EIN delay help
Your EIN application is stuck. Let’s diagnose and resolve it.
If you faxed your SS-4 more than 4 weeks ago and the IRS hasn't responded, the problem is rarely just IRS backlog. We diagnose what's likely wrong and prepare the right follow-up — whether that's a resubmission, a corrected SS-4, or a phone-call escalation.
- Diagnosis of likely failure mode (rejection, lost fax, name mismatch, etc.)
- Follow-up correspondence prepared in the format the IRS expects
- Corrected SS-4 prepared if your original had an error
- 147C reconfirmation if your CP 575 went missing
- Reply within one business day
- Private service, not the IRS — read our disclaimer
- LLC formation documentsVerified
- Responsible party identifiedVerified
- Mailing address verifiedVerified
- Business activity descriptionNeeds review
- SS-4 formatted for non-U.S. filerPending
This service is built for these situations
You faxed your SS-4 4+ weeks ago, nothing received
Well past the IRS fax target — time to check the status with the IRS.
You mailed your SS-4 8+ weeks ago
The IRS target for mail is about 4 weeks; at 8 weeks with no reply, something is likely wrong.
You received an IRS letter requesting clarification
Often a name-matching or address-formatting issue. We help respond.
The IRS sent your EIN to the wrong address
Common if your registered agent forwarding fails. 147C will get you a copy.
You're not sure if your fax went through
IRS fax lines drop calls. We check with the IRS whether an EIN was assigned before any resubmission, so you don't end up with two EINs.
Your bank rejected because EIN doesn't match
Usually a name mismatch we can correct via the IRS.
Getting an EIN as a non-U.S. founder is full of small traps
The IRS process wasn't designed with international applicants in mind. Most rejections and multi-month delays come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
Common pitfalls
What usually goes wrong when filing alone
- Wrong fax number (the IRS uses different numbers for international vs. domestic).
- Fax sent but cut off mid-transmission — and you didn't get a delivery confirmation.
- Address on the SS-4 changed in the meantime, so the EIN letter went to an old address.
- SS-4 line 9a/9b filled inconsistently with your entity's actual classification, triggering manual review.
Our approach
How we prevent each of those problems
- Diagnosis call to identify likely failure mode (usually 1 of 5 patterns).
- Properly formatted follow-up letter referencing your original submission.
- Corrected SS-4 prepared if the issue is in the form itself.
- 147C request if your EIN was already issued but the letter went missing.
What we actually do for you
Diagnose
We review your original SS-4, your submission method, and any IRS correspondence you've received — pinpoint the likely cause.
Follow up
Whether the right move is a follow-up letter, a corrected resubmission, or a 147C request — we prepare the document.
Track to resolution
We monitor for IRS response and update you. If a second follow-up is needed (it rarely is), we prepare that too.
Compare what each package includes on our EIN service pricing page.
EIN Delay Help
Prepared and filed by an EIN specialist
How the IRS accepts applications from outside the U.S.
Applicants whose business is based outside the U.S. can’t use the IRS online tool. These are the three channels the IRS lists for them. You can use any of them yourself — the EIN is free.
| Method | Where | When | IRS-stated timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free) | Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern | EIN issued during the call if the application is complete |
| Fax | +1 304-707-9471 from outside the U.S. · 855-215-1627 from within the U.S. | Any time | Generally within 4 business days (IRS Fax-TIN target) |
| Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 | — | Approximately 4 weeks |
- Line 7b without an SSN or ITIN. Enter “foreign” or N/A if the responsible party doesn’t have, and is ineligible to obtain, an SSN or ITIN.
- Daily limit. The IRS issues only one EIN per responsible party per day, across all application methods. Don’t send duplicate applications while you wait.
- Form the LLC first. An LLC or corporation should be formed with its state before applying, or the EIN application may be delayed.
IRS timings are the IRS’s own targets. In practice, fax and mail applications from outside the U.S. often take longer — and an application with an error may get no reply at all, which is the problem our review is designed to prevent.
Get a clear next step for your case
Share your situation and a specialist will reply within one business day. No payment requested upfront.
- No payment upfrontFixed package prices. We confirm your case fits before you pay anything.
- Honest directionIf we're not the right fit, we'll say so and point you elsewhere.
- Private by defaultYour details stay with us. We don't sell or share data.
Common questions from non-U.S. applicants
If your question isn't here, contact us — we'll answer honestly, even if the answer is 'this isn't a fit for our service.'
How long is "normal" for an international EIN?
The IRS’s own targets are about 4 business days for fax and about 4 weeks for mail. Without follow-up, faxed applications from outside the U.S. can take 1–3 months because the IRS often replies by mail; with our status follow-up, most clients receive their EIN within 1–2 weeks. Past a month with no reply, something usually went wrong on the IRS side or in the original submission.
Can you actually call the IRS on my behalf?
The IRS only discusses an application with the taxpayer or someone they have authorized. When we file your SS-4 we can be named as third-party designee, which lets us receive the EIN and answer questions about that form; that authority ends once the EIN is assigned. After that, a Form 8821 you sign lets us receive information such as a 147C letter. We can also prepare correspondence and tell you what to say if you call the IRS international EIN line yourself (+1 267-941-1099). We don't represent clients before the IRS; if your case needs representation (Form 2848), a CPA or enrolled agent can help.
What's a 147C letter?
A 147C is an EIN verification letter — what the IRS sends if you've lost your original EIN confirmation (CP 575). It serves the same purpose for bank verification. If your EIN was issued but the letter never reached you, 147C is the fix.
How long does the diagnosis take?
We typically diagnose within 24 hours of receiving your original SS-4 and submission details. The IRS answers written correspondence by mail, which often takes several weeks — that's the IRS, not us.
How much does it cost?
Delay help is quoted per case after we review your situation — it depends on whether you need a diagnosis only, a follow-up letter, a corrected resubmission or a 147C request. Tell us what happened and we will reply with a fixed quote within one business day.
Ready to stop guessing and get your EIN right the first time?
Tell us about your LLC and the platforms you need an EIN for. A specialist will respond within one business day with a clear plan.
Or email support@einnumber.io
- Reply within one business dayA specialist reviews your case and outlines a clear plan.
- Resubmission guaranteeFree resubmission if the IRS does not assign your EIN.
- Refund before submissionChange your mind before we file? Full refund, no questions.
The IRS determines its own processing times, which may vary depending on application volume. Faxed applications requiring a response by mail can take 1–3 months to process. We simplify the process by following up with the IRS on your behalf and keeping you informed of your application status. Once your EIN is assigned, we notify you promptly. While processing times cannot be guaranteed, we strive to make the experience as smooth and straightforward as possible. All prices are listed in USD with no hidden fees, and payments can be made securely through PayPal using supported international payment methods.