Why the online application fails for you
The IRS online EIN assistant issues a number in minutes, which is why every article recommends it. It also requires the responsible party to enter a valid SSN or ITIN, and it validates that number before it will proceed. If you have neither, the tool will not let you finish. This is not a bug or a technicality to work around — it is the intended behaviour, and the alternative route exists precisely for you.
On Form SS-4, line 7b asks for the responsible party's SSN, ITIN or EIN. Where the responsible party is a foreign person with none of those, the correct entry is the word “Foreign”. An application that leaves 7b blank comes back; one that says “Foreign” is processed normally.
Who the responsible party is
The IRS wants one natural person who ultimately controls the entity — not a company, not a nominee, and not your registered agent. For a single-member LLC that is the member. For a corporation it is normally the principal officer. Naming a formation agent here is a common and consequential mistake: it puts a stranger on record as controlling your company, and correcting it later requires a separate filing.
The routes, and honest timelines
IRS processing times move around, so treat these as planning estimates rather than promises. We confirm current turnaround when we take the work on.
- Fax. Usually the practical choice for foreign applicants. Turnaround is typically a few business days when the form is clean.
- Telephone. The IRS operates a line for international applicants that can issue a number during the call. It is the fastest route when it is reachable, and hold times vary considerably.
- Mail. Reliable and slow — plan in weeks, not days. Worth using only when the others are unavailable.
You do not need to pay a premium for “expedited” EIN filing. There is no paid fast lane at the IRS, and the EIN itself is free. What you are buying from an accountant is a correctly completed SS-4 and someone who handles the follow-up if it stalls.
What the EIN does and does not do
An EIN identifies the entity to the IRS. You will need it to open a US business bank account, to file Form 5472 and the pro forma 1120, to register for state sales tax, and to issue or receive US information returns.
It is not a personal tax ID, it does not give you the right to work in the US, it does not create any immigration status, and having one does not by itself mean the entity owes US tax. Those are separate questions with separate answers.
What we need from you
- The entity's exact legal name as registered, and the state and date of formation
- Articles of organisation or incorporation
- The responsible party's full legal name, home address, and country
- A copy of the responsible party's passport
- The entity's US mailing address, if there is one
- A short description of the business activity and the expected start date
- Whether you expect to have US employees in the next twelve months
If the company was formed by an agency and you are not certain what was filed on your behalf, send us what you have. Checking it now is much easier than unwinding a wrong responsible party later.
Key facts at a glance
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EIN if I have never been to the United States?
Yes. Physical presence is not a requirement, and neither is US residency. The application is submitted from wherever you are.
Do I need an ITIN first?
No. This is the most common misconception. The company's EIN and your personal ITIN are separate things, and you can obtain the EIN with no personal US tax ID at all.
How much does the EIN cost?
The IRS charges nothing. Any fee you pay is for professional preparation and follow-up, not for the number itself. Be sceptical of anyone charging a premium for speed.
Can my registered agent be the responsible party?
They should not be. The responsible party is meant to be the natural person who actually controls the entity. Naming an agent misstates control and takes a separate filing to correct.
Will an EIN let me open a US bank account?
It is necessary but rarely sufficient. Most US banks also want formation documents, proof of address, and identification, and many require an in-person visit or a specific non-resident programme.
Need an EIN for a company you already formed?
Send us the formation documents and a passport copy. We will complete and submit the SS-4, chase it if it stalls, and tell you what the entity's ongoing filing obligations look like.
We reply within one business day. Getting in touch is not a client engagement until we confirm it in writing.