How to Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Without SSN or ITIN (Step-by-Step)
A complete 2026 tutorial for foreign founders on completing IRS Form SS-4, faxing directly to the IRS international unit, receiving your CP575 letter, and avoiding common rejection traps.
- •No SSN or ITIN Required: Foreign non-residents are legally entitled to receive an EIN for their US LLC without having a US Social Security Number.
- •Form SS-4 Fax Filing: Submit completed IRS Form SS-4 via international fax to the IRS Cincinnati Operations unit.
- •Line 7b Notation: Write "FOREIGN" in Line 7b of Form SS-4 to signal to IRS agents that the responsible party has no US SSN.
- •Processing Timeframe: Takes 4 to 7 business days via fax (or 4–6 weeks via mail).
Table of Contents
1. What is an IRS EIN and Why Do You Need It?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a US business entity.
As a non-resident foreign business owner, you cannot operate your US LLC without an EIN. You need it to:
- Open a US business bank account (Mercury, Relay Financial).
- Connect payment processors (Stripe, PayPal US, Amazon US).
- File annual IRS tax forms (Form 5472 / 1120).
- Hire US or international contractors.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Filling IRS Form SS-4
IRS Form SS-4 is the official 1-page application for Employer Identification Number.
Key Fields for Foreign Applicants:
- Line 1: Exact legal name of your LLC as shown on state Articles of Organization.
- Line 7a: Name of the Responsible Party (your full name as in passport).
- Line 7b (CRITICAL): Write "FOREIGN". Do NOT leave blank or enter zeros.
- Line 9a: Select "Limited liability company (LLC)" and specify number of members.
3. How to Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS International Unit
Non-resident applicants filing without an SSN must transmit Form SS-4 to the IRS International Operation unit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Official IRS Fax Number for Foreign Applicants: +1 (855) 641-6935 or +1 (304) 707-9471.
* Note: You must include a return fax number (such as an eFax or digital fax number) so the IRS agent can fax back your approved CP575 confirmation letter.
IRS EIN REGISTRATION SERVICES
Get Your IRS EIN Fast Without SSN/ITIN
ADVAQ prepares Form SS-4, acts as Third Party Designee, faxes directly to the IRS, and delivers your official CP575 EIN letter within days.
4. Understanding the IRS CP575 EIN Confirmation Letter
Once approved, the IRS generates Notice CP575. This physical document serves as permanent legal proof of your EIN.
Banks like Mercury and payment processors like Stripe explicitly require a PDF scan of your CP575 letter during onboarding verification.
5. Top 4 Mistakes That Cause IRS EIN Rejections
Frequently Asked Questions
IRS EIN REGISTRATION SOLUTIONS
Obtain Your US EIN Tax ID with ADVAQ
Error-free Form SS-4 preparation, Third Party Designee submission, IRS international faxing, and CP575 letter delivery.