/ How-to · US setup

Getting an EIN, without an SSN.

Every foreign founder forming a US LLC or C-Corp needs an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You don't need an SSN or ITIN to get one. The process has specific wording the IRS expects on Line 7b of Form SS-4 and specific channels — here's exactly how it works.

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/ Overview

What an EIN is — and why nothing works without it.

The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax ID the IRS assigns to every US business entity. It is the corporate equivalent of an individual's SSN. Mercury, Brex, Relay, Stripe, every US bank, every state tax authority, every US business counterparty will ask for it. You cannot open a US business bank account, process payments, sign enterprise contracts, or file US tax returns without one.

For foreign founders — Indian, Brazilian, Mexican, UK, UAE, SG, anywhere — the EIN is accessible without an SSN or ITIN. The IRS has an International EIN unit specifically for this. Most founders don't know this exists and either (a) delay their formation while trying to get an ITIN first (unnecessary; adds 8-14 weeks), or (b) hire expensive agents to do it when they could have done it themselves in a week.

/ The four application channels

Fax wins for foreign founders.

1. Online. At irs.gov/ein. Instant EIN — but requires an SSN or ITIN of the Responsible Party. Not available to foreign founders.

2. Fax. Form SS-4 faxed to the IRS International EIN unit at +1-855-215-1627. Response by fax within 4-11 business days typically. This is the standard channel for foreign founders.

3. Phone. Call +1-267-941-1099 (not toll-free from India). Monday-Friday, 06:00-23:00 ET (that's 15:30-08:30 IST). IRS agent asks the SS-4 questions on the call and issues the EIN before you hang up. Expect a 20-40 min wait to get through. Faster than fax when you can get through.

4. Mail. Last resort — 6-8 weeks. Only use if fax and phone both fail.

/ Form SS-4 — Line 7b is the trap

What to write when you have no SSN.

Most foreign founders get Form SS-4 right except Line 7b. The field asks for "SSN, ITIN, or EIN" of the Responsible Party (that's you, the founder). You have none of those.

Do NOT leave Line 7b blank. The IRS will reject the application.

Do NOT invent a number. That's fraud and the application will come back rejected or worse.

Write exactly: Foreign / Non-US Applicant

This specific wording is recognised by the IRS International EIN unit and processed cleanly. Every bank that later asks to see your CP 575 EIN letter also recognises this.

/ Timeline

What actually happens, when.

Day 0: Form your entity (Delaware C-Corp, Wyoming LLC, etc.). You need the Certificate of Incorporation or Articles of Organization first — the IRS asks for the entity to exist before issuing the EIN.

Day 1: Prepare Form SS-4 with Line 7b correctly worded, sign it, fax to +1-855-215-1627. Save the fax confirmation.

Day 4-11: IRS faxes back the EIN assignment. Save this — it's your proof until the CP 575 letter arrives.

Day 14-28: IRS mails the CP 575 letter (physical) to the address on your SS-4. For foreign founders using a Delaware/Wyoming registered agent, this arrives at the agent's address and gets forwarded to you. Verify arrival with your agent.

Day 15+: With the EIN in hand, open your US business bank account (Mercury, Brex, Relay). Start Stripe setup. The EIN unlocks everything.

/ Ready when you are

Need the EIN handled end-to-end?

Our standard US incorporation mandate includes the EIN application via the IRS International channel with the Line 7b wording done right. Average turnaround from engagement to EIN in hand: 7-10 business days. Then your bank account, Stripe, FEMA / ODI, and ongoing compliance.

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FAQ

Common questions, answered.

Can I use my passport number instead of SSN?

No. The IRS does not accept passport numbers in Line 7b. The accepted wording for foreign founders without SSN or ITIN is exactly: Foreign / Non-US Applicant. This has been the standard since the IRS International EIN unit started processing SS-4s for non-US applicants.

How long does the fax method take?

4 to 11 business days is typical. Some foreign founders have received the EIN by fax in 2-3 days. Factors that slow it down: fax queue load at IRS, errors on Form SS-4, missing supporting documents, Responsible Party identification concerns.

Do I need an ITIN before applying for the EIN?

No. Do not waste 8-14 weeks applying for an ITIN just to use it on Form SS-4. The EIN is issued independently to foreign founders without an SSN or ITIN. The ITIN is only needed later if you personally receive certain types of US-source income that require a US tax return.

Can a third-party agent get the EIN for me?

Yes, but it is not required. US-based agents (law firms, incorporation services) can submit the SS-4 on your behalf using Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney). Expect to pay $150-$500 for this. If you do the fax yourself with correct wording, the result is identical.

What if the IRS fax number doesn't work from my country?

Use an online fax service (eFax, HelloFax, etc.) or route through a US-based colleague. Any sending fax number works — the IRS replies to the fax number listed on your SS-4, so make sure the number you give is one you can receive at.

What is CP 575 and do I need the physical letter?

CP 575 is the official IRS letter confirming your EIN assignment. The fax response is sufficient proof for most purposes but some US banks and payment processors insist on seeing CP 575. If lost or delayed, request a replacement 147C letter by calling +1-267-941-1099 and asking for an EIN verification letter.