How to get an EIN as a non-US resident: Complete 2026 guide
An EIN is the IRS-issued tax ID number for your US LLC. Without one, you can't open a US bank account, pay taxes, or sell on Amazon as a business. Here's exactly how to get yours — even without a US address, SSN, or ITIN.
- • Method for non-residents: IRS fax (Form SS-4)
- • Typical processing time: 15–30 business days
- • Cost: Free (IRS does not charge for EINs)
- • SSN or ITIN required: No
What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also called a Federal Tax Identification Number — is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to US business entities. The format is XX-XXXXXXX. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your LLC.
Despite the word "employer," you don't need to have employees to get or use an EIN. Single-member LLCs with no employees use EINs routinely for banking, tax filing, and marketplace seller accounts.
Why you need an EIN as a non-US resident
The IRS fax method: step by step
US residents can apply for an EIN online in minutes via the IRS website. Non-US residents cannot use the online tool — you must use the fax method. Here's the complete process:
You must have a registered LLC before applying for an EIN. The IRS needs your LLC's legal name and state of formation. If you haven't formed your LLC yet, start there.
Download the latest version of IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) from irs.gov. Do not use older versions — the IRS updates the form periodically.
Fill in your LLC's legal name, address, state of formation, entity type (LLC), and responsible party details. See the section below for line-by-line instructions.
Fax your completed SS-4 to the IRS international fax number: +1 855-641-6935. You don't need a physical fax machine — online fax services like eFax, HelloFax, or FaxZero work fine.
The IRS will fax your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) to the same number you faxed from. This typically takes 15–30 business days. Keep checking your fax inbox.
The CP 575 letter is your official EIN documentation. Keep a digital copy — Mercury, Amazon, and other services may ask for it. The IRS does not issue duplicates easily.
Form SS-4: line-by-line instructions for non-residents
The form has many fields, but only about half are relevant to non-resident LLC owners. Here's what to write on each key line:
| Line | What to write |
|---|---|
| 1 | Your LLC's exact legal name as it appears on your state formation certificate (e.g., 'Acme Trading LLC') |
| 2 | Leave blank (trade name / DBA — skip if same as line 1) |
| 3 | Leave blank (executor/trustee — not applicable) |
| 4a | Your LLC's mailing address (can be your registered agent's address or your foreign address) |
| 4b | City, state, ZIP — use your registered agent's address if using a US address |
| 5a | Your physical business address if different from line 4a (otherwise repeat line 4a) |
| 7a | Your full legal name (the responsible party — a real person, not the LLC) |
| 7b | Your foreign passport number or ITIN if you have one; write 'N/A — foreign person, no SSN/ITIN' if you don't |
| 8a | Check 'LLC' |
| 8b | Number of LLC members (write '1' for single-member) |
| 8c | State where LLC is organised (e.g., Wyoming) |
| 9a | Check 'Other' and write 'Started new business' |
| 10 | Date your LLC was formed (from your state formation documents) |
| 11 | Leave today's date or the date you want the EIN effective |
| 13 | Highest number of employees expected in next 12 months — write '0' if no US employees |
| 14 | Principal business activity — e.g., 'E-commerce retail' or 'Import/export' |
| 16 | Check 'Other' and describe: 'LLC taxed as disregarded entity / sole proprietorship' |
What to expect: the 15–30 day timeline
You fax your completed SS-4 to the IRS.
IRS fax system acknowledges receipt (some online fax services show delivery confirmation).
IRS processes your application. This is the longest step — the IRS international unit handles these manually.
IRS faxes your CP 575 EIN confirmation letter to your fax number. You can now use the EIN immediately.
Note: During peak tax season (January–April) processing can extend to 45–60 business days. If you haven't received your EIN after 60 business days, contact the IRS international line at +1 267-941-1099.
Common mistakes that delay your EIN
How ecomifyUSA handles your EIN application
Getting an EIN is technically a free, DIY process — but mistakes are common and can delay your timeline by weeks. Every error means re-faxing and restarting the clock. Our EIN service includes:
Ready to get your EIN?
We handle the entire SS-4 process for you. Most clients receive their EIN in 15–25 business days. WhatsApp us to get started or ask any questions.