastern) for shorter wait times. Have your Form SS-4 copy in front of you for reference. Be prepared to provide the LLC name, formation date, registered agent address, and responsible party details. If the agent says the application has not been received or processed, ask when to call back (typically 2 more weeks).

What are the processing times for each method?

EIN processing times vary significantly by method. Online is instant, fax takes 4-8 weeks, mail takes 8-12 weeks, and phone follow-up can reduce fax wait times to 4 weeks. Here is the complete comparison.

Total Timeline for Non-Residents

For most non-residents forming a Wyoming LLC, the complete timeline from LLC formation to EIN receipt is:

• Day 1-3: Wyoming LLC formation (Articles of Organization approved).
• Day 4: Fax Form SS-4 to IRS.
• Week 4: Call (267) 941-1099 to check status. If processed, receive EIN by phone.
• Week 4-8: Receive CP 575 confirmation letter by mail.
• Week 5-9: Open Mercury or Relay bank account (1-5 business days after receiving EIN).

Total time from LLC formation to operational bank account: approximately 5-10 weeks for non-residents using the fax method. Non-residents with an ITIN can compress this to 1-2 weeks by using the instant online EIN application.

What causes EIN application rejections?

The most common causes of EIN application rejection are LLC name mismatches, applying before formation is complete, SSN/ITIN validation failures on the online system, and incomplete Form SS-4 submissions. Understanding these causes helps you avoid delays.

Rejection 1: LLC Name Does Not Match

The LLC name on Form SS-4 must match the name on your Articles of Organization exactly, including the "LLC" designator. If Wyoming records show "Pacific Digital Solutions LLC" and your Form SS-4 says "Pacific Digital Solutions," the IRS may reject or assign the EIN to a mismatched entity. Always copy the exact legal name from your approved Articles.

Rejection 2: LLC Not Yet Formed

The IRS verifies that the business entity exists before issuing an EIN. If you submit Form SS-4 before Wyoming approves your Articles of Organization, the IRS may reject the application. Wait until you receive the approved Articles from the Wyoming Secretary of State before faxing Form SS-4.

Rejection 3: Online SSN/ITIN Validation Failure

The online system validates the responsible party's SSN or ITIN against IRS records. If the number does not match (wrong number, name mismatch, expired ITIN), the application fails. Ensure the name on your ITIN exactly matches the name you enter on the online application. If your ITIN has expired, renew it before applying.

Rejection 4: Incomplete Form SS-4

Missing fields on Form SS-4 can delay processing. Ensure all required fields are completed, including LLC name, address, responsible party name, entity type, and reason for applying. The IRS does not reject for minor omissions but may delay processing while they seek clarification.

Rejection 5: Duplicate EIN Application

The IRS issues one EIN per entity. If you accidentally submit multiple applications for the same LLC, the IRS may reject the duplicates or issue multiple EINs (which creates confusion). Track your submissions and do not re-fax unless you are certain the first fax was not received.

Can a third party apply for an EIN on your behalf?

Yes. The IRS allows a third-party designee to complete, sign, and submit Form SS-4 on your behalf. This is how formation services, attorneys, and CPAs obtain EINs for their clients. The third-party designee provision is on Line 18 of Form SS-4.

How Third-Party Designation Works

On Form SS-4, check the "Third Party Designee" box and provide the designee's name, phone number, fax number, and address. The designee can then communicate with the IRS about the EIN application, receive the EIN, and handle any follow-up questions. The designee's authority is limited to the EIN application and does not extend to other IRS matters.

Formation Services as Third-Party Designees

WyomingLLC.co and other formation services act as third-party designees when they include EIN application in their formation packages. The service prepares Form SS-4 using your LLC information, submits it to the IRS, follows up on processing status, and delivers the EIN to you. This eliminates the need for you to navigate the fax process or make international phone calls.

Attorneys and CPAs

If you have a US attorney or CPA, they can act as your third-party designee using IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or the simpler third-party designee authorization on Form SS-4. This gives them authority to discuss your EIN application with the IRS, which is particularly useful for resolving rejections or name matching issues.

Whether you use a formation service, attorney, or apply yourself, the EIN application is free from the IRS. Formation services that include EIN in their package are charging for the convenience and expertise of handling the process, not for the EIN itself. Learn about the EIN for non-residents without SSN process in detail.

What do you do after receiving your EIN?

After receiving your EIN, take four immediate actions: secure the confirmation document, open a US bank account, register for payment processing, and set up your tax filing calendar. These steps activate your LLC for business operations.

1. Secure the EIN Documentation

If you received the EIN online, save the confirmation notice as a PDF. If you received it by phone, write down the number and request the CP 575 letter. When the CP 575 arrives by mail, scan it and store copies in cloud storage and local backup. This letter is your primary proof of EIN for banks and payment processors.

2. Open a US Business Bank Account

Apply to Mercury Bank for Wyoming LLC or Relay Bank with your Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation, operating agreement, and passport. Both banks accept non-residents and approve most applications in 1-5 business days. Learn more at US bank account for Wyoming LLC non-residents.

3. Register for Stripe

Create a Stripe account at stripe.com, select "United States," enter your LLC name and EIN, and connect your Mercury or Relay bank account. Stripe verifies the EIN against IRS records during onboarding. Approval takes 1-3 business days.

4. Set Up Tax Filing Calendar

Mark the following deadlines: Form 5472 + pro-forma 1120 due April 15 (for foreign-owned single-member LLCs), Form 1065 due March 15 (for multi-member LLCs), Wyoming annual report due on the anniversary month of formation, and registered agent renewal annually. All forms reference your EIN.

5. Keep Records

Maintain records of all LLC transactions, bank statements, distributions to owners, and capital contributions. These records are required for Form 5472 reporting (foreign-owned LLCs) and Form 1065 filing (multi-member LLCs). Learn about Form 5472 for Wyoming LLC non-residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can formation services get my EIN faster?

Formation services use the same IRS methods as individuals. If the service has your ITIN, they can apply online for an instant EIN. If no ITIN exists, they fax Form SS-4 and follow up by phone after 4 weeks. The advantage is that experienced services avoid common mistakes that cause rejections and delays.

When should I apply for the EIN relative to LLC formation?

Apply for the EIN immediately after receiving your approved Articles of Organization from Wyoming. Do not apply before formation is complete. The IRS requires an active business entity, and pre-formation applications may be rejected.

Can I use someone else's SSN to apply for my LLC's EIN?

Only if that person is the legitimate responsible party who controls and manages the LLC. If a US-based partner or member has an SSN and is a genuine responsible party, they can apply. Using someone else's SSN when they are not a responsible party is misrepresentation and can result in legal consequences.

What if I never receive the CP 575 letter?

If the CP 575 letter does not arrive within 8 weeks of your fax submission (or 12 weeks for mail), call (267) 941-1099 to request the EIN verbally and ask for the letter to be resent. Ensure the IRS has the correct mailing address. International mail from Cincinnati, OH can take 2-4 weeks to reach some countries.