Getting an EIN without an SSN
You do not need a Social Security Number to get an EIN. The IRS instructions for Form SS-4 say so explicitly — the constraint is that the online tool is closed to you, so the application goes by fax or mail.
The essentials
Verified July 28, 2026
- SSN required?
- NoIRS Form SS-4 instructions: enter "foreign" or N/A on line 7b if the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN and is ineligible to obtain one.
- Online tool
- Not availableThe IRS online EIN application cannot be used if your principal place of business is outside the US.
- Fax from outside the US
- 304-707-9471855-215-1627 if faxing from within the US.
- Fax processing
- ~4 business daysThe IRS's own stated figure. Foreign applications commonly run longer in practice.
- Mail processing
- ~4 weeksIRS stated figure.
What's included
- Preparing Form SS-4 correctly for a foreign responsible party, including the line 7b entry that trips up most self-filers
- Submitting to the correct IRS fax line for applicants with no US principal place of business
- Following up and delivering the EIN confirmation when it is issued
What's not included
- Any guarantee of a processing time — the IRS controls that, not us
- ITIN applications, which are a separate process for personal tax filing and are not required to form an LLC, get an EIN, or open a bank account
- US tax filing or advice
Line 7b is where self-filed applications get rejected
The most common reason a foreign founder's SS-4 comes back is line 7b — the responsible party's tax ID. Founders either leave it blank, invent something, or assume they must obtain an ITIN first. The IRS instructions are explicit that you enter "foreign" or N/A when the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN and cannot obtain one. Getting this wrong costs weeks, because you find out by not hearing back.
Why the EIN matters more than the LLC for most founders
The formation certificate proves the company exists. The EIN is what Stripe, Mercury, Relay, Payoneer and every US bank actually ask for. A formed LLC with no EIN cannot open an account or activate a payment processor, which is why our Starter plan says plainly that it does not include one.
You do not need an ITIN
This causes a lot of confusion and some wasted money. An ITIN is a personal taxpayer identification number, relevant if you later have a US personal filing obligation. It is not required to form an LLC, obtain an EIN, or open a business bank account. Anyone telling you to get an ITIN first as a prerequisite is adding a step you probably do not need.
On processing times, and why we will not promise four days
The IRS states that fax applications generally return an EIN within four business days. That is their published figure and we are quoting it, not adopting it as a commitment. Foreign applications routinely take longer, and we would rather set your expectations correctly than win your business on a number we do not control.
Worth knowing
The IRS controls timing entirely. Anyone advertising a guaranteed EIN turnaround is making a promise about an agency they have no authority over. If your launch depends on a specific date, build in slack.
Common questions
Can I really get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. The IRS instructions for Form SS-4 state: enter "foreign" or N/A on line 7b if the responsible party doesn't have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN. This is documented IRS procedure, not a workaround.
Why can't I just apply online?
The IRS online EIN application is not available if your principal place of business is outside the United States. Foreign applicants apply by fax or mail instead — fax to 304-707-9471 from outside the US, or 855-215-1627 from within it.
How long does it actually take?
The IRS states roughly four business days by fax and about four weeks by mail. In practice foreign applications often run longer than the fax figure. We will keep you updated rather than quote you a date we cannot control.
Do I need an ITIN as well?
Not to form the LLC, get the EIN, or open a business bank account. An ITIN is a personal taxpayer number relevant to personal US tax filing. Some founders eventually need one; most do not need it at formation.
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RazorFile files companies. We are not a law firm or tax advisor, and nothing on this page is legal or tax advice.