EIN Application for International Entrepreneurs: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

What Is an EIN and Why Is It Urgent?

You've formed your U.S. LLC. Congratulations! Now you need the one thing that makes your LLC fully operational: an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Without it, you can't open a bank account, accept payments, or file taxes.

An EIN is a nine-digit number (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) that the IRS assigns to your business. It's essentially your LLC's identity in the U.S. tax system.

Without an EIN, you cannot:

Open a U.S. business bank account
Set up Stripe, PayPal, or other payment processors
Register as an Amazon, Shopify, or eBay seller
File required U.S. tax returns
Hire employees or contractors
Build business credit

The sooner you get your EIN, the sooner your LLC becomes a functional business.

The Problem: You Can't Use the Online Application

The IRS offers a convenient online EIN application at irs.gov. It takes about 5 minutes, and you receive your EIN instantly. Sounds great, right?

The catch: The online application requires a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the responsible party. If you're an international entrepreneur without either, the online system won't work for you.

This leaves you with three alternative methods: fax, mail, and phone.

Method 1: Fax Application (Best DIY Option)

What You Need

Completed IRS Form SS-4
Access to a fax machine or online fax service (like eFax or HelloFax)
Your LLC formation documents for reference

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Download Form SS-4 Get the form from irs.gov/forms. Make sure you have the most current version.

Step 2: Complete the Form Fill out every applicable field. Key fields for international applicants:

Line 1: Your LLC's exact legal name (must match state filings)
Line 3-5: Use your registered agent's U.S. address or your foreign address
Line 7a: Your full legal name as it appears on your passport
Line 7b: Write "FOREIGN" — do NOT leave blank, don't enter random numbers
Line 8a: Check "Limited Liability Company" and enter number of members
Line 10: Check "Started new business" and describe your business briefly

Step 3: Sign the Form The responsible party (Line 7a) must sign and date the form. If using a Third-Party Designee (like ABA 360 Pro), complete that section as well.

Step 4: Fax to the IRS

Applicants with a U.S. address: (855) 641-6935
Applicants with a foreign address: (855) 215-1627

Step 5: Wait for Your EIN The IRS will fax back your EIN assignment within 4-6 weeks. If you provided a mailing address, they'll also mail the official CP 575 confirmation letter.

Pro Tips for Fax Applications

Keep your fax confirmation page as proof of submission
Write clearly — illegible handwriting causes rejections
If using an online fax service, save the sent fax and confirmation
Mark your calendar for 6 weeks after submission; if no response, follow up

Method 2: Phone Application (Fastest but Hardest)

The IRS International Line

Number: (267) 941-1099 Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Eastern Time Not toll-free — international calling charges apply

What to Expect

The phone method can get you an EIN the same day — but only if you successfully reach a live agent. Here's the reality:

Hold times frequently exceed 1-2 hours
Calls sometimes drop during the wait
Not all agents are equally experienced with international applications
You may need to call multiple times before success
The agent will verbally assign your EIN during the call

Tips for Success

Call as early as possible (6:00 AM ET)
Use a stable phone connection (not VoIP if possible)
Have your completed SS-4 in front of you
Be ready to spell out names and addresses slowly and clearly
Ask the agent to repeat your EIN twice to ensure accuracy
Request that the CP 575 confirmation letter be mailed to your U.S. address

Method 3: Mail Application (Slowest)

Process

Complete Form SS-4
Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Wait 6-10 weeks for your EIN to arrive by mail

When to Use Mail

Only choose this method if:

You cannot access a fax service
You're not in a hurry to get your EIN
The phone method hasn't worked after multiple attempts

The Five Most Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Name Mismatch

The LLC name on your SS-4 must be letter-for-letter identical to your Articles of Organization. "Global Ventures LLC" is not the same as "Global Ventures, LLC" (note the comma). Even small discrepancies can cause rejection.

Fix: Copy the name exactly from your state formation documents.

Mistake 2: Wrong Fax Number

The IRS has different fax numbers for different situations. Using the wrong one can result in your application sitting in the wrong department for weeks.

Fix: Use (855) 215-1627 if your address on the form is outside the U.S.; use (855) 641-6935 if you're using a U.S. address.

Mistake 3: Leaving Line 7b Blank

When you don't have an SSN or ITIN, many people simply leave Line 7b empty. This can cause confusion in processing.

Fix: Write "FOREIGN" in the SSN/ITIN field.

Mistake 4: Applying Before LLC Is Formed

You cannot get an EIN for an LLC that doesn't yet exist. The IRS needs your LLC's legal name and formation state, which only exist after state filing is complete.

Fix: Wait until you've received confirmation from the state that your LLC is officially registered before applying for an EIN.

Mistake 5: Using Third-Party EIN Services That Charge Excessively

The IRS charges $0 for EIN applications. Some websites charge $100-$300 for "EIN application services" that simply fill out and submit the same form you could do yourself.

Fix: Either do it yourself (free) or use a comprehensive LLC formation service that includes EIN as part of the package (like ABA 360 Pro).

Timeline Comparison

Method	Expected Timeline	Best For
Phone	Same day	Urgent needs (if you can get through)
Fax	4-6 weeks	Most DIY applicants
Mail	6-10 weeks	When fax isn't available
ABA 360 Pro	1-3 weeks	Fastest reliable option

After You Get Your EIN: Immediate Next Steps

1. Save Your CP 575 Letter

This is your official EIN confirmation from the IRS. Banks and payment processors will ask for it. Store digital and physical copies.

2. Open Your Bank Account

With your EIN, formation documents, and passport, you can now apply for a U.S. business bank account. Mercury and Relay are popular choices for non-residents.

3. Set Up Payment Processing

Connect your bank account to Stripe, PayPal, or other processors. Having a U.S. LLC + EIN + bank account unlocks the full range of payment options.

4. Note Your Tax Filing Deadlines

Mark these on your calendar:

Form 5472: Due with your tax return (typically April 15, with extensions available)
Annual state report: Varies by state (e.g., June 1 for Delaware, May 1 for Florida)
BOI Report: File with FinCEN within required timeframe

Should You DIY or Use a Service?

DIY Makes Sense If:

You're comfortable navigating IRS forms
You have access to a fax machine
You're not in a rush (can wait 4-10 weeks)
You want to save money

A Professional Service Makes Sense If:

You want to avoid mistakes that cause delays
You need your EIN quickly
You're forming your LLC at the same time (bundle the services)
You want someone to handle IRS follow-up if issues arise
The cost difference is minimal compared to your time value

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes! International entrepreneurs can apply for an EIN using IRS Form SS-4 via fax, mail, or phone. You simply write "FOREIGN" in the SSN/ITIN field on the form.

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

By phone: same day (if you get through). By fax: 4-6 weeks. By mail: 6-10 weeks. Through ABA 360 Pro: typically 1-3 weeks.

Do I need to form my LLC before applying for an EIN?

Yes. The IRS requires your LLC's legal name and formation state, which only exist after your Articles of Organization are approved by the state.

Is the EIN application free?

Yes, the IRS charges nothing for EIN applications. Be cautious of third-party services that charge excessive fees for simply submitting the form.

Can I use my EIN to open a US bank account?

Absolutely. Your EIN, along with your formation documents and passport, is one of the key requirements for opening a U.S. business bank account as a non-resident.

Let ABA 360 Pro Handle Your EIN

We process EIN applications for international entrepreneurs every week. Our established process typically delivers results in 1-3 weeks — and it's included at no extra cost in all of our LLC formation packages.

Already have your LLC? We also offer standalone EIN application services. Contact us to get started.

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Professional Package ($999) — Everything in Starter + US bank account, tax consultation, business address
Enterprise Package ($2,499) — Full white-glove service with dedicated advisor and ongoing compliance

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Questions about the EIN process? Email us at [email protected] or chat with us on our website.