The IRS online tool is US-only
The EIN Assistant requires a US legal residence, principal place of business or principal office. Without one it rejects you at the final step.
IRS · Form SS-4
Apply for an EIN. No SSN needed.
Your company's federal tax ID, filed for you on IRS Form SS-4. No Social Security Number and no ITIN required.
You do not need an SSN or an ITIN
This is the single most common misunderstanding for founders outside the United States.
The IRS instructions for Form SS-4 provide that a responsible party who does not have and is not eligible for an SSN or ITIN may enter “Foreign” on the responsible-party taxpayer ID line. An ITIN is a personal tax ID for individuals who must file a US return — a separate thing, and not a prerequisite for an EIN.
Why the online application will not work for you
International applicants file differently
The IRS accepts international EIN applications by fax, mail or telephone. We prepare the SS-4 correctly and file it for you.
What you need your EIN for
US business banking
Mercury, Relay and every US bank ask for the EIN before opening a business account.
Stripe and PayPal
Payment processors verify the EIN against your company name during onboarding.
Your annual IRS filing
A foreign-owned single-member LLC files a pro-forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 attached every year. Both require the EIN.
Marketplaces and suppliers
Amazon, Alibaba and wholesale suppliers request the EIN for tax-exempt purchasing and seller verification.
EIN included — $200 + state fee.
Formation, EIN preparation and filing, operating agreement and first-year registered agent. Expedited EIN available for $100 more.