EIN — What It Is and How to Get One from Abroad (2026)
An EIN is a 9-digit IRS tax ID required for a bank account, Stripe and tax filings. Foreign persons apply with Form SS-4 by fax. Takes 3-4 weeks. Free.
What an EIN is and why you need it
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number from the IRS that identifies your LLC. Format: XX-XXXXXXX. The US equivalent of a business tax ID.
What it's for:
- Bank account: Mercury, Relay require an EIN
- Stripe: Mandatory
- Tax return: All IRS forms require an EIN
- Clients: US clients ask for a W-9 with the EIN
Important: EIN is not SSN. SSN is for individuals, EIN is for businesses. You do not need an SSN to get an EIN.
When to apply — the right moment
Apply immediately after LLC registration. The process takes 3-4 weeks — every day of delay = a later business launch.
You need: Approved Articles of Organization, LLC name and address, passport.
Optimal schedule: Day 1: Articles → Day 3-5: Approval → Day 5: EIN application → Week 4-5: EIN received → Week 5: Mercury application.
3 methods of applying from abroad
1. By fax (recommended) — 3-4 weeks: Form SS-4 by fax to IRS: (855) 215-1627. Use eFax if you don't have a fax machine.
2. By mail — 6-8 weeks: To IRS, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Slower, not recommended.
3. By phone — instant but tricky: (267) 941-1099, Mon-Fri 6:00-23:00 EST. 1-2 hour wait, language barrier.
Online does NOT work for foreign persons without an SSN.
If you want to skip the hassle — our team can file the application.
How to fill in Form SS-4 correctly
Line 1: The exact LLC name (with "LLC")
Line 3: Your full name
Lines 4a-4b: US business address
Line 7a: Your name
Line 7b: Write "Foreign" + attach passport
Line 9a: "Limited liability company", 1 member
Line 10: "Started new business"
Line 14: Describe the activity
Signature: Wet signature, date, phone.
After receiving the EIN — next steps
1. Save the CP 575 Notice — banks ask for it.
2. Mercury bank account — with LLC documents + EIN.
3. Stripe activation — with LLC + EIN + Mercury.
4. Prepare for the tax return — an EIN obliges you to file annually.
EIN vs ITIN — what's the difference
EIN: For businesses. XX-XXXXXXX. Free. For bank, Stripe, LLC returns.
ITIN: For individuals without an SSN. 9XX-XX-XXXX. For personal tax returns, credit cards.
Do you need an ITIN? For most — no. The EIN is enough for the LLC. ITIN is only needed for a personal credit card or personal US income outside the LLC.
Common problems and solutions
1. IRS doesn't respond: Wait 4 weeks. After 5+ — resend.
2. Form error: IRS returns it with an explanation. Most often: wrong name, missing signature.
3. Bank doesn't accept the EIN: Request the CP 575 Notice from IRS.
4. Old EIN from a previous LLC: Each LLC has its own EIN. Don't reuse an old one.
5. Lost EIN: Call IRS: (267) 941-1099.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Fax: 3-4 weeks. Mail: 6-8. Phone: instant (but 1-2h wait). Online doesn't work without an SSN.
Is it free?
Yes. IRS doesn't charge. Form SS-4 is free.
Can I apply online?
Not without SSN/ITIN. Use fax or phone.
Do I need an EIN for a bank?
Yes. All US banks require an EIN for a business account.
Can I have more than one EIN?
Each LLC has its own EIN. Two LLCs = two EINs.