How to Get an EIN as a Non-Resident in 2026

The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs and LLC Owners

By the BeFiling Expert Team | Updated 2026 | 10 min read

If you have formed — or are planning to form — a U.S. LLC as a non-resident, there is one number you cannot operate without: an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Without an EIN, you cannot open a U.S. business bank account, file business taxes, hire employees, register on Amazon or eBay as a seller, or access the financial infrastructure that powers a real U.S. business. The challenge for non-residents is that the most common EIN application method — the IRS online portal — is only available to people with an existing SSN or ITIN. So how does a foreign entrepreneur with neither get an EIN? This guide explains exactly how, step by step, and covers every method available in 2026.

What You Will Learn in This Guide • What an EIN is and why every U.S. LLC must have one • EIN vs. ITIN vs. SSN — what is the difference? • All 4 methods to apply for an EIN as a non-resident (online, fax, mail, phone) • Step-by-step instructions for completing IRS Form SS-4 • Common mistakes that delay or reject EIN applications • What to do after you receive your EIN • Frequently asked questions answered by BeFiling’s expert team

Section 1: What Is an EIN and Why Does Your LLC Need One?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for federal tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number — but for your business. The format is XX-XXXXXXX (for example, 12-3456789).

Despite the name, you do not need to have employees to get an EIN. The term ’employer’ is a misnomer — any U.S. business entity, including single-member LLCs with no employees, needs an EIN for tax identification purposes.

What You Can Do With an EIN

Open a U.S. business bank account — Mercury, Relay, Chase, Bank of America, and most other U.S. banks require an EIN to open a business account
File U.S. federal business tax returns — Forms 1065, 1120, and related filings all require your EIN
Hire U.S.-based employees or contractors and process payroll legally
Register as a seller on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart Marketplace — all require an EIN for U.S. seller verification
Apply for business credit cards — Capital One Spark, Brex, Ramp, and others use your EIN for business applications
Register for state sales tax — most states require an EIN to issue a sales tax permit or reseller certificate
Establish business credit — your EIN is the foundation of your Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX score and Experian Business credit file
Verify PayPal Business and Stripe accounts — required for full merchant account activation
Apply for an SBA loan or business line of credit in the future

Section 2: EIN vs. ITIN vs. SSN — Key Differences Explained

Many foreign entrepreneurs confuse these three numbers. Here is a clear breakdown of what each one is, who needs it, and what it is used for:

	EIN	ITIN
Full Name	Employer Identification Number	Individual Taxpayer ID Number
Issued To	Businesses / Entities	Individual persons
Issued By	IRS (Form SS-4)	IRS (Form W-7)
Who Needs It	All U.S. LLCs & corporations	Non-residents filing taxes
Used For	Business banking, taxes, hiring	Personal tax returns, credit
SSN Required to Apply?	No (non-residents can apply)	No (specifically for non-SSN holders)
Format	XX-XXXXXXX	9XX-XX-XXXX

The key takeaway: your LLC needs an EIN. You as an individual may also need an ITIN if you are required to file a personal U.S. tax return (Form 1040-NR) as a non-resident alien. These are two separate numbers for two separate purposes — one for your business, one for you personally. BeFiling helps clients obtain both.

Section 3: Can a Non-Resident Apply for an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN?

Yes — absolutely. The IRS explicitly allows non-resident aliens and foreign nationals who do not have an SSN or ITIN to apply for an EIN for their U.S. business entity. However, the process is different from what U.S. residents experience.

The IRS online EIN application at irs.gov is NOT available to non-residents who lack an SSN or ITIN. That portal requires a valid SSN or ITIN to complete the application. Non-residents must instead use one of the alternative methods: fax, mail, or phone — all using IRS Form SS-4. Alternatively, they can work with a service like BeFiling.com which handles the entire process as part of LLC formation.

Important Note for Non-Residents Even though you cannot use the IRS online portal without an SSN or ITIN, you can still obtain an EIN via fax (4 business days), mail (4-6 weeks), or international phone call. BeFiling includes EIN obtainment in all LLC formation packages — no SSN or ITIN required.

Section 4: All 4 Methods to Get an EIN as a Non-Resident

Here is a complete comparison of every available method for non-residents to obtain an EIN in 2026:

Method	Who Can Use	Time to Get EIN	Cost	Recommended?
Online (IRS.gov)	SSN/ITIN holders only	Instant	Free	Only if you have SSN/ITIN
Fax (Form SS-4)	Anyone incl. non-residents	4 business days	Free	Yes — for non-residents
Mail (Form SS-4)	Anyone incl. non-residents	4–6 weeks	Free	Slow — avoid if possible
Phone (IRS)	International applicants	Same day	Free	Difficult — long wait times
BeFiling.com	Anyone — 75+ countries	Included in LLC pkg	From $139	Best option for non-residents

Method 1: IRS Online Application (Not Available to Most Non-Residents)

The IRS online EIN application at irs.gov is the fastest method — it takes about 15 minutes and delivers your EIN instantly. However, this method is only available if you already have a valid SSN or ITIN. If you are a non-resident without either, you must use one of the methods below. If you do have an ITIN, you can use this method — just enter your ITIN in the SSN field on the online form.

Method 2: Fax (Recommended for Non-Residents)

This is the most reliable method for non-residents who want to apply directly. You complete IRS Form SS-4, fax it to the IRS at +1 (855) 641-6935 (from within the U.S.) or +1 (304) 707-9471 (from international), and receive your EIN by fax within approximately 4 business days. Here is the step-by-step process:

Download IRS Form SS-4 from irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
Complete the form — see Section 5 of this guide for a line-by-line walkthrough
Write ‘Foreign’ in Line 7b (the SSN/ITIN field) to indicate you do not have one
Include a cover sheet with your name, return fax number, and number of pages
Fax to the IRS at the appropriate number above
Wait 4 business days — the IRS will fax your EIN confirmation back to the number you provided

Method 3: Mail (Slowest Method — 4 to 6 Weeks)

Mailing Form SS-4 is the slowest approach but works reliably. Complete the form as described in Method 2 and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999, USA. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. This method is generally not recommended unless you have no access to a fax service, as the wait time significantly delays your business setup.

Method 4: Phone (For International Callers)

International applicants can call the IRS directly at +1 (267) 941-1099 (Monday–Friday, 6am–11pm Eastern Time) to apply for an EIN over the phone. You must be authorized to receive the EIN — meaning you are the owner, officer, or authorized representative of the business. Have your completed Form SS-4 in front of you before calling. The IRS agent will ask you the questions on the form and issue your EIN at the end of the call. Be aware that hold times can be long, and the process requires patient navigation of the IRS phone system.

Section 5: IRS Form SS-4 — Line-by-Line Walkthrough for Non-Residents

IRS Form SS-4 is the official application for an EIN. Here is how to complete each key section as a non-resident LLC owner:

Part I: Identification

Line 1 — Legal name of entity: Enter the exact legal name of your LLC as registered with the state (e.g., “Global Trading LLC”)
Line 2 — Trade name (DBA): Leave blank if your trade name is the same as your legal name
Line 4a-b — Mailing address: Enter your LLC’s U.S. registered address (your BeFiling business address or registered agent address works here)
Line 6 — County and state: Enter the state where your LLC is registered (e.g., Wyoming, Delaware, Montana)
Line 7a — Name of responsible party: Enter your full legal name as the owner/member of the LLC
Line 7b — SSN/ITIN/EIN: If you have an ITIN, enter it here. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, write the word ‘Foreign’ in this field. Do NOT leave it blank.

Part II: Type of Entity

Line 8a: Check ‘Limited liability company (LLC)’
Line 8b — Number of members: Enter ‘1’ for a single-member LLC or the actual number for multi-member
Line 9a — Type of entity: For a single-member foreign-owned LLC, select ‘Sole proprietor/Single-member LLC.’ For multi-member, select ‘Partnership’

Part III: Reason for Applying

Line 10: Check ‘Started a new business’
Line 11: Enter the date your LLC was officially formed (the date on your Articles of Organization)
Line 12: Enter the state where your LLC was formed
Line 13: If you have or expect to have employees in the next 12 months, enter the count. Most foreign-owned LLCs can enter ‘0’ or ‘N/A’
Line 16 — Principal activity: Briefly describe what your business does (e.g., ‘E-commerce retail,’ ‘Software consulting,’ ‘Import/export’)
Line 17 — Product or service: Enter your main product or service

Signature

Sign and date the form as the responsible party or authorized representative of the LLC

Pro Tip: Common SS-4 Mistakes That Delay Your EIN • Leaving Line 7b blank instead of writing ‘Foreign’ — this causes rejection • Using a personal foreign address instead of your U.S. LLC address on Lines 4a-b • Not signing the form — unsigned applications are automatically rejected • Inconsistent business name — must match exactly what is on your state filing • Wrong entity type selected — always select ‘LLC’ not ‘Corporation’ for an LLC

Section 6: What to Do After You Receive Your EIN

Receiving your EIN is a major milestone — but it is just the beginning. Here is exactly what to do once you have your EIN confirmation letter (IRS CP 575 or the fax confirmation):

Immediately After Receiving Your EIN

Save your EIN confirmation letter — the IRS CP 575 letter is your official EIN proof. Store it securely — the IRS does not reissue this letter, though you can request an EIN verification letter (147C) later if needed.
Open a U.S. business bank account — Mercury (mercury.com), Relay, or Wise Business are excellent options for non-residents. They require your EIN, LLC formation documents, and a government-issued ID. Most can be opened entirely online.
Set up your business payment processors — Use your EIN to verify PayPal Business, Stripe, Square, and Payoneer accounts. Full verification unlocks higher transaction limits and removes rolling reserves.

Within 30 Days of Receiving Your EIN

Register for state sales tax if your business sells physical goods to U.S. customers. Use your EIN to apply for a sales tax permit in the relevant states. BeFiling’s tax team can assist with this.
Apply for a business credit card — Capital One Spark, Brex, or Ramp are beginner-friendly for new LLCs. Your EIN is required for all business card applications.
Register with Dun & Bradstreet at dnb.com to obtain a DUNS number — this activates your business credit file. It is free and essential for building business credit over time.
Register as a marketplace seller — if you plan to sell on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or Walmart Marketplace, complete seller registration using your EIN and LLC documents.

On an Ongoing Basis

File annual IRS returns — depending on your LLC structure, you may need to file Form 1120 + 5472 (foreign-owned single-member LLC), Form 1065 (multi-member LLC), and/or Form 1040-NR (personal return). BeFiling’s tax preparation team ensures all filings are completed accurately and on time.
Maintain state good standing — file your state Annual Report and pay any required franchise taxes each year to keep your LLC active.
Keep your EIN active — unlike an ITIN, an EIN does not expire. However, if you close your LLC, you should formally close the EIN account with the IRS by sending a written request.

BeFiling LLC Formation — EIN Included in Every Package BeFiling handles LLC formation + EIN obtainment for non-residents in any U.S. state. No SSN or ITIN required. Your EIN is obtained as part of the formation package.
Starting at $139 + state fees. Includes: Articles of Organization, Registered Agent, Business Address, EIN, and BOI Report filing.
Get started: befiling.com/form-my-llc | WhatsApp: +1 (406) 607-2216

Section 7: Special Cases — EIN for Different LLC Types

Single-Member LLC (SMLLC) Owned by a Foreign National

This is the most common scenario for non-resident entrepreneurs. A single-member LLC with a foreign owner is treated as a disregarded entity by the IRS but still requires an EIN for banking, reporting, and marketplace purposes. On Form SS-4, write ‘Foreign’ in Line 7b. The LLC’s EIN is used for all business purposes, while the owner may separately obtain an ITIN for their personal tax filings.

Multi-Member LLC with Foreign Members

Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships by the IRS and must file Form 1065 annually. Each foreign member typically needs their own ITIN for the Schedule K-1 they receive. The LLC entity itself receives one EIN regardless of how many members it has.

LLC Electing to be Taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp

Some LLC owners elect to have their LLC taxed as a corporation by filing IRS Form 8832 (entity classification election). Important note for non-residents: Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can be shareholders of an S-Corp. Non-residents should generally elect C-Corp taxation if choosing corporate status. This is an advanced tax strategy — consult with BeFiling’s tax team before making this election.

Foreign Corporation Registering in the U.S.

If you have an existing foreign company (not a U.S. LLC) and want to register it to do business in a U.S. state, this is called a Foreign Qualification or Foreign Corporation registration. The foreign entity also needs its own EIN, and the application process is the same via Form SS-4, but the entity type section will reflect ‘Corporation’ instead of ‘LLC.’

Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?

A: Yes. Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN can apply for an EIN by completing IRS Form SS-4 and submitting it by fax, mail, or phone. On Line 7b of the form, write the word ‘Foreign’ to indicate that you do not have a U.S. tax identification number. BeFiling includes EIN obtainment as part of its LLC formation service for non-residents in 75+ countries — no SSN or ITIN required.

Q: How long does it take to get an EIN as a non-resident?

A: The timeline depends on your application method. Via fax, the IRS typically processes Form SS-4 in approximately 4 business days and faxes back your EIN confirmation. By mail, the process takes 4 to 6 weeks. By phone (international callers at +1 267-941-1099), you can receive your EIN on the same call if the lines are not busy. BeFiling includes EIN obtainment in LLC formation packages with a streamlined timeline.

Q: Is an EIN the same as a Tax ID Number?

A: Yes — EIN, Tax ID Number, Federal Tax Identification Number, and FEIN all refer to the same thing: the nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business entity. The terms are used interchangeably. When banks, marketplaces, or payment processors ask for your ‘Tax ID Number,’ they are asking for your EIN.

Q: Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC’s name or address?

A: Generally, no. An EIN stays with your business entity permanently — name and address changes do not require a new EIN. However, you must notify the IRS of a name change by checking the ‘Name change’ box on your next annual tax return or by sending a written notification. A new EIN is only required if the fundamental structure of your business changes — for example, if you convert from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, or if your LLC is dissolved and a new entity is formed.

Q: Can I use my EIN to apply for a U.S. business bank account as a non-resident?

A: Yes. Your EIN combined with your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement) is the primary requirement for opening a U.S. business bank account as a non-resident. Fintech banks like Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business allow fully online account opening for foreign-owned LLCs using these documents, without requiring a physical visit to the United States.

Q: What if I lose my EIN confirmation letter?

A: If you lose your EIN confirmation (IRS CP 575 letter), you can request an EIN verification letter called a 147C letter by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at +1 (800) 829-4933 (or +1 267-941-1099 for international callers). The IRS will mail or fax the 147C letter to you. This letter is accepted by banks and government agencies as official EIN proof. Note that the IRS will only send this letter to the address on file or the fax number you provide during the call.

Q: Do I need an EIN if my LLC has no income yet?

A: Yes — you should obtain your EIN as soon as your LLC is formed, regardless of whether you have started generating income. An EIN is required to open your business bank account (which you will need to receive future payments), register on marketplaces, apply for business credit, and file required IRS returns. Even an LLC with zero income may have annual IRS filing obligations that require an EIN.

Q: Can I have more than one EIN?

A: Each separate business entity — each LLC or corporation — has its own unique EIN. If you own multiple LLCs, each one has its own EIN. However, you cannot have two EINs for the same entity. If you accidentally apply for an EIN twice for the same LLC, contact the IRS to close one of the duplicate accounts.

Section 9: How BeFiling Simplifies the EIN Process for Non-Residents

Applying for an EIN as a non-resident involves navigating IRS forms, fax machines, and processes that were not designed with international applicants in mind. Mistakes on Form SS-4 — like leaving Line 7b blank instead of writing ‘Foreign’ — cause delays of weeks. BeFiling.com eliminates this complexity entirely.

As a professional filing service with experience across 75+ countries, BeFiling’s expert team handles EIN obtainment as part of every LLC formation package. You never have to deal with IRS fax lines, confusing form instructions, or weeks of waiting on your own.

Everything BeFiling Handles for You

LLC Formation in any U.S. state — Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, Montana, and all 50 states
Registered Agent service — legal U.S. address for government correspondence in your formation state
Business Address service — a real U.S. address for banking, credit cards, and business correspondence
EIN Obtainment — included in every LLC formation package, no SSN or ITIN required
BOI Report filing — Corporate Transparency Act compliance, required for most new LLCs
ITIN Application — for owners who need a personal U.S. tax ID, processed by IRS Certified Acceptance Agents
Tax Preparation — Form 5472, Form 1065, Form 1040-NR, and annual state filings handled by experts
Nia AI Co-Founder — real-time AI assistance for ongoing business questions and compliance guidance

Start Your U.S. Business with BeFiling Today Join 10,000+ entrepreneurs from 75+ countries who have built their U.S. business with BeFiling.
Form Your LLC + Get EIN: befiling.com/form-my-llc Apply for ITIN: befiling.com/itin-application Tax Preparation: befiling.com/tax-preparation WhatsApp Support: +1 (406) 607-2216

Conclusion

An EIN is not optional for a U.S. LLC — it is the foundation of your entire U.S. business identity. Without it, you cannot bank, cannot file taxes, cannot sell on major marketplaces, and cannot access business credit. For non-residents, obtaining an EIN without an SSN or ITIN requires navigating IRS Form SS-4 via fax, mail, or phone — a process that is entirely manageable with the right guidance.

The smartest approach for most foreign entrepreneurs is to have their EIN obtained as part of their LLC formation — saving time, avoiding errors, and ensuring everything is set up correctly from day one. BeFiling.com includes EIN obtainment in every LLC formation package, handling the entire process on your behalf so you can focus on building your business, not filling out government forms.

Your U.S. business starts with an EIN. And your EIN journey starts at befiling.com.

Disclaimer: BeFiling Inc. is a private, third-party document preparation service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS, U.S. Department of the Treasury, or any U.S. government agency. BeFiling is not a law firm or CPA firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Information in this article is for general educational purposes only. IRS processes and timelines are subject to change — verify current procedures at irs.gov.