What Documents Do I Need to Get an EIN for My LLC?

What is the complete document checklist for EIN application?

The EIN application requires minimal documentation. Non-resident Wyoming LLC owners need exactly three items to complete the application. The IRS intentionally keeps the process simple because EIN applications are informational, not verification-based.

Required Documents

Documents NOT Required

The IRS does not require the following documents for EIN applications, despite what some third-party services claim:

• Passport copies (the IRS does not verify identity for EIN applications)
• Operating agreement (not needed for EIN, but needed for banking)
• Certificate of Good Standing (not needed for EIN)
• Business license (not needed for EIN)
• Bank reference letter (not needed for EIN)
• Proof of business activity (not needed for EIN)
• Any payment (EIN applications are free)

Why do I need Articles of Organization for an EIN?

You do not submit Articles of Organization to the IRS with your EIN application. However, you need your approved Articles of Organization in hand because they contain the exact information required to complete Form SS-4 accurately.

Information from Articles Needed for Form SS-4

• Exact LLC name: The name on Form SS-4 must match the LLC name registered with Wyoming exactly, including "LLC" designation and any punctuation.
• Formation date: Form SS-4 Line 10 asks for the date the business was started. Enter the date your Articles of Organization were approved by the Wyoming Secretary of State.
• Registered agent address: Form SS-4 Lines 4a-b ask for the mailing address. Use your registered agent's Wyoming address as the LLC's primary address.
• Entity type: Your Articles confirm the entity is an LLC, which determines how you answer Line 8a on Form SS-4.

Where to Find Your Approved Articles

The Wyoming Secretary of State emails or mails your approved Articles of Organization after processing. Processing takes 1-3 business days for standard filing or 24 hours for expedited filing ($50 extra). You can also download a copy from the Wyoming Secretary of State website by searching for your LLC name in the business database at sos.wyo.gov.

What If I Have Not Formed My LLC Yet

You cannot apply for an EIN before your LLC is formed. The IRS assigns EINs to existing legal entities. Wait until you receive confirmation that your Articles of Organization have been approved before completing Form SS-4. Applying with an unformed entity results in rejection or an EIN assigned to a non-existent entity, which creates complications.

How do I complete Form SS-4 for a Wyoming LLC?

Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) is a single-page IRS form with 18 fields. Download the current version from irs.gov. Print the form, complete it by hand in blue or black ink, and sign it before faxing.

Before You Start

Gather your approved Articles of Organization and passport before completing the form. Have the following information ready:

• Exact LLC name as registered with Wyoming
• Wyoming registered agent's street address
• Your full legal name as it appears on your passport
• Your home country mailing address
• Description of your business activity (e.g., "online software services," "e-commerce retail")
• Date your LLC was formed (from your Articles of Organization)
• Number of LLC members (1 for single-member)

Important Rules for Non-Residents

Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN must write "Foreign" on Line 7b where the form asks for SSN or ITIN. Do not leave this field blank. Do not enter zeros or dashes. The word "Foreign" signals to the IRS processing center that you are an international applicant without a US tax identification number.

Non-residents cannot use the IRS online EIN application because it requires an SSN or ITIN. The fax method is the standard process for international applicants. Read the full EIN guide at EIN for non-residents without SSN.

What goes on each line of Form SS-4?

This line-by-line guide covers every field on Form SS-4 for a non-resident single-member Wyoming LLC. Follow these instructions exactly to avoid processing delays and rejections.

What passport information is needed for EIN application?

The IRS does not require passport copies or any identity documents with the EIN application. You need your passport solely as a reference to ensure you enter your legal name correctly on Form SS-4. The responsible party name on Line 7a must match your passport name exactly.

Why Passport Accuracy Matters

The name you enter on Form SS-4 as the "responsible party" becomes the name associated with the EIN in IRS records. When you later open a bank account, the bank cross-references the EIN with IRS records. If the name on your bank application (from your passport) does not match the responsible party name in IRS records, the bank may flag the discrepancy and delay account opening.

Name Formatting Guidelines

• Use your full legal name as shown on your passport (first name, middle name, last name)
• Include any middle names or initials
• Use the same name order as your passport (some countries list last name first)
• Do not abbreviate names unless your passport shows abbreviations
• Include any name suffixes (Jr., Sr., III) if they appear on your passport

Passport Needed Later for Banking

While the EIN application itself does not require a passport copy, you will need your passport for the next step: opening a bank account. Mercury, Relay, and other banks require a passport upload for identity verification. Having your passport ready during the EIN application ensures name consistency across all documents. Read the full guide on US bank accounts for non-residents.

Do I need an operating agreement for EIN application?

No. The IRS does not require an operating agreement for EIN applications. Form SS-4 does not reference or ask for an operating agreement. You can apply for and receive an EIN without having an operating agreement in place.

When You Need an Operating Agreement

While not required for the EIN, an operating agreement is essential for the steps that follow EIN issuance. Banks require an operating agreement during business account opening. Mercury, Relay, Chase, and virtually every US bank asks for the operating agreement as part of their application package.

A single-member LLC operating agreement is typically 3-8 pages and covers:

• LLC name and principal address
• Member name and ownership percentage (100% for single-member)
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Capital contributions
• Profit and loss allocation
• Distribution procedures
• Banking authorization
• Dissolution procedures

When to Create the Operating Agreement

Draft your operating agreement after LLC formation and before bank account opening. Since the EIN processing takes 4-8 weeks, you have time to prepare the operating agreement while waiting for your EIN. WyomingLLC.co includes an operating agreement in formation packages.

How do I submit my EIN application?

Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The online method is unavailable without an SSN or ITIN. The fax method is faster and recommended for all international applicants.

Fax Submission (Recommended)

1. Complete Form SS-4 by hand in blue or black ink
2. Create a cover sheet with your name, phone number (include country code), and email address
3. Fax both pages (cover sheet + Form SS-4) to (855) 641-6935
4. Keep the fax confirmation page as proof of submission
5. Wait 4-8 weeks for the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575)

Mail Submission (Slower Alternative)

Mail the completed Form SS-4 to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Mail submission takes 2-3 months for international applicants. Use a trackable international shipping service (FedEx, DHL, UPS) for reliable delivery.

Online Fax Services

If you do not have a physical fax machine, use an online fax service. Popular options include eFax, Fax.Plus, HelloFax, and FaxZero. These services allow you to upload a PDF or image of your completed Form SS-4 and send it to the IRS fax number. Most online fax services cost under $5 per page or offer free trial faxes.

Phone Follow-Up

After faxing Form SS-4, call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free) after 4 weeks to check application status. Have your LLC name, formation date, and the date you faxed the form ready. IRS agents can sometimes provide your EIN over the phone before the CP 575 letter arrives by mail. Read the complete process at how foreign nationals get an EIN.

What happens after I submit Form SS-4?

After faxing Form SS-4, the IRS processes your application and mails the EIN confirmation letter (Notice CP 575) to the address on Line 4a of the form. The CP 575 is the official document that proves your EIN assignment.

EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)

The CP 575 notice contains your 9-digit EIN, the LLC name, the date the EIN was assigned, and instructions for filing requirements. Keep this letter in a safe place. Banks require the CP 575 during account opening. Some banks accept a scanned copy; others want the original letter. Make both physical and digital copies.

What to Do with Your EIN

1. Store it securely: Record your EIN in multiple secure locations. You will use it frequently.
2. Open a bank account: Apply to Mercury or Relay with your Articles, CP 575, operating agreement, and passport.
3. Register for Stripe: Use the EIN during Stripe business registration.
4. Set up accounting: Enter the EIN in your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, Wave).
5. File Form 5472: Use the EIN on your annual Form 5472 filing by April 15.

If the CP 575 Does Not Arrive

If you do not receive the CP 575 within 10 weeks, call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to check status. Possible reasons for delay include incorrect address on Form SS-4, IRS processing backlog, or the fax not being received. The IRS can re-send the CP 575 or provide the EIN over the phone.

EIN Verification Letter (147C)

If you need additional proof of your EIN (for example, if a bank wants a more recent letter), request an EIN verification letter (147C) from the IRS by calling (267) 941-1099. The IRS faxes or mails the 147C letter within 2-4 weeks. Some banks accept the 147C letter as an alternative to the CP 575.

What mistakes cause EIN application delays?

EIN application mistakes cause processing delays of weeks to months. The IRS rejects or delays applications with errors rather than correcting them. Avoid these common mistakes to get your EIN as quickly as possible.

Mistake 1: Mismatched LLC Name

The LLC name on Form SS-4 must match the name on your Articles of Organization exactly. Common errors include forgetting "LLC" at the end, using a different capitalization style, or abbreviating words differently. Copy the name character by character from your approved Articles.

Mistake 2: Leaving SSN Field Blank

Line 7b requires an entry. If you have no SSN or ITIN, write "Foreign." Leaving the field blank may cause the IRS to reject the form or request additional information, adding weeks to processing.

Mistake 3: Using the Online Application Without SSN/ITIN

The IRS online EIN application at irs.gov requires an SSN or ITIN. Attempting the online application without one wastes time because the system rejects the application after you complete all fields. Use the fax method from the start if you have no SSN or ITIN.

Mistake 4: Wrong Entity Type

Selecting the wrong entity type on Line 8a creates an EIN with incorrect tax classification. For a Wyoming LLC, check "Limited liability company" and enter the number of members on Line 8b. Do not check "Corporation," "Partnership," or other entity types unless your LLC has elected a different tax classification.

Mistake 5: Wrong Fax Number

The correct fax number for international EIN applications is (855) 641-6935. Other IRS fax numbers are for different departments and will not process EIN applications. Verify the fax number before sending.

Mistake 6: No Cover Sheet

While not strictly required, a cover sheet with your name, phone number (with country code), and email address helps the IRS contact you if they have questions. Without a cover sheet, the IRS cannot reach you for clarifications, which may result in rejection instead of a simple phone call.

Mistake 7: Applying Before LLC Is Formed

Submitting Form SS-4 before receiving approved Articles of Organization means you cannot accurately fill in the LLC name and formation date. Wait for confirmation of LLC approval before applying. The 1-3 day Wyoming formation processing time is short compared to the 4-8 week EIN processing time.

What documents do I need after getting my EIN?

After receiving your EIN, the next steps (banking, Stripe, compliance) require additional documents beyond what was needed for the EIN application. Here is the complete document package for each post-EIN activity.

Bank Account Opening (Mercury/Relay)

Stripe Registration

• LLC name and EIN for business verification
• Foreign passport for identity verification
• Mercury or Relay bank account and routing numbers for payouts
• Business website URL with products/services description
• Home country residential address

Annual Compliance

• EIN for Form 5472 + pro-forma Form 1120 filing (April 15 annually)
• Wyoming Secretary of State account for annual report ($60/year)
• Registered agent renewal (annual)
• Bank statements and financial records for LLC record-keeping

Complete Document Organizer

Keep all LLC documents organized in both physical and digital formats. Your essential document package includes:

1. Approved Articles of Organization (Wyoming Secretary of State)
2. EIN Confirmation Letter (IRS Notice CP 575)
3. Operating Agreement (signed)
4. Passport copy (for your records)
5. Bank account information (Mercury/Relay)
6. Stripe account confirmation
7. Form 5472 copies (each year filed)
8. Wyoming annual report confirmations
9. Registered agent agreement