EIN without SSN
Yes — you can get an EIN without a Social Security number. The IRS online tool blocks applicants without an SSN or ITIN, so non-US founders use Form SS-4. Here is the responsible-party rule, the fax/mail/phone path, and what to verify on irs.gov before you file.
Can you get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. The IRS will issue an Employer Identification Number to a US entity even when the responsible party has no Social Security number. What fails is the online application: it requires an SSN or ITIN for identity verification. Non-US founders therefore apply with Form SS-4.
For the full overview of online, fax, and mail options (including founders who do have an SSN), see our how to get an EIN hub. This page focuses on EIN without SSN / without a Social Security number for non-US residents.
How to get an EIN without SSN: 6 steps
- 1
Form the US LLC first.
The IRS will not issue an EIN for an entity that does not yet exist. Wait for stamped Articles of Organization. Non-US founders: see our LLC for non-residents guide before you file SS-4.
- 2
Identify the responsible party.
A natural person who ultimately owns or controls the LLC — usually you as the member. Not another company. Their name goes on Form SS-4 line 7a.
- 3
Complete Form SS-4.
Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov. On line 7b, enter “foreign” or N/A if the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN and is ineligible for one (IRS Instructions for Form SS-4). Match the LLC legal name exactly to the state record.
- 4
Choose fax, phone, or mail.
The online EIN tool requires an SSN or ITIN. International applicants historically use fax (often ~4 business days), the international phone line, or mail (~4–5 weeks). Verify current numbers and hours on the IRS “Get an EIN” and SS-4 instructions pages before you send.
- 5
Submit once and keep proof.
Use only one method so you do not get duplicate EINs. Include a return fax number if faxing. Keep the confirmation page or call notes.
- 6
Save the CP 575 and open banking.
When the EIN issues, save the CP 575 confirmation permanently. Use it to open a US business bank account and for payment processors.
Responsible party and the Form SS-4 path for foreign applicants
The Instructions for Form SS-4 define the responsible party as the person who ultimately owns or controls the entity or who exercises ultimate effective control over its funds and assets. Unless you are a government entity, that person must be a natural person — not a holding company.
Historically, applicants with no legal residence or principal place of business in the 50 states or DC have used the international Fax-TIN numbers, mailed SS-4 to the EIN International Operation in Cincinnati, or (international applicants only) called the EIN phone line. Those channels and numbers change — always verify on the current Get an employer identification number page and Where to file Form SS-4 before you submit.
As of the December 2025 SS-4 instructions, international fax numbers commonly cited are 304-707-9471 (outside the US) and 855-215-1627 (within the US, no US legal residence). The international phone option has been listed as 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Mon–Fri, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern. Re-check irs.gov; do not rely on a blog alone.
Do you need an ITIN before an EIN?
Usually no. An ITIN is for an individual; an EIN is for the business. Many non-US LLC owners get the EIN first (with “foreign” / N/A on line 7b) and only apply for an ITIN later if they must file a personal US return or claim treaty benefits. See TIN vs EIN for how SSN, ITIN, and EIN fit together.
Fax, phone, or mail (without an SSN)
| Method | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fax (Fax-TIN) | Generally ~4 business days | Default for many non-US founders; include a return fax number |
| International phone | Often same call | International applicants only; domestic phone EINs discontinued |
| About 4–5 weeks | EIN International Operation, Cincinnati OH 45999 |
Source timing language follows IRS Fax-TIN / mail guidance. Peak seasons can run longer. Use only one method per entity.
Key Form SS-4 lines for non-US founders
Download Form SS-4 and read the matching instructions. Critical lines for a foreign-owned single-member LLC:
- Line 1 — Exact legal name from the state-stamped Articles (include “LLC”).
- Lines 4a/4b — US mailing address (often the registered agent) so the IRS can deliver the CP 575.
- Line 7a — Responsible party's full legal name (passport spelling).
- Line 7b — Enter “foreign” or N/A if you have no SSN/ITIN and are ineligible; an entry is required.
- Lines 8a–8c — LLC yes; member count; organized in the US.
- Line 9a — For a foreign-owned US disregarded entity filing Form 5472, IRS instructions often use “Other” with language such as “Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity-Form 5472.” Confirm the exact phrase in the current instructions.
- Third-party designee — Optional; authorizes a service like ClearFormation to receive the EIN. Authority ends when the EIN is issued.
After the EIN issues
- Save the CP 575 permanently — banks and processors ask for it by name.
- Open a US business bank account. See our business bank account guide.
- Register for sales tax or payroll accounts only if your activity requires them.
- If you lose the CP 575 later, request a 147C letter from the IRS — some banks accept it as replacement proof.
Common mistakes when applying without an SSN
- Leaving line 7b blank
The IRS requires an entry. Use “foreign” or N/A when you have no SSN/ITIN and are ineligible.
- Listing an entity as responsible party
Use a natural person who ultimately controls the LLC.
- LLC name mismatch
Copy the exact legal name from the state Articles, including the LLC designator.
- Applying before formation
Wait until the state has approved the entity.
- Submitting online and by fax
One method per entity — duplicates are hard to unwind.
- No return fax number
If you fax, the IRS needs a number to send the EIN back.