How to Get a US EIN Without an SSN
You do not need a Social Security Number to get a US EIN. The IRS issues it to foreign owners of US LLCs for free. Because you have no SSN, you apply on paper Form SS-4 by fax and write Foreign on the responsible-party line. Here is the exact process and what the EIN unlocks.
The Short Answer
You do not need a Social Security Number to get an EIN. The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your US business tax ID, and the IRS issues it to foreign owners of US LLCs every day. It is free, and it is the number that unlocks your US bank account, your merchant processing, and your business credit cards.
The catch: because you have no SSN or ITIN, you cannot apply online. You apply on paper Form SS-4, by fax, and you write "Foreign" in the box that asks for a taxpayer ID.
What an EIN Actually Unlocks
- A US business bank account. Mercury, Relay, and every other provider ask for the EIN first.
- Stripe and PayPal. US payment processing runs on the EIN, not your personal ID.
- EIN-only corporate cards. Ramp and Brex underwrite the business using the EIN.
- Your business credit file. Dun and Bradstreet and Experian Business tie the file to your EIN.
How to Apply Without an SSN, Step by Step
- Form the LLC first. You need the state-approved LLC before the SS-4.
- Complete Form SS-4. On line 7b (SSN, ITIN, or EIN of the responsible party) write Foreign. Name the LLC, the responsible party (you), and the reason (started a new business).
- Fax it to the IRS. Foreign applicants use the international fax number in the SS-4 instructions. Fax is faster and more reliable than mail from Europe.
- Wait for the CP 575 letter. This is your official EIN confirmation. Keep it, banks ask for it.
Watch out for scam services. The EIN is free from the IRS. Plenty of sites charge $150 to $300 to "get your EIN." You are paying for someone to fax a form. A done-for-you setup that includes the LLC, registered agent, and EIN together can be worth it, but a standalone EIN should never cost hundreds.
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN
| ID | Who it is for | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | Your US business | Bank account, processing, business cards, tax filing |
| ITIN | You personally (non-resident) | Personal-guarantee cards, personal US credit, tax returns |
| SSN | US citizens and residents | You probably cannot get one, and you do not need it |
For a US business bank account, the EIN alone is enough. For premium personal-guarantee cards like Amex, you also want the ITIN. You never need the SSN.
When This Doesn't Apply
- You have not formed the LLC yet. The SS-4 references the entity. Form the company first.
- You already have an SSN or ITIN. Then you can apply online in minutes instead of by fax.
- You listed a nominee as responsible party. The IRS wants the true beneficial owner. Put yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Foreign owners of a US LLC get an EIN with neither. You file paper Form SS-4 and write Foreign on the responsible-party tax ID line, then fax it to the IRS international fax number. Online application is only available if you already hold an SSN or ITIN.
How long does an EIN take for a foreigner?
By fax, typically 1 to 4 weeks. By mail from Europe it can take 2 months or more. Fax is the reliable route for non-residents.
Is the EIN really free?
Yes. The IRS charges nothing. Services that bundle it with LLC formation add value, but a standalone EIN should never cost you hundreds of dollars.
Do I need an EIN before opening a Mercury or Relay account?
Yes. Every US business bank asks for the EIN and your LLC formation documents. Get the EIN first, then open the account.
What do I put for the responsible party tax ID?
Write Foreign in that box (line 7b). You are the responsible party as the beneficial owner, and Foreign signals to the IRS that you have no US taxpayer ID yet.
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