doola LLC formation
LLC and EIN for non-residents
- Cost
- $297/yr + state fee
- Fees
- EIN and agent included
- You need
- Passport
Start your company
on the doola website
on the doola website
How to get an EIN, with or without an SSN
An EIN is a free 9-digit tax number from the IRS for a business. If the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN and the business is in the US, you apply online and get the number in minutes. Without them, you send Form SS-4 by fax and get it in about 4 business days, or by mail in about 4 weeks.
Apply on irs.gov or with Form SS-4: the IRS never charges for an EIN, and paid sites only file the same form for you. Before you start, have the business name and address ready, plus the responsible party's SSN or ITIN if there is one.
Step by step
- 1
Form the company first
If you are creating an LLC or corporation, register it with the state before you apply. The application asks for the exact legal name and the entity type. A sole proprietor without employees can use an SSN, but can still get an EIN, for example for a bank account.
- 2
Name the responsible party
This is the person who ultimately owns or controls the business. It must be an individual, not a company, and nominees are not allowed. Online you can get only 1 EIN per responsible party per day.
- 3
With an SSN or ITIN: apply online
Use the free tool on irs.gov if the business was formed in the US and its principal place of business is in the US; it is also in Spanish. It works Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 6 p.m. to midnight, Eastern time. Finish in one session: you cannot save it, and it closes after 15 minutes without activity.
- 4
Save the confirmation
If approved, you get the EIN right away. Print or save the confirmation letter for your records. You will need the number to open a business bank account.
- 5
Without an SSN or ITIN: fill in Form SS-4
Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov; there is a Spanish version, SS-4(SP). On line 7b, write "Foreign" or "N/A" if the responsible party does not have and cannot get an SSN or ITIN. Put your fax number on the form so the IRS can fax the EIN back.
- 6
Send it by fax or mail
If the business is in the US: fax 855-641-6935, or mail it to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. If it has no office or place of business in the US: fax 855-215-1627 from the US or 304-707-9471 from abroad, or mail it to Attn: EIN International Operation, same city and ZIP. Use only one method, or you may end up with two EINs.
- 7
Or call from abroad
If the business has no legal residence, office or place of business in the US, you can call 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time. Only international applicants can get an EIN by phone. By phone you get the EIN during the call.
No SSN or ITIN: services that get the EIN for you
They form the company and apply for the EIN on your behalf, also when you have no SSN or ITIN. You pay for the service; the EIN itself is free.
Firstbase Start
Startup company from abroad
- Cost
- $99 + state fee
- Fees
- Agent $299/yr (required)
- You need
- No SSN or ITIN needed
Start your company
on the Firstbase website
on the Firstbase website
Stripe Atlas
Delaware startup, no SSN
- Cost
- $500 one-time, state fee included
- Fees
- Agent $100/yr from year 2
- You need
- No SSN needed
Start your company
on the Stripe website
on the Stripe website
LegalZoom LLC formation
LLC in any state
- Cost
- $0 + state fee
- Fees
- EIN in $249+ plans; agent $249/yr
- You need
- SSN, ITIN or passport
Start your company
on the LegalZoom website
on the LegalZoom website
With an SSN or ITIN: EIN in an LLC package
With an SSN or ITIN you can get the EIN online yourself in minutes. If you want one service to do the LLC and the EIN together, these include it in a plan or charge a fee.
Bizee LLC formation
LLC + free agent year
- Cost
- $0 + state fee
- Fees
- Agent: 1st year free, then $149/yr
- You need
- SSN or ITIN
Start your company
on the Bizee website
on the Bizee website
ZenBusiness LLC formation
LLC with yearly compliance
- Cost
- $0 + state fee
- Fees
- Agent $199/yr; EIN in Pro ($199)
- You need
- SSN, ITIN or passport
Start your company
on the ZenBusiness website
on the ZenBusiness website
Tailor Brands LLC formation
LLC with branding tools
- Cost
- $0 + state fee
- Fees
- Agent $199/yr, EIN $99
- You need
- SSN, ITIN or passport
Start your company
on the Tailor Brands website
on the Tailor Brands website
Questions people ask
How much does an EIN cost?
Nothing: the IRS never charges a fee for an EIN. Formation services charge for their work, for example $70 on Bizee's Basic plan or $99 at Tailor Brands. Be careful with websites that charge for the EIN itself.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. With an ITIN you can apply online if the business is in the US. With neither, send Form SS-4 by fax or mail and write "Foreign" or "N/A" on line 7b. If the business has no office or place of business in the US, you can also apply by phone at 267-941-1099.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online, right away if approved. By fax, about 4 business days. By mail, about 4 weeks.
Do I need an EIN for an LLC?
Usually yes. An LLC with employees must have one, and banks usually ask for one to open an LLC account. A single-member LLC without employees may use the owner's SSN for federal taxes, but can still get an EIN for a bank account or state taxes. An LLC wholly owned by a foreign person needs one to file Form 5472.
Can I apply for an EIN online from outside the US?
No. The online tool is only for businesses whose principal place of business is in the US, with a responsible party who has an SSN or ITIN. From abroad, apply by phone, fax or mail.
How do I find my EIN if I lost it?
Look at the notice the IRS sent when you applied, ask the bank where the business has its account, or check old business tax returns and state or local license applications. If you still can't find it, call the IRS at 800-829-4933, Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.