How to Get an EIN Without SSN: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Author's Bio: We have filed over 1,000 SS-4 forms for non-residents. We know exactly which checkboxes trigger an IRS rejection and which ones get you approved in 4 business days.

You formed your LLC. Congratulations. Now you try to open a bank account (Mercury/Relay) or Stripe account, and they ask for one thing: Your EIN (Employer Identification Number).

You go to the IRS website, click "Apply Online," and hit a brick wall. The system asks for an SSN. You don't have one.

Panic sets in. "Can I not open a business?"

Relax. This is standard. The online system is built for Americans. As a non-resident, you just need to take the "paper route" (even in 2025).

Here is the exact, step-by-step process to get your EIN without an SSN.

What is an EIN and Why Do You Need It?

Think of the EIN as the Social Security Number for your business. It tracks your business for tax purposes.

Without it, you cannot:

1. Open a US business bank account.
2. Hire employees.
3. Apply for business licenses.
4. File US taxes.

The Process Overview (Mermaid Flowchart)

Before we fill out the form, understand the workflow.

graph TD
    A[Start: Formed LLC] --> B[Download IRS Form SS4]
    B --> C{Do you have a US fax number}
    C -- Yes --> D[Fill SS4 and fax to IRS]
    C -- No --> E[Use an online fax service]
    D --> F[Wait 4 to 14 business days]
    E --> F
    F --> G{Did you receive the CP575 letter}
    G -- Yes --> H[Success, you have your EIN]
    G -- No --> I[Call the IRS helpline]

Step 1: Download and Fill Form SS-4

This is the most critical step. One mistake here means a rejection letter 4 weeks later.

Download: Official IRS Form SS-4 (PDF)

Line-by-Line Instructions for Non-Residents

• Line 1: Legal name of entity (Your LLC Name exactly as on Articles of Organization).
• Line 4a/4b: Mailing Address. This can be your US Virtual Address or your foreign home address. We recommend your US address if you have one.
  • Need a US address? Read our Address Guide.
• Line 6: County and State. (e.g., "Sheridan, WY" or "New Castle, DE").
• Line 7a: Name of Responsible Party. This is YOU. Put your full name.
• Line 7b (CRITICAL): SSN, ITIN, or EIN. Write "FOREIGN" or "N/A". Do NOT leave it blank.
• Line 8a: Is this an LLC application? Check YES.
• Line 9a: Type of Entity. Check "Other" and write "Foreign-owned U.S. Disregarded Entity" (if you are a single-member LLC).
• Line 10: Reason for Applying. Check "Started a new business" or "Banking purpose".
• Line 18: Has the applicant ever applied for an EIN? Check No.

Pro Tip: Do NOT use a digital signature unless you are using a specialized service. The IRS fax machine prefers "wet signatures" (print, sign with black ink, scan).

Step 2: The Submission Strategy (Fax vs Mail)

You have two options to send this form to the IRS.

Method	Speed	Cost	Reliability
Fax (Recommended)	4 - 14 Business Days	Free (with eFax trial)	High
Mail (Snail Mail)	6 - 12 Weeks	Postage Cost	Low (Gets lost easily)
Phone (Special Case)	Immediate	High (Long hold times)	Low (Only for complex cases)

How to Fax (The "Foreign" Hack)

You don't need a physical fax machine. Use an online service like SRFax, HelloFax, or eFax.

1. IRS Fax Number: 1-855-641-6935 (Domestic) or 304-707-9471 (International). Note: Double check IRS.gov as numbers change.
2. Cover Sheet: Always include a cover sheet.
3. Return Fax Number: Ensure your eFax service gives you a dedicated number to receive the reply. The IRS will fax the EIN back to the number on your cover sheet.

Step 3: The Waiting Game

Once you fax it, do not send it again. Sending duplicates slows down the process.

• Day 1: Fax sent.
• Day 4-10: Check your eFax inbox daily.
• The Golden Ticket: You are looking for form CP-575. This is your official EIN confirmation letter.

Troubleshooting: "I waited 3 weeks and nothing!"

If 15 business days pass and you hear nothing, you must call the IRS.

The Magic Number: +1 (267) 941-1099 (Not toll-free).

• Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Eastern Time), Monday - Friday.
• What to say: "I faxed my SS-4 on [Date]. I am checking the status."
• Be prepared: Have a copy of your SS-4 in front of you. They will ask line-by-line questions to verify identity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using a Registered Agent as Responsible Party: Never do this. You are the owner. Use your name.
2. Leaving Line 7b Blank: The scanner might reject it. Write "Foreign".
3. Mailing AND Faxing: This creates a duplicate entity error. Pick one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply online if I use a VPN?

No. The online application validates your identity against the Equifax database. Without an SSN/ITIN, you will fail the identity check regardless of your IP address.

Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN?

No. You get the EIN first. Later, if you need to file personal taxes, you will use the EIN to help get your ITIN.

Does the EIN expire?

No. Once assigned, the EIN is yours forever. Even if you dissolve the LLC, the number stays linked to that entity history.

Can I use a friend's SSN?

Absolutely not. That is perjury and tax fraud. The Responsible Party must be the true owner/manager of the business.

How much does it cost?

$0. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. If you pay a service (like us or LegalZoom), you are paying for the convenience of filling and faxing, not the number itself.

Ready to get your EIN? If you don't want to deal with fax machines and 1990s technology, many formation services will handle this for you. Check our LLC Services Review to see which ones include "EIN Service" for free.