EIN for foreign-owned LLCs
Your foreign-owned LLC needs an EIN — we’ll prepare and file it
Single-member or multi-member, Wyoming or Delaware — if your business is based outside the U.S. or no one on it has an SSN or ITIN, the IRS online tool isn’t available to you, so the SS-4 goes by phone, fax or mail — with specific format expectations. We handle the paperwork end-to-end.
- Single-member and multi-member LLCs
- All U.S. states supported
- IRS Form 5472 / 1120 readiness guidance included
- Banking documentation prepared alongside
- 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
Single-member foreign-owned LLC
You're the only owner and you live abroad. Your LLC is a "disregarded entity" — but it still needs an EIN.
Multi-member foreign-owned LLC
Multiple non-U.S. owners. The LLC files Form 1065 as a partnership — and needs an EIN to do so.
Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico LLC
The three most popular states for non-U.S. founders. We work with all of them daily.
You owe Form 5472 / 1120
Foreign-owned single-member LLCs have annual federal reporting. The EIN is required to file.
You're mid-formation
Already engaged a registered agent? Send us the Articles when they arrive — we'll handle the EIN.
Your previous filing was rejected
IRS bounced your SS-4? We'll diagnose what went wrong and prepare the corrected submission.
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
- Confusion over single-member "disregarded entity" status on line 8a/8b.
- Multi-member LLCs accidentally filing as corporations on line 9a.
- Inconsistent legal name across formation documents and SS-4.
- No clear way to receive the EIN if your registered agent forwarding fails.
- Form 5472 / 1120 obligations not understood at EIN time.
Our approach
How we prevent each of those problems
- Correct entity classification on the SS-4 based on your specific ownership structure.
- Articles of Organization compared line-by-line against your draft SS-4.
- Mailing address strategy — registered agent, home address, or virtual mailbox — discussed upfront.
- EIN delivery confirmation tracked until it reaches you, not just your agent.
- Brief on Form 5472 / 1120 obligations so you know what's coming next year.
What we actually do for you
Structure review
Single-member vs. multi-member, disregarded entity vs. partnership election — we confirm the correct classification before any form gets filed.
SS-4 preparation & filing
Form SS-4 prepared for foreign ownership, with the correct mailing strategy and submission channel.
Annual obligations brief
Once your EIN issues, we'll outline Form 5472 / 1120 obligations so you're not surprised at tax time.
Compare what each package includes on our EIN service pricing page.
EIN for Foreign-Owned LLC
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.'
Does a single-member foreign-owned LLC need an EIN?
Yes, even though it's a disregarded entity for federal tax purposes. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs have annual Form 5472/1120 reporting obligations that require an EIN. Banks also require one before opening business accounts.
My LLC has multiple non-U.S. owners. Does anything change?
It changes how the LLC is classified for federal tax purposes — by default, a multi-member LLC is a partnership filing Form 1065. The SS-4 must reflect this correctly on line 9a, and the EIN is required to file the return.
Can I get an EIN before my LLC is officially formed?
Form it first. The IRS says to form the entity with the state before applying — applying early may delay your EIN. The SS-4 needs your LLC's exact legal name, word for word, from the approved Articles of Organization.
What if my LLC is owned by another foreign company?
That's fine — we handle parent-subsidiary structures regularly. The responsible party on the SS-4 must still be an individual: the person who ultimately owns or controls the structure (the IRS doesn't accept a nominee). We'll also need details on the parent entity, and the LLC may have additional federal reporting to discuss with a tax professional.
I formed my LLC through Stripe Atlas. Do I still need this?
Stripe Atlas applies for the EIN as part of its formation package, including for founders without an SSN, and that can take several weeks. If Atlas has already obtained your EIN, you don't need us for it. We help when an application is stuck, the EIN letter is lost, or you formed the company yourself.
What does a foreign-owned single-member LLC file after getting its EIN?
Generally, every year — even with no U.S. income — a pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472, reporting transactions between the LLC and its foreign owner, including money put in or taken out. The IRS penalty for not filing Form 5472 starts at $25,000. This is tax guidance, so confirm your situation with a tax professional before your first deadline.
Do I give U.S. clients and platforms a W-9 or a W-8?
For a single-member LLC owned by a non-U.S. person, the IRS Form W-9 instructions say the foreign owner gives an appropriate Form W-8 instead of a W-9, even if they have a U.S. tax number. A multi-member LLC taxed as a partnership is a U.S. person and gives a W-9 with its EIN. Check your case with a tax professional.
What if the responsible party changes later?
Tell the IRS within 60 days using Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business). Your EIN stays the same.
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.