EIN processing time by application method
The IRS offers four ways to apply. If your business is run from outside the U.S., the online tool isn’t available to you, so you’ll use one of the other three.
| Method | Who can use it | IRS-stated timing |
|---|---|---|
| Online | U.S.-based businesses whose responsible party has an SSN or ITIN | Immediate, in one session |
| Phone | Applicants whose principal place of business is outside the U.S. | EIN issued during the call if the application is complete |
| Fax | Anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to apply online | Generally within 4 business days (IRS Fax-TIN target) |
| Anyone | Approximately 4 weeks |
For international applicants the IRS lists the phone line +1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free) (Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern), the fax numbers +1 304-707-9471 from outside the U.S. · 855-215-1627 from within the U.S., and the mailing address Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. These are the IRS’s current details as of October 11, 2026; the IRS can change them without notice.
IRS targets vs. what actually happens
The IRS’s targets assume a complete, correct application. In practice, applications from outside the U.S. often take longer: when the IRS replies by mail, a faxed application can take 1–3 months, and the IRS doesn’t send progress updates in the meantime. Checking the application status with the IRS changes that; across the applications we file, clients typically receive their EIN within 1–2 weeks. When something is wrong with the form, the reply can be a paper letter sent weeks later — or no reply at all.
That’s why the IRS itself suggests completing Form SS-4 at least four to five weeks before you need the EIN if you apply by mail. If you have a bank, platform or tax deadline, plan around the realistic range, not the best case.
What slows an EIN application down
- Applying before the LLC exists. An LLC or corporation should be formed with its state before applying, or the EIN application may be delayed.
- Line 7b left blank. Enter “foreign” or N/A if the responsible party doesn’t have, and is ineligible to obtain, an SSN or ITIN.
- Names that don’t match. The legal name on the SS-4 must match your state filing exactly — punctuation and “LLC” vs. “L.L.C.” included. See how to fix an EIN name mismatch.
- The wrong fax number. International applicants have their own IRS fax numbers; faxing the domestic number can mean the application isn’t processed.
- No way for the IRS to reply. Include a fax number where the IRS can send the EIN back, and a mailing address where letters will actually reach you.
- Duplicate applications. The IRS issues only one EIN per responsible party per day, across all application methods. Sending the same SS-4 again while you wait can create a second EIN that later has to be cleaned up.
If your EIN is taking longer than expected
- Find your fax confirmation or mailing receipt and note the date you applied.
- Call the IRS to ask whether an EIN has been assigned. The IRS will generally only discuss it with the responsible party or someone with written authorization.
- If an EIN was assigned but the letter never arrived, you don’t need to apply again — request a Letter 147C. See CP 575 vs. Letter 147C.
- If nothing was assigned, find the reason before you resubmit. Our EIN delay help service diagnoses stalled applications.
After the EIN is issued
You can usually use the number right away — for example to open a bank account. The IRS notes it can take up to two weeks before a new EIN works for e-filing, electronic deposits and IRS TIN matching, so a payment platform that verifies EINs against IRS records may not confirm yours on day one. If a platform rejects a brand-new EIN, wait a few days and check that the name you entered matches the IRS record exactly.