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EIN · checked 20 October 2026

How to get an EIN for a US LLC without an SSN or ITIN

Your US LLC needs an EIN (Employer Identification Number) to open a bank account, use Stripe and file Form 5472. If you live outside the US and have no SSN or ITIN, you can't use the IRS online form, but you can still get one free from the IRS by fax, phone or post using Form SS-4.

Three ways to apply

  • Phone (quickest): Call +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. US Eastern, Monday to Friday. An IRS agent fills in the SS-4 with you.
  • Fax (generally within 4 business days): Fax the signed SS-4 to 304-707-9471 from outside the US (855-215-1627 from inside). Include a fax number for the reply.
  • Post (about 4 weeks): Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.

The online application needs an SSN, ITIN or EIN and a US presence, so it isn't available to most foreign owners. Getting an EIN from the IRS is free; formation services charge for doing it for you.

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

  • Line 1: the LLC's exact legal name, as on its state certificate.
  • Lines 7a and 7b: you, the owner, as the responsible party. If you don't have and can't get an SSN or ITIN, write "Foreign" or "N/A" on line 7b. The IRS says an entry is required, so don't leave it blank.
  • Lines 8a to 8c: yes, it's an LLC; 1 member; and yes, it was organised in the United States.
  • Line 9a: tick "Other" and write "Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity - Form 5472". This tells the IRS to expect your Form 5472 each year.
  • Signature: sign as the owner (member). On a fax, add your fax number so the IRS can reply.

Do I need an ITIN as well?

Not to get the EIN, and not to file Form 5472: there you can use a reference ID number instead (see line 4b). You'd need an ITIN if you personally have to file a US tax return, for example a Form 1040-NR because the LLC has US business income. Ask a tax professional if that might apply.

After you get it

  1. Keep the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575, or the faxed letter). Banks and Stripe ask for it.
  2. Diary your first Form 5472, due 15 April after the end of your first year, or 15 October with an extension. Form 5472 deadline.
  3. Check your state's annual filing too: Wyoming · Delaware · New Mexico · Florida · Texas.

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Source: IRS, Instructions for Form SS-4 (Rev. December 2025): online application limits, international phone line and hours, fax numbers and timing, mailing address, line 7b "Foreign" entry, line 9a wording for a foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity. Read 20 October 2026. General information, not tax advice.