No SSN or ITIN required — we file Form SS-4 for you
Get a US EIN
for your foreign-owned LLC.
Foreign founders can't use the IRS online EIN tool — it requires a US Social Security Number or ITIN. We prepare Form SS-4 and obtain your EIN directly from the IRS by fax or phone. No SSN, no ITIN, and no passport mailing — the EIN itself never requires one.
- No SSN or ITIN required — just "Foreign" on Form SS-4
- Form SS-4 prepared and submitted on your behalf
- EIN delivered by email in 1–5 business days
- Copy of completed Form SS-4 included
EIN Acquisition
$149
Flat fee · one-time · no subscription
Get startedSee Form 5472 filing plans- No SSN, ITIN, or passport required
- Form SS-4 prepared for you
- IRS fax / phone application handled by us
- EIN by email in 1–5 business days
- Completed Form SS-4 included
How it works
Step 1
Complete the intake form
A short questionnaire about your LLC (name, state, business purpose) and owner (name, country, passport details). Takes about 5 minutes.
Step 2
We prepare your Form SS-4
We complete Form SS-4 correctly for a foreign-owned entity — including the "Foreign" entry on line 7b — so it isn't rejected. No passport or identity documents required.
Step 3
We contact the IRS
We submit your SS-4 and apply by fax or phone with the IRS on your behalf to obtain the EIN directly — the only route open to applicants without an SSN.
Step 4
EIN delivered to you
You receive your 9-digit EIN by email, plus a copy of your completed Form SS-4. CP 575 confirmation letter follows by mail from the IRS.
What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number in the format XX-XXXXXXX assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for US federal tax purposes. Despite the name, you don't need employees to get one — every US LLC should have an EIN.
For a foreign-owned single-member LLC, the EIN is required to:
- Open a US business bank account (Mercury, Relay, Brex, Chase, etc.)
- Set up US payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
- File IRS Form 5472 and the attached pro forma Form 1120
- Sign contracts and agreements that require a US tax ID
- Issue 1099-NEC forms to US contractors you pay
- Apply for an ITIN (the ITIN application requires an EIN)
The IRS issues EINs by phone, fax, or mail via Form SS-4. For foreign-owned entities, the online portal is unavailable — you must go through the paper/phone process. We handle this for you.
Why you can't just do it online
The IRS online EIN tool is closed to foreign founders
The instant online EIN assistant on irs.gov only works if the responsible party has a US Social Security Number or ITIN. If you have neither — the situation for most non-resident LLC owners — the online route is simply unavailable to you.
The only paths left are Form SS-4 by fax or phone. Both are slower, easy to get wrong (a single mis-entered line can bounce the application), and the international phone line has long holds. We handle the form and the IRS contact for you.
No SSN, no ITIN, and no passport are required for the EIN itself — on Form SS-4 the responsible party simply enters "Foreign" on line 7b.
DIY by yourself
- Online tool blocked without SSN/ITIN
- Decode Form SS-4 line by line
- Long international IRS phone holds
- One wrong entry = rejection & restart
With Form5472 Prep
- SS-4 prepared correctly for you
- We apply by fax / phone for you
- No passport or ID to send
- EIN by email in 1–5 business days
Frequently asked questions
What is an EIN and why do I need one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit US tax ID issued by the IRS to business entities. Your LLC needs an EIN to open a US business bank account (Mercury, Relay, Chase), set up Stripe or PayPal, hire US contractors, file Form 5472, and sign certain contracts. Without an EIN you can't operate a US LLC in any meaningful way.
Can't I just apply myself on the IRS website?
The online EIN application (irs.gov) is only available if you have a US Social Security Number or ITIN. Foreign nationals without a US tax ID cannot use the online tool. The only option is to file Form SS-4 by fax or phone, which we handle on your behalf.
Do I need to mail my passport or get documents certified for an EIN?
No. Unlike an ITIN application, an EIN does not require you to submit or certify any identity documents. On Form SS-4, line 7b, a responsible party without a US tax ID simply enters "Foreign." That's the entire identity requirement — there is no passport to mail and nothing to certify.
What information do I need to provide?
Your LLC's legal name and formation state, your LLC formation document (Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation), your name and country as the responsible party, and a short description of the business activity. We guide you through all of it after you order — no passport copy needed.
How long does it take to get the EIN?
Typically 1–5 business days once we have your documents. We call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line on your behalf and can often obtain the EIN on the call. Complex cases (e.g., trusts as members) may take slightly longer.
What do I receive at the end?
Your 9-digit EIN, delivered by email. You also receive a copy of the completed Form SS-4 for your records. The IRS mails the official CP 575 confirmation letter to your LLC address within 4–6 weeks — this is the document banks sometimes ask for.
Do I need an EIN to file Form 5472?
Yes — Form 5472 requires your LLC's EIN in the header. If you need both an EIN and a Form 5472 filing, we can handle both. Ask about our bundle when you order.
What if my LLC already has an EIN?
Then you don't need this service. If you've lost or forgotten your EIN, we can also help retrieve it — contact support@form5472prep.com.
Ready to get your EIN?
Flat fee of $149. No passport mailing. EIN delivered in 1–5 business days.
Start your EIN applicationAlso need to file Form 5472? See our filing plans →