How to Get an EIN as a Non-Resident: The Complete 2026 Guide

Without an SSN, the only IRS-approved ways to get an EIN are (1) fax Form SS-4 with "Foreign" in the SSN box (4-8 weeks), or (2) call the IRS Business line with a US signer acting as Third Party Designee (24-48 hours). Every paid service is charging for one of these two methods.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the tax ID for your US business. Every bank, processor, and tax form requires it. As a non-resident without an SSN, getting one is less obvious than it should be. Here are the three real methods and which one to use.

Method 1, Fax Form SS-4 yourself

The official IRS method for non-residents. Free but slow.

1. Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov
2. Fill out with LLC legal name, US address, responsible party (you, as non-resident, with "Foreign" in SSN field)
3. Fax to 855-641-6935 (for foreign applicants)
4. Wait 4-8 weeks for the IRS to fax back or mail your CP-575 letter

Timing matters.If you fax from outside the US, confirm receipt via phone (267-941-1099) because international fax transmission is unreliable. Budget 4-8 weeks, realistically.

Method 2, Phone with US signer as Third Party Designee (fastest)

This is the method 99% of serious operators use. A US-resident person (your IBO or a hired US signer) calls the IRS on your behalf under a Third Party Designee authorization.

1. You fill out Form SS-4 and sign it yourself as the responsible party
2. You add the US signer's info in the Third Party Designee box and their signature (you can use a digital signing service)
3. The US signer calls the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (267-941-1099, hours 6am-11pm ET)
4. They answer the IRS questions on your behalf
5. The IRS assigns the EIN on the call, typically in 15-30 minutes
6. The CP-575 letter is mailed within 2-3 weeks for your records

This method takes 24-48 hours end-to-end. Cost through a service: $150-$400. Through an IBO relationship: bundled in.

Method 3, Get an ITIN first

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the non-resident equivalent of an SSN. With an ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online directly, no US signer needed.

• ITIN application: Form W-7 + notarized passport copy + tax return or treaty exception
• Processing time: 8-14 weeks through the IRS
• Best for founders who will file US tax returns anyway
• Once you have ITIN, EIN via online application takes 15 minutes

Common mistakes that waste weeks

• Leaving SSN box blank instead of writing "Foreign"
• Listing a PO Box as the business address (IRS rejects)
• Using a formation date that is before the LLC was actually registered
• Picking a wrong entity type on line 9a (most non-residents pick "LLC with foreign owner" = "Disregarded entity" for default tax treatment)
• Naming someone without an SSN/ITIN as responsible party (will be rejected unless you write "Foreign")
• Faxing from a country with poor fax reliability without following up

After you receive the EIN

Your CP-575 letter is critical, every bank and processor will demand a copy. Treat it like the original, because replacement letters (CP-575A) take weeks and not every bank accepts them.

• Save a high-resolution scan in your company drive
• Keep the physical mail in a safe location
• For banks that insist on "original only", the CP-575A replacement (ordered via 800-829-4933) is usually accepted but takes 4-6 weeks

How IBOCore handles this

EIN is included in our standard formation package. Our US signer files on your behalf under the Third Party Designee provision, calls the IRS within 24 hours of your formation, and delivers the EIN to you by end of day 2. No faxing, no 8-week waits.