EIN without SSN or ITIN
No SSN or ITIN? You can still get an EIN.
The IRS online tool requires an SSN or ITIN, but it's not the only way: the IRS also accepts Form SS-4 by phone, fax or mail. We prepare your SS-4 in the format the IRS expects from international applicants and file it for you.
- No SSN, ITIN, or U.S. tax filing history required
- Form SS-4 prepared by a specialist
- Submitted to the correct IRS office
- Honest timelines: IRS targets vs. what we actually see
- 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
How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN, step by step
You don’t need an SSN or ITIN. If your business is based outside the U.S. or your responsible party has neither number, the IRS online tool isn’t available to you — you apply with Form SS-4 instead.
- Form your company with the state first. The IRS says applying before the entity exists can delay your EIN.
- Complete Form SS-4 following the IRS Instructions for Form SS-4. On line 7b: Enter “foreign” or N/A if the responsible party doesn’t have, and is ineligible to obtain, an SSN or ITIN.
- Apply by one method only — by phone (+1 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern; the EIN is issued during the call), by fax (+1 304-707-9471 from outside the U.S. · 855-215-1627 from within the U.S.; generally within 4 business days (irs fax-tin target)), or by mail (approximately 4 weeks). The IRS issues only one EIN per responsible party per day, across all application methods.
- Keep the IRS confirmation of your EIN (the faxed reply or the CP 575 notice). Banks and platforms ask for it.
Sources: Instructions for Form SS-4 (Rev. December 2025) and IRS — Get an employer identification number, checked October 11, 2026. The IRS charges nothing for an EIN. Our service is optional — compare the IRS methods below.
This service is built for these situations
You're not a U.S. citizen or resident
Without legal residency, you can't obtain an SSN — and the online IRS form is off the table.
You haven't filed U.S. taxes
An ITIN is only issued when you have a U.S. federal tax purpose, such as a return to file. You don't need one for an EIN.
You're not married to a U.S. person
A spousal SSN doesn't belong on your business EIN application either way.
You don't want to apply for an ITIN first
An ITIN isn’t required for an EIN, and a Form W-7 adds its own processing time.
Your registered agent declined to help
Most registered agents don't prepare SS-4s. That gap is exactly what we fill.
You tried filing yourself and got stuck
No response 4+ weeks after faxing? We diagnose what went wrong and prepare a corrected resubmission.
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
- Leaving line 7b blank or writing a made-up number — the IRS asks for “foreign” or N/A.
- Leaving line 9a blank because none of the boxes seem to apply to a foreign-owned LLC.
- Faxing the wrong IRS line — the domestic or international EIN fax number depends on where the business is principally run.
- Mail submissions sent without certified tracking, leading to lost applications.
- No callback number that works internationally if the IRS needs to clarify.
Our approach
How we prevent each of those problems
- Every SS-4 line filled exactly as the IRS expects for non-SSN/non-ITIN applicants.
- Filed to the correct international processing center.
- Submission method (fax vs. certified mail) chosen based on your country.
- When you name us as third-party designee, the IRS can ask us about your SS-4 until the EIN is assigned.
- Status follow-up with the IRS until your EIN is assigned.
What we actually do for you
Eligibility check
We confirm you actually qualify for the no-SSN/no-ITIN path before we begin — not everyone does, and we'll be honest if a different approach would serve you better.
SS-4 preparation & filing
We prepare your SS-4 with non-SSN/non-ITIN formatting, then submit it via the correct IRS channel for your country.
Follow-up & rescue
We follow up on your application status with the IRS until the EIN is assigned, and prepare a follow-up letter if one is needed. If a 147C re-confirmation is needed later, we handle that too.
Compare what each package includes on our EIN service pricing page.
EIN Without SSN or ITIN
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.'
Is it true that you don't need an SSN or ITIN for an EIN?
Yes. The Instructions for Form SS-4 provide for it: if the responsible party doesn't have, and is ineligible to obtain, an SSN or ITIN, you enter “foreign” or N/A on line 7b. You just can't use the IRS online tool — you apply by phone, fax or mail.
Won't the IRS reject my application without an SSN?
Not if the SS-4 is filled correctly. The IRS routinely issues EINs to foreign-owned entities. Rejections happen when the form is filled as though the applicant were a U.S. person but missing the SSN field — which is the most common error.
Should I get an ITIN first to make this easier?
Usually no. An ITIN isn't required to get an EIN, and an ITIN application (Form W-7) needs original or certified identity documents and has its own processing time. You may need an ITIN later for personal U.S. tax filings — that's a separate question for a tax professional.
How long does the fax/mail route take?
The IRS's own targets are about 4 business days for fax and about 4 weeks for mail. With our status follow-up, our clients typically receive their EIN within 1–2 weeks; without follow-up, faxed applications can take 1–3 months because the IRS often replies by mail. IRS volume can still slow things down.
What if I receive a partial rejection (request for clarification)?
The IRS sometimes sends a letter asking for clarification rather than outright rejecting. If we filed the SS-4, we prepare your reply for you to sign and send, at no extra cost.
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.