“I applied from outside the US with no SSN. The IRS letter showed up in the account.”
Nina P.
Freelance Designer
The tax ID
Banks and the IRS both ask for this number.
01 · What it is
The company’s federal tax ID
A nine-digit number from the IRS. It identifies the LLC or corporation, the way a Social Security number identifies a person.
02 · Why you need it
Banks and payroll ask for it
A US bank account, Stripe, and hiring all ask for an EIN. Once the company exists, your personal SSN is not a substitute.
03 · What you receive
The IRS confirmation letter
Form CP 575 is the letter banks want as proof. We save it in your account when the IRS issues it.
What Form SS-4 does not spell out.
- No SSN is required
- Founders outside the US file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. An ITIN is not required. That path usually takes four to six weeks.
- With an SSN, it can be the same day
- If the responsible party has a Social Security number or ITIN, the IRS online application can issue the EIN the same day.
- A single-member LLC can skip it, on paper
- The IRS lets a single-member LLC with no employees use the owner’s SSN. Banks and payment processors still ask for an EIN.
- The letter is the proof
- A screenshot of the nine digits is not what the bank files. They want the CP 575.
Testimonials
“The bank asked for the confirmation letter, not just the number. It was already there.”
Carlos M.
International Founder
“I did not sit on hold with the IRS. They filed the SS-4.”
Rachel K.
E-commerce Seller
