EIN for Non-Residents in 2026: How to Get Your Employer Identification Number
Written by
itin.so Editorial Team
IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents · Updated April 2026
The IRS charges $0 to issue an EIN. Non-US residents apply using Form SS-4 by fax or mail because the IRS online tool requires an SSN or ITIN. Fax applications take 4-5 weeks. Our service prepares and submits your SS-4 for $97 with 3-5 business day turnaround. Over 5 million EINs are issued annually to businesses across all 50 states and 150+ countries.
Quick answer
Yes, non-US residents and foreign business owners can get an EIN — no SSN or ITIN is required if you apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 (the online tool requires one). The IRS charges $0; our service prepares and submits it for $97 with 3-5 business day turnaround.
What Is an EIN and Why Do Non-Residents Need One?
An Employer Identification Number is a 9-digit number (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) that the IRS assigns to businesses for tax reporting. The IRS issues approximately 5 million EINs per year. Every US LLC, corporation, and partnership needs one. Banks require an EIN to open a business account. Payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Square require an EIN for merchant verification. Amazon requires an EIN for third-party seller registration.
For non-US residents, the EIN is the first step in establishing a US business presence. Without an EIN, you cannot file business tax returns (Form 1065 for partnerships, Form 1120 for corporations), hire US employees, or comply with IRS withholding requirements. The IRS created the EIN system in 1974 under IRC Section 6109. Learn more about the difference between ITIN and EIN to understand which one you need.
EIN Format and Structure
An EIN follows the format XX-XXXXXXX. The first two digits indicate the IRS campus that issued the number. Numbers starting with 20, 26, 27, 45, 46, and 47 are assigned to online applications. Numbers starting with 98 or 99 are reserved for entities formed outside the US. Your EIN is permanent and does not expire, unlike ITINs which expire after 3 consecutive years of non-use.
IRS Authority: IRC Section 6109
The IRS assigns EINs under Internal Revenue Code Section 6109, which requires every person or entity that files a tax return to have a taxpayer identification number. IRS Publication 1635 covers EIN guidelines. The IRS maintains the Business Master File (BMF) database containing all active EINs. You can verify an EIN through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool for nonprofits, or by requesting a 147C letter for business verification.
Who Needs an EIN in 2026?
8 categories of non-residents require an EIN from the IRS. If you fall into any category below, you must obtain an EIN before conducting business in the United States.
LLC Owners
Every US LLC needs an EIN, regardless of where the owner lives. Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, and Florida are the top 4 states for non-resident LLCs. An EIN is required to open a bank account and file Form 5472 (annual information return for foreign-owned LLCs). Read our guide on ITIN and EIN for LLC owners.
Amazon and E-Commerce Sellers
Amazon requires an EIN for third-party seller registration. Over 60% of Amazon sellers operate through LLCs. Etsy, Shopify, and eBay also require EINs for US-based business entities. Payment processors issue 1099-K forms using your EIN. See our Amazon seller ITIN guide.
Real Estate Investors
Non-resident real estate investors holding properties through US LLCs need an EIN for the entity. FIRPTA withholding (15% of gross sales price) applies to foreign sellers. Rental income reporting on Form 1040-NR requires an ITIN, while the LLC files with its EIN. See our real estate investor guide.
Freelancers and Contractors
Non-resident freelancers working with US clients through an LLC need an EIN. US clients require a W-8BEN-E form listing your EIN for payments over $600. This allows proper 1042-S reporting. Check our freelancer ITIN guide.
Stripe and PayPal Users
Stripe requires an EIN for US business accounts. PayPal Business accounts need an EIN for tax reporting. Both platforms issue 1099-K forms when gross payments exceed $600 annually. See our PayPal and Stripe setup guide.
Content Creators
YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms withhold 30% of US-sourced income from foreign creators without a tax ID. An EIN on your LLC allows you to claim treaty benefits and reduce or eliminate withholding. Learn about what you can do with an ITIN.
Employers
Any entity hiring US employees must have an EIN. The EIN goes on W-2 forms, quarterly payroll tax returns (Form 941), and annual unemployment tax returns (Form 940). This applies even if the business owner lives outside the US.
Nonprofit Organizations
US nonprofits formed by non-residents need an EIN to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The EIN is required on Form 1023 or 1023-EZ. Donors need the organization's EIN for tax deduction records.
How Does an EIN Compare to an ITIN?
12 key differences separate EINs from ITINs. This comparison covers format, purpose, cost, and application process for both tax identification numbers.
| Feature | EIN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Business tax ID | Personal tax ID |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX (9 digits) | 9XX-XX-XXXX (9 digits) |
| IRS Form | Form SS-4 | Form W-7 |
| IRS Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Processing Time | Immediate (online) or 4-5 weeks (fax) | 6-11 weeks |
| Expires? | Never | After 3 years of non-use |
| SSN Required? | No (fax/mail method) | No |
| Tax Return | 1065, 1120, 5472 | 1040-NR |
| Bank Account | Business accounts | Personal accounts |
| Online Application | Yes (with SSN/ITIN only) | No |
| Our Service Fee | $97 | $197 (Standard) / $297 (Express) |
| Countries Served | 150+ countries | 150+ countries |
Source: IRS Publication 1635 (EIN guidelines), IRS Instructions for Form W-7 (ITIN guidelines). Updated April 2026.
What Are the 3 Ways to Apply for an EIN?
The IRS offers 3 methods to apply for an EIN: online, fax, and mail. Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN can only use fax or mail.
Method 1: IRS Online EIN Assistant
Available at IRS.gov, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time. Requires an SSN or ITIN. Issues the EIN immediately upon completion. The application takes approximately 15 minutes. This method is not available to non-residents who lack an SSN or ITIN.
Processing time: Immediate
Method 2: Fax (Form SS-4)
Fax completed Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-641-6935 (domestic) or 304-707-9471 (international). No SSN or ITIN required. The IRS faxes back a confirmation with your EIN. This is the primary method for non-residents without US tax IDs. Our service uses this method.
Processing time: 4-5 weeks
Method 3: Mail (Form SS-4)
Mail completed Form SS-4 to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. No SSN or ITIN required. The IRS mails back a CP 575 notice with your EIN. Slowest method but works from any country.
Processing time: 4-6 weeks
How Much Does Our EIN Service Cost?
$97
Flat fee, no extras
3-5
Business days preparation
$0
IRS government fee
What Is Included in the $97 Fee?
Our $97 EIN service includes complete Form SS-4 preparation, information verification, IRS fax submission, and delivery of your EIN confirmation by email. We handle the entire process so you never need to call or fax the IRS. The IRS fax line is difficult to reach, and errors on the SS-4 require starting over.
We serve clients from 150+ countries in English and Spanish. Contact us via WhatsApp at +880 1750 278508 for questions before you apply. Most clients who need an EIN also need an ITIN application for personal tax filing.
How Does Our Pricing Compare?
| Provider | EIN Service Fee | Prep Time | Non-Resident Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| itin.so | $97 | 3-5 business days | Yes, 150+ countries |
| IRS Direct (online) | $0 | Immediate | Requires SSN/ITIN |
| IRS Direct (fax/mail) | $0 | Self-prepared | No support provided |
| Typical CPA/Attorney | $200-$500 | 1-2 weeks | Varies |
Source: IRS.gov (Form SS-4 Instructions), market research of EIN service providers. Updated April 2026.
What Are the Steps to Get an EIN Through Our Service?
Provide Your Business Details (10 minutes)
After payment, you receive a form to fill in your LLC details: business name, state of formation, member information, business activity, and responsible party details. This information maps directly to the 18 lines on Form SS-4.
We Prepare and Submit Form SS-4 (3-5 business days)
Our team completes Form SS-4 using your information, reviews for common errors (wrong entity type, missing foreign address format, incorrect fiscal year), and faxes it to the IRS at 855-641-6935. We confirm submission by email.
Receive Your EIN (4-5 weeks after submission)
The IRS processes your application and faxes back your EIN assignment (CP 575 notice). We forward your EIN confirmation to you by email. You can then use your EIN to open bank accounts, register with payment processors, and file taxes.
Do You Need Both an EIN and an ITIN?
Most non-resident LLC owners need both. Your EIN identifies your business on Forms 1065, 1120, and 5472. Your ITIN identifies you personally on Form 1040-NR. If you own a single-member LLC, the IRS treats it as a disregarded entity under Treasury Regulation 301.7701-3, which means the LLC's income flows through to your personal tax return. Filing that return requires an ITIN. Working with a Certifying Acceptance Agent lets you complete the W-7 with certified passport copies so you never mail your original documents.
Recommended Application Order
Apply for your EIN first because it processes faster (4-5 weeks vs. 6-11 weeks for ITIN). Once you have your EIN, you can open a business bank account at Mercury, Relay, or Wise while your ITIN application processes. Our pricing: EIN ($97) + Standard ITIN ($197) = $294 total, or EIN ($97) + Express ITIN ($297) = $394 total.
Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Resident LLC Owners
Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 and a pro-forma Form 1120 annually, even with zero US income. The penalty for not filing Form 5472 is $25,000 per return. Multi-member LLCs with foreign partners must file Form 1065. See our ITIN and Form 5472 guide for foreign-owned LLCs. These returns require your EIN. Your personal tax return (Form 1040-NR) requires your ITIN. Learn about all ITIN requirements before applying.
Watch: How Do Non-US Residents Apply for an EIN?
What IRS Resources Cover EIN Applications?
The IRS publishes 4 primary resources for EIN applicants. All are available free at IRS.gov.
- Form SS-4 - Application for Employer Identification Number (1 page)
- Form SS-4 Instructions - Line-by-line instructions for completing the SS-4 (8 pages)
- IRS Publication 1635 - Understanding Your EIN (16 pages, covers assignment, changes, and cancellation)
- IRS Publication 583 - Starting a Business and Keeping Records (covers EIN in the context of new business setup)
For questions about your EIN application, the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line is 1-800-829-4933, available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM local time. International callers can reach 267-941-1099 (not toll-free). Learn about how to get an ITIN if you also need a personal tax ID.
Ready to Get Your EIN?
$97 flat fee. 3-5 business day preparation. No SSN required. Also need an ITIN? Apply for an ITIN with our Standard ($197) or Express ($297) service. Questions? Reach us on WhatsApp at +880 1750 278508.
Learn more: What is an ITIN?