How to get an EIN without an SSN

Why the online application doesn't work for you

The IRS online EIN tool asks for the responsible party's Social Security number or ITIN. It also isn't open to applicants whose principal place of business is outside the US. The IRS says those applicants should "apply by phone, fax or mail" (IRS). That's the whole reason foreign owners hit a wall, and the workaround is official, not a loophole.

Your three options

Use only one method. The IRS warns that applying more than once for the same entity can leave you with two EINs. It also issues only one EIN per responsible party per day.

Filling out Form SS-4: the lines that trip people up

Even on the phone, the IRS assistant walks through the SS-4 questions, so fill one out first and keep it in front of you.

• Line 1, legal name: exactly as it appears on your state formation document, including "LLC".
• Lines 4 and 5, addresses: the mailing address is where the IRS sends your EIN notice. The street address line asks for a real location, not a P.O. box. Many foreign owners use their own address abroad.
• Lines 7a and 7b, responsible party: this must be a real person who "ultimately owns or controls the entity," not a formation company or nominee. On line 7b, the IRS says to enter "foreign" or N/A if that person doesn't have and isn't eligible for an SSN or ITIN. An entry is required.
• Lines 8a to 8c, LLC questions: answer yes, give the number of members, and say whether it was organized in the US.
• Line 9a, type of entity: for a single-member LLC owned by a foreign person, the IRS says to check "Other" and write "Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity-Form 5472." That tells the IRS to expect your yearly Form 5472.
• Line 10, reason: usually "Started new business."
• Third-party designee: if someone applies for you, complete this section so the IRS can talk to them. Their authority ends once the EIN is assigned.

Get the letter, not just the number

Banks and payment companies usually want the IRS paper, not just nine digits. When the IRS issues an EIN it sends a CP575 notice. If you lose it, the IRS can confirm the number with Letter 147C, "EIN Previously Assigned," and eligible Business Tax Account users can download a digital CP575 that the IRS says can substitute for both (IRS).

This matters if you pay a service to apply. Several Bizee customers on Reddit said they received the EIN number but not the IRS letter, and couldn't open a bank account until they got one. If you use a service, ask how and when you'll get the CP575 copy.

Should you pay a service to do it?

The IRS doesn't charge anything. Services do: Northwest lists $200 for an EIN without an SSN, and Bizee lists $70 for its EIN service. Paying makes sense if you can't call during US hours or don't want to deal with the form. Know what you're buying, though. A service still has to fax or mail the same SS-4, and customer reports show long waits for non-residents: one Northwest customer was quoted about 90 days in 2025, and Bizee's most common complaint from foreign owners is EIN delays of one to three months or more. Bizee told the BBB that it refunds the EIN fee if no EIN arrives within six months.

If you can make an international call, the phone line is usually the fastest route and it's free.

ITIN vs EIN: which one do you need?

The common mistake is applying for an ITIN just to form an LLC or get an EIN. You don't need one for either. You'll need an ITIN later only if your LLC's income means you personally owe a US return, and a tax professional can tell you that. Certifying Acceptance Agents, authorized by the IRS, can verify your passport so you don't have to mail the original (IRS).

After you have your EIN

1. Save the CP575 as a PDF and keep the paper copy.
2. Open a business account with a bank that accepts your country of residence.
3. Put a reminder for April 15 to file Form 5472 if you're the only owner.
4. If the responsible party changes, tell the IRS on Form 8822-B within 60 days.