How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?

EIN Processing Times at a Glance

The IRS offers three methods to apply for an EIN, each with different processing times. Your eligibility for each method depends on whether you have a US Social Security Number. Here is the processing time for each EIN application method: the IRS's own figure, and what non-residents should plan for.

Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN cannot use the instant online system. The fastest route is to call the IRS international line at +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday), where an agent can assign the EIN during the call. By fax: the IRS says faxed applications are generally answered within 4 business days, but non-resident applications commonly take 4–8 weeks in practice, so plan on 4–8 weeks. By mail, the IRS says to allow about 4 weeks; from abroad, international post adds time in both directions.

Online EIN Application — Instant (US Residents Only)

The IRS online EIN application at IRS.gov is the fastest way to get an EIN. The application is processed in real-time, and you receive your EIN immediately at the end of the online session. The entire process takes 10–15 minutes if you have all required information ready.

Who Can Use the Online EIN Application

The online EIN application is available only to individuals who have a valid US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Eligibility includes:

• US citizens with an SSN
• US permanent residents (green card holders) with an SSN
• Work visa holders with an SSN (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, TN)
• Individuals with an ITIN who have a US tax filing obligation

Why Non-Residents Cannot Use Online EIN

The IRS online system requires the responsible party (the person applying for the EIN) to enter a valid SSN or ITIN to verify identity. Non-residents who have never worked in the US or filed US taxes do not have an SSN or ITIN. The online system rejects applications without a valid SSN or ITIN. Non-residents must use the fax or mail method instead.

Some non-residents obtain an ITIN first to gain access to the instant online EIN system. However, getting an ITIN takes 7–11 weeks and requires a US tax filing obligation. For most non-residents, calling the IRS international line or applying by fax (plan on 4–8 weeks) is faster than first getting an ITIN (7–11 weeks) to use the online system. Read more about what an EIN is and its uses.

EIN by Phone — During the Call (International Applicants)

If your business has no legal residence, principal place of business or principal office in the US, the IRS lets you apply by phone: call +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday to Friday. The person calling must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions about Form SS-4, so have a completed form in front of you. An agent can assign the EIN during the call, which makes this the fastest route for a non-resident.

EIN by Fax — Plan on 4–8 Weeks (Non-Residents)

Fax is the usual written method for non-US residents without an SSN. The IRS says faxed applications are generally answered within 4 business days, but non-resident applications commonly take 4–8 weeks in practice, so plan on 4–8 weeks. Fax still beats mail from abroad, because nothing waits on international post.

How to Apply for an EIN by Fax

1. Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov
2. Complete all required fields accurately
3. Write "Foreign" in the SSN/ITIN field (Line 7b)
4. Add a cover sheet with your return fax number or email address
5. Fax to +1 304-707-9471 from outside the US, or 855-215-1627 from within the US (+1 267-941-1099 is the IRS phone line, not a fax number)

The IRS sends your EIN confirmation (Form CP 575) by return fax if you provide a fax number on the cover sheet. If you provide an email address or mailing address, the IRS mails the CP 575 letter. Receiving the confirmation by fax is faster than waiting for international mail delivery.

What to Include on Your Fax Cover Sheet

Your fax cover sheet should include:

• Your name and LLC name
• Your return fax number (for receiving the EIN confirmation)
• Your mailing address
• Your phone number and email address
• Total number of pages (cover sheet + Form SS-4)
• Date of transmission

Current Fax Processing Times

The IRS publishes one figure for fax: generally within 4 business days when you include a return fax number. Applications from non-residents commonly take 4–8 weeks in practice, and longer between January and April, when IRS staff are focused on tax returns. Plan on 4–8 weeks. Read the complete guide on how to apply for an EIN as a non-resident.

EIN by Mail — About 4 Weeks, Longer From Abroad

The IRS accepts EIN applications by mail for applicants who cannot use the online system or fax method. The IRS says you will receive your EIN in the mail in approximately 4 weeks. That does not include international postage, which adds time in both directions for an applicant abroad.

How to Apply for an EIN by Mail

1. Download and complete Form SS-4
2. Write "Foreign" in the SSN/ITIN field (Line 7b)
3. Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 (the address for applicants with no US residence or office)
4. Allow about 4 weeks, plus international post, for the CP 575 confirmation letter

Why Mail Is Slower Than Fax

Mail applications take longer because of postal delivery time in both directions. International mail to the US can take 1–2 weeks, and the letter back can take as long again, on top of the IRS's approximately 4 weeks.

Fax applications avoid postal delays entirely. The IRS receives your faxed Form SS-4 immediately and returns the EIN by fax if you include a return fax number. For most international applicants, fax is the faster and more reliable choice.

When to Use Mail Instead of Fax

Use the mail method if:

• You have no access to fax services and online fax options are unavailable in your country
• You are not in a rush and can wait well over a month for the EIN
• You prefer to send original documents by postal mail

Most applicants choose fax over mail because of the faster processing time and immediate confirmation delivery. Mail is a fallback option for applicants without fax access.

What Affects EIN Processing Time

Several factors influence how long it takes to receive your EIN. Understanding these factors helps you avoid delays and set realistic expectations for your application timeline.

Time of Year (Tax Season Backlog)

The IRS processes millions of tax returns between January and April (US tax season). During this period, IRS staff prioritize tax return processing over EIN applications. Non-resident fax applications made between January and mid-April tend toward the top of the 4–8 week range, or beyond it. Plan accordingly, or call the international line instead.

Errors on Form SS-4

Incomplete or incorrect Form SS-4 submissions are rejected by the IRS. Common errors include:

• Leaving required fields blank
• Entering an invalid entity type
• Providing inconsistent information (entity name not matching state filing)
• Illegible handwriting or poor fax quality
• Using an incorrect IRS form (using an outdated SS-4 version)

When the IRS rejects an application, they mail a rejection notice explaining the issue. You must correct the error and resubmit Form SS-4. This restarts the processing clock, and the 4–8 week wait starts again. Submitting an accurate, complete application the first time prevents rejection delays. Learn more about what an EIN is and how it differs from a Tax ID.

Missing Information

The IRS requires specific information on Form SS-4. Missing details delay processing or cause rejection. Key information includes:

• Legal name of the entity (must match Articles of Organization)
• Trade name or DBA (if applicable)
• Responsible party name and address
• Entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
• Reason for applying (started new business, hired employees, etc.)
• Date business started or acquired
• Principal activity and product/service

IRS Staffing and Backlogs

IRS processing capacity fluctuates based on staffing levels, budget constraints, and workload volume. During periods of high application volume or reduced staffing, processing times may extend beyond typical estimates. The IRS does not provide real-time processing time updates, so non-residents should plan for the upper end of the estimated timeline: 8 weeks for a fax application.

What to Do While Waiting for Your EIN

The 4–8 week wait for your EIN does not stop all business progress. Your Wyoming LLC is legally formed the moment the Secretary of State approves your Articles of Organization. You can begin many business activities while waiting for the EIN to arrive.

Your LLC Is Already Formed

An EIN is not required for LLC formation. The LLC exists and has legal standing once the Wyoming Secretary of State files your Articles of Organization. You can:

• Sign contracts using your LLC name
• Accept client agreements and proposals
• Draft your operating agreement
• Register your domain name and build your website
• Create business email addresses
• Set up your accounting system and invoicing software

Start Your Bank Account Application

Most fintech banks (Mercury, Relay, Wise) allow you to begin the business bank account application before receiving your EIN. You can complete the initial application steps, upload your formation documents, and verify your identity. The bank application will pend at the final stage until you provide the EIN. Once your EIN arrives, you submit it to complete the application and activate your account. This approach saves time compared to waiting for the EIN before starting the bank application process.

What You Cannot Do Without an EIN

The following activities specifically require an EIN:

• Open a business bank account: All banks require an EIN to complete account activation. You can start the application but cannot finalize it until you have the EIN.
• Register for Stripe: Stripe requires an EIN to verify business identity and enable payment processing.
• File tax returns: Form 5472 and other IRS filings require the LLC's EIN.
• Hire contractors and issue 1099s: You need an EIN to report contractor payments to the IRS.
• Apply for business credit: Business credit cards and lines of credit require an EIN.

Prepare Your Business Infrastructure

Use the waiting period to build your business foundation:

• Create your business website
• Write service agreements and client contracts
• Set up project management and CRM tools
• Design marketing materials and social media presence
• Research and plan your product or service launch
• Connect with potential clients and build your network

The 4–8 week EIN wait is an opportunity to prepare your business operations. When your EIN arrives, you can immediately open your bank account, register for Stripe, and start processing payments.

How to Check Your EIN Status

The IRS does not provide an online tracking system for EIN applications. You cannot check EIN application status on the IRS website. The only way to check your EIN status is to call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.

IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line

Call the IRS at:

• US callers: 1-800-829-4933
• International callers: +1-267-941-1099

Hours: the international line (+1 267-941-1099, not toll-free) is open Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. The US line (1-800-829-4933) is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.

When to Call About Your EIN

Wait at least 4 weeks after faxing or 6 weeks after mailing your Form SS-4 before calling to check status. Calling earlier will not speed up processing, and IRS representatives cannot provide updates on applications still within the standard processing window.

Call if:

• 4 weeks have passed since you faxed Form SS-4
• 6 weeks have passed since you mailed Form SS-4
• You received a rejection notice and need clarification
• You need to verify that the IRS received your application

What to Say When You Call

When you reach an IRS representative, provide the following information:

• Your name (responsible party listed on Form SS-4)
• Your LLC's legal name
• The date you faxed or mailed Form SS-4
• The reason for applying (new business, LLC formation)
• Your callback number and best time to reach you

The representative will search the IRS system for your application. If your application is still processing, they will confirm receipt and estimated completion date. If your EIN has been assigned, they can provide the EIN over the phone immediately.

Expect Long Wait Times

The IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line has high call volume, especially during tax season (January–April). Wait times of 30–60 minutes or longer are common. Consider calling as soon as the line opens or later in the afternoon (after 4:00 PM Eastern) for shorter hold times. Have your Form SS-4 copy ready while you wait so you can reference specific details when you reach a representative.