How to Get an EIN as a Foreign National

Can Foreign Nationals Get an EIN?

Yes. Foreign nationals can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS without a US Social Security Number. The IRS explicitly allows international applicants to apply for EINs using Form SS-4, entering "Foreign" or "N/A" in the SSN field.

The IRS recognizes that millions of foreign entrepreneurs own and operate US business entities. IRS Form SS-4 includes specific provisions for international applicants. Foreign nationals from over 180 countries have successfully obtained EINs for their US LLCs without ever visiting the United States.

The key difference for foreign nationals is the submission method. While US citizens and residents with SSNs can apply online and receive an EIN immediately, international applicants must submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail. This manual process takes longer but produces the same valid 9-digit EIN that US businesses receive.

Foreign nationals use their EIN to open US business bank accounts at Mercury Bank and Relay Bank, register for payment processors, and comply with US tax filing requirements. The EIN is essential for accessing the US financial system and establishing business credibility.

What Is an EIN Used For?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number assigned by the IRS to business entities operating in the United States. Foreign nationals need an EIN for six critical business purposes that enable operation of a US LLC from abroad.

Primary Uses for an EIN

Without an EIN, a Wyoming LLC cannot access the US financial system. US banks including Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business require an EIN to open a business account. Payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify Payments verify EINs during business registration. The EIN proves to US institutions that the IRS recognizes your LLC as a legitimate business entity.

Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file IRS Form 5472 annually. This form requires an EIN to identify the reporting entity. Failure to file Form 5472 results in a $25,000 IRS penalty, making the EIN essential for compliance.

How to Apply for EIN as a Foreign National (Form SS-4)

Foreign nationals apply for an EIN by completing IRS Form SS-4 and submitting it by fax or mail to the IRS International Operation center. The process requires no SSN, no US address, and no visit to the United States.

Step-by-Step Form SS-4 Completion

1. Download Form SS-4. Get the official form from irs.gov. Use the current revision dated 2023 or later. Avoid outdated forms from third-party websites.
2. Line 1: Legal name of entity. Enter the exact LLC name as approved by the Wyoming Secretary of State. The IRS name must match your Articles of Organization exactly.
3. Line 2: Trade name. Leave blank if your LLC operates under its legal name. Enter a DBA if your LLC uses a different business name.
4. Line 3: Executor, administrator, trustee. Leave blank for single-member LLCs. This line is for estates and trusts only.
5. Line 4: Mailing address. Use your Wyoming registered agent address or your foreign address. The IRS sends your CP 575 confirmation letter to this address.
6. Line 5: Street address. Enter the same address as Line 4 if the mailing address is the physical address.
7. Line 6: County and state. Enter "Wyoming" for Wyoming LLCs.
8. Line 7a: Name of responsible party. Enter your full legal name as the LLC owner. This must match your passport exactly.
9. Line 7b: SSN, ITIN, or EIN. Enter "Foreign" since you do not have a US tax ID. Check the "Foreign" third-party designee box.
10. Line 8a: Limited Liability Company. Check this box and enter the number of members (1 for single-member LLCs).
11. Line 9a: Type of entity. Check "Started new business" and specify the business activity.
12. Line 10: Closing month of accounting year. Enter "December" for calendar year reporting.
13. Sign and date the form. The responsible party must sign and date Form SS-4. Unsigned forms are rejected automatically.
14. Fax to (855) 641-6935 or mail to IRS. Fax processes in 4-8 weeks. Mail takes 2-3 months.

Online vs Fax vs Mail Application

Foreign nationals cannot use the IRS online EIN application system. The online application requires a valid US Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for identity verification. International applicants must choose between fax and mail submission.

EIN Application Methods Comparison

Fax submission to (855) 641-6935 is the fastest method for foreign nationals. The IRS processes faxed forms in the order received. Include a cover sheet with your name and phone number. Keep the fax confirmation receipt for your records.

Mailed submissions to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 take significantly longer due to postal transit times and manual document processing. Use certified mail or a courier service with tracking. The IRS does not confirm receipt of mailed applications.

How Long Does EIN Application Take?

EIN applications for foreign nationals take 4-8 weeks when submitted by fax to (855) 641-6935. Mailed applications take 2-3 months. The IRS does not offer expedited processing for international EIN applications.

EIN Processing Timeline Details

Processing times vary based on IRS workload and seasonal demand. January through April (US tax season) experiences the longest delays. Applications submitted in May through December typically process faster. The IRS does not provide status updates during processing.

The IRS has experienced significant delays for international EIN applications in recent years. Some applications take 10-12 weeks during peak periods. Plan your Wyoming LLC formation timeline accordingly, and prepare other documents while waiting for the EIN.

After 6 weeks, foreign nationals can call the IRS International Operation center at 1-267-941-1099 to check application status. Have your Form SS-4 information ready: LLC name, responsible party name, and date submitted.

What Information Is Needed on Form SS-4?

Form SS-4 requires 11 key pieces of information about your Wyoming LLC and the responsible party. Accurate completion prevents rejection and processing delays. Review each field carefully before submission.

Form SS-4 Field Requirements for Foreign Nationals

The responsible party is the individual who controls the LLC. For single-member LLCs, this is the sole owner. The responsible party's name must match the passport exactly. Discrepancies between Form SS-4 and identification documents cause delays.

Read the complete guide on EIN for non-residents without SSN for detailed line-by-line instructions and form examples.

Common EIN Application Mistakes

Foreign nationals make specific mistakes when applying for EINs that cause delays or rejections. Understanding these common errors helps you submit a correct application the first time and avoid the 4-8 week delay of resubmission.

Most Common EIN Application Errors

The most time-wasting mistake is attempting to apply online. Foreign nationals without SSNs cannot use the online system. The application will progress through multiple screens before rejecting at the identity verification step. Hours of data entry are lost.

Name mismatches are the most common technical error. The IRS cross-references the LLC name with Wyoming Secretary of State records. If the name on Form SS-4 differs by even one character from the approved Articles of Organization, processing stops until clarification.

What to Do If EIN Application Is Rejected

If your EIN application is rejected, the IRS does not provide specific rejection reasons. You must review Form SS-4 carefully, identify potential errors, correct them, and resubmit. Each resubmission restarts the 4-8 week processing timeline.

Steps to Take If Your EIN Application Is Rejected

1. Review all information for accuracy. Compare every field on Form SS-4 against your Wyoming Articles of Organization and passport. Look for spelling errors, transposed numbers, or missing information.
2. Verify LLC name spelling. The name on Form SS-4 Line 1 must match the approved Articles of Organization exactly, including punctuation and spacing. Copy and paste from official documents when possible.
3. Check responsible party information. Line 7a must show your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport. Include all middle names if they appear on your passport.
4. Confirm "Foreign" is marked. In Line 7b, enter "Foreign" and check the box indicating the responsible party is a foreign person without a US tax ID.
5. Ensure signature is present. Unsigned forms are automatically rejected. Sign and date Line 18 of Form SS-4.
6. Resubmit by fax. Once corrections are made, fax the corrected Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935. Include a cover sheet with your contact information.
7. Keep copies of all submissions. Maintain records of every fax confirmation and form submitted. This documentation helps if you need to contact the IRS about your application.

Contacting the IRS About EIN Applications

Foreign nationals can contact the IRS International Operation center at 1-267-941-1099 for EIN application inquiries. Call after 4 weeks for fax submissions or 8 weeks for mailed applications. Have your Form SS-4 information ready: LLC name, responsible party name, and date submitted.

The IRS does not accept emailed EIN applications or inquiries. All communication must be by phone, fax, or mail. International phone calls to the IRS may incur charges. Consider using internet calling services to reduce costs.