How to Apply for an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN (Foreign-Owned US LLC)

Step-by-step guide to applying for an EIN as a foreign LLC owner. Learn why online applications do not work without an SSN or ITIN, how to file Form SS-4 by fax, and what you need before you start.

Ready to apply? Start your EIN application with GatewayBase. We prepare Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS for you — no SSN or ITIN needed.

If you own a US LLC from outside the United States, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This nine-digit number works like a Social Security Number for your company. Banks, payment providers, and tax forms all ask for it.

Here is the problem most foreign owners run into: the IRS online EIN tool only works when the responsible party has a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you live abroad and do not have either number, you cannot apply online. You must file IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail instead.

This guide walks you through how to apply for an EIN as a foreign-owned US LLC owner — what you need, how Form SS-4 works, why fax is the fastest option, and what to do after the IRS issues your number.

What is an EIN and why do foreign LLC owners need one?

An EIN (also called a Federal Tax ID or FEIN) is a unique number the IRS assigns to a business. It is free to get from the IRS.

Foreign owners of US LLCs typically need an EIN to:

Open a US business bank account
Accept payments through Stripe, PayPal, or similar services
File US tax forms such as Form 1120 and Form 5472
Hire US employees or contractors (if needed later)
Apply for business licenses or permits in some states

Most single-member US LLCs owned by one foreign person are treated as a "disregarded entity" for US tax. You still need an EIN even though the LLC itself does not pay US income tax in most cases.

Three ways to apply for an EIN — and which one works for you

The IRS offers three main application methods:

Online — instant EIN, but only if the responsible party has a valid SSN or ITIN and a US address
Phone — available to US-based applicants with an SSN or ITIN; not practical for most foreign owners
Fax or mail — the required method for foreign owners without a US tax ID

If you are a non-US resident who owns a US LLC and you do not have an SSN or ITIN, fax is your best option. Mail works too, but it can take four weeks or longer. Fax applications are usually processed within 14 days.

Why you cannot use the IRS online EIN application

The IRS online EIN assistant at irs.gov checks that the "responsible party" — the person who controls the company — has a US tax ID. It also expects the business to have a US address and US-based ownership details.

When you do not have an SSN or ITIN, the online tool will block you or show an error. This is not a bug. The IRS simply does not allow foreign-based applicants without a US tax ID to use the online system.

The workaround is Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. You complete the form, sign it, and send it to the IRS by fax or mail. On the form, you write "Foreign" in the field that asks for the responsible party's SSN or ITIN.

What you need before you apply for an EIN

Gather these details before you start Form SS-4:

Legal name of your LLC — exactly as it appears on your state formation documents
State of formation — for example, Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico
US mailing address — often a registered agent address in your formation state
Date the LLC was formed — from your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation
Principal business activity— a short description of what your company does (for example, "online consulting" or "e-commerce retail")
Responsible party — for most single-owner foreign LLCs, this is you, the owner
Your name and foreign address — as the responsible party living outside the US

Your LLC must already be formed before you apply. The IRS will not issue an EIN for a company that does not legally exist yet.

How to apply for an EIN by fax: step by step

Here is the full EIN application process for foreign-owned US LLCs without an SSN or ITIN:

Download Form SS-4 from the IRS website (irs.gov) or use a service that fills it out for you.
Complete all required fields. Pay close attention to Line 7a (responsible party), Line 8a (LLC question), Line 9a (entity type), and Line 10 (reason for applying). See the section below for details on the trickiest fields.
Write "Foreign" on Line 7bwhere the form asks for the responsible party's SSN, ITIN, or EIN. Do not leave this blank.
Sign and date the form. The responsible party must sign. An unsigned form will be rejected.
Fax the signed Form SS-4 to the IRS. The IRS fax number for international applicants is listed in the form instructions. Keep your fax confirmation receipt.
Wait for your EIN. The IRS will process your application and send a confirmation letter (CP-575 or 147C) to your mailing address. This letter contains your EIN.

You can also use GatewayBase to prepare your EIN application. We fill out Form SS-4 in plain English, create a fax-ready packet, and send it to the IRS for you — so you do not have to figure out the form fields or find a fax machine from abroad.

Key Form SS-4 fields for foreign-owned LLCs

Form SS-4 has 18 lines. Most are straightforward, but a few trip up foreign owners:

Line 7a — Responsible party. Enter your full legal name. For a single-member LLC, this is usually the owner.
Line 7b — SSN, ITIN, or EIN.Write "Foreign" if you do not have a US tax ID. This is the most important field for non-US applicants.
Line 8a — Is this application for a limited liability company? Check "Yes."
Line 8b — Number of LLC members.Enter "1" for a single-member LLC.
Line 9a — Type of entity.For a foreign-owned single-member LLC treated as a disregarded entity, enter: "Other (specify) — Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity." Getting this wording right matters for your future tax filings.
Line 10 — Reason for applying.Most new LLCs select "Started new business."
Line 16 — Principal activity. Describe what your business does in simple words. The IRS reads this directly.

If you are unsure about Line 9a or any other field, our EIN application service fills in the correct IRS wording for foreign-owned disregarded entities automatically.

Fax vs. mail: which is faster for foreign EIN applications?

Both fax and mail use the same Form SS-4. The difference is speed and proof of delivery.

Fax — typically processed within 14 days. You get a fax confirmation as proof you sent the form. This is why most foreign owners choose fax.
Mail — can take four to six weeks, sometimes longer for international mail. No instant confirmation. Harder to track.

The IRS does not charge a fee for EIN applications by fax or mail. The EIN itself is always free from the IRS.

How long does an EIN application take?

Timeline for foreign owners applying by fax:

Preparing Form SS-4: 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on whether you do it yourself or use a service
IRS processing after fax: usually within 14 days, but can vary during busy periods
EIN confirmation letter by mail: arrives at your US mailing address after the EIN is issued

Plan for up to 14 days for IRS processing after you fax. Do not wait until you need a bank account tomorrow — apply for your EIN as soon as your LLC is formed.

Common EIN application mistakes foreign owners make

Trying the online tool without an SSN or ITIN. It will not work. Go straight to Form SS-4.
Leaving Line 7b blank.Write "Foreign" if you have no US tax ID.
Wrong entity type on Line 9a.A foreign-owned single-member LLC is not a "partnership" or "corporation." Use the disregarded entity wording.
Applying before the LLC is formed. The IRS needs a legal entity that already exists.
Unsigned form. The responsible party must sign and date the form.
Name mismatch.The legal name on Form SS-4 must match your state formation documents exactly, including "LLC" or "L.L.C."
Using a personal SSN when you should not.Do not use someone else's SSN as a workaround. Use "Foreign" and apply by fax.

Do you need an ITIN to get an EIN?

No. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and an EIN serve different purposes. An ITIN is for individuals who need to file US tax returns but cannot get an SSN. An EIN is for businesses.

You do not need an ITIN to apply for an EIN. You also do not need an SSN. Foreign LLC owners without either number apply with Form SS-4 by fax, writing "Foreign" on Line 7b.

Note: even though you do not need an ITIN for the EIN application, you may still need to file US tax forms after you get your EIN. Foreign-owned US LLCs often must file Form 1120 and Form 5472 each year.

What to do after you receive your EIN

Once the IRS issues your EIN, you will receive a confirmation letter (usually CP-575 or 147C). Save this letter. Banks and other services may ask for it.

Your next steps usually include:

Opening a US business bank account
Setting up payment processing
Marking your calendar for yearly US tax filings

Foreign-owned US LLCs must file Form 1120 and Form 5472 each year, even when the company has little or no US income. Missing these forms can lead to penalties of $25,000 per form per year. GatewayBase can help with your 1120 and 5472 tax filing when tax season comes.

Frequently asked questions about EIN applications for foreign LLCs

Can I get an EIN without living in the US?

Yes. Non-US residents who own US LLCs can get an EIN. You apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail and write "Foreign" where the form asks for a US tax ID.

Does the IRS charge a fee for an EIN?

No. The IRS issues EINs for free. If you use a service to prepare your application or handle the fax, that service may charge a fee — but the EIN itself costs nothing from the IRS.

Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is formed?

No. Your LLC must be legally formed in a US state before you apply. You will need the legal name, formation state, and formation date from your state documents.

What is the IRS fax number for EIN applications?

The current fax number is listed in the instructions on Form SS-4 and on the IRS website. Check irs.gov for the latest number before you send your form, as numbers can change.

Can a registered agent apply for my EIN?

The responsible party — usually the LLC owner — must be named on Form SS-4. A registered agent can receive mail at their address, but they are not automatically the responsible party unless they actually control the company.

What if my EIN application is rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include an unsigned form, a name that does not match state records, or missing information. Fix the issue and resubmit by fax. If you used a service, they can help you correct and resend the form.

Apply for your EIN the easy way

Applying for an EIN without an SSN or ITIN is not hard, but Form SS-4 has fields that confuse many foreign owners — especially Line 9a for disregarded entities and Line 7b for applicants without a US tax ID.

GatewayBase prepares your complete EIN application (Form SS-4), creates a fax-ready packet, and sends it to the IRS for you. We use simple steps and plain language so you know exactly what goes on the form. Most applications are processed within 14 days.

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