You can get an EIN without an SSN, but you may not be able to use the IRS online application. Foreign founders, nonresident business owners, and certain other applicants can request an Employer Identification Number by completing Form SS-4 and applying by phone, fax, or mail, depending on their circumstances.
The key is choosing the correct method and completing the responsible-party section accurately. This guide explains the process from Form SS-4 through approval.
Important: This article provides general information, not legal or tax advice. IRS procedures, contact details, and processing times can change. Confirm the latest instructions on the official IRS website before submitting your application.
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is a nine-digit federal tax identification number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. It normally appears in the format 12-3456789.
Despite the word “employer,” a business does not need employees to request an EIN. The number is used to identify a business or other entity for federal tax and reporting purposes.
An EIN may be used for tax returns, payroll, licenses, business banking, payment services, and business credit. Each bank or provider can impose separate approval requirements.
An EIN is not a replacement for an SSN or ITIN and provides no immigration status or work authorization.
Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes. A person who does not have an SSN may still obtain an EIN for an eligible business or entity.
On Form SS-4, the IRS asks for the entity’s “responsible party.” In most cases, this must be the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity, or who exercises effective control over its funds and assets.
If that person has an ITIN, enter it on line 7b. If the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN and is ineligible to obtain either one, enter “foreign” or “N/A.” Do not leave the field blank.
EIN Application Options Without an SSN
The best application method depends on the applicant’s location and whether the responsible party has another valid taxpayer identification number.
| Application method | Who can generally use it? | Typical IRS timing | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Applicants with a U.S. or U.S. territory principal location whose responsible party has a valid SSN, ITIN, or eligible EIN | EIN may be issued during the session | Usually unavailable when the responsible party has no valid TIN |
| International phone | Applicants with no U.S. or U.S. territory legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency | Potentially during the call | International applicants only; call is not toll-free |
| Fax | Domestic or international applicants using Form SS-4 | Generally about 4 business days if a return fax number is supplied | Requires accurate form completion and reliable fax access |
| Domestic or international applicants using Form SS-4 | Approximately 4 weeks; IRS advises applying 4–5 weeks before the EIN is needed | Slowest option |
What You Need Before Applying
Prepare the legal name, DBA, mailing and physical addresses, responsible party’s name, entity type, formation jurisdiction, start date, accounting-year closing month, expected employee counts, and principal business activity. Your answers should match the formation documents.
How to Get an EIN Without an SSN: Step by Step
Step 1: Form the business first
Form the LLC or corporation before applying. Use the legal name exactly as it appears on the approved formation document to avoid record mismatches.
Step 2: Identify the true responsible party
The responsible party is generally the person who ultimately owns or controls the entity, not its organizer, agent, attorney, or formation service. For a single-member LLC, this is usually the owner. Do not list a temporary nominee.
Step 3: Complete lines 1 through 6
Enter the exact legal name on line 1 and any DBA on line 2. For a foreign mailing address, include the city, province or state, postal code, and full country name. Add the physical address if different.
Step 4: Complete the responsible-party section
Enter the responsible party’s full name on line 7a.
For line 7b:
- Enter the person’s ITIN if they have one.
- If the person has no SSN or ITIN and is ineligible for both, enter “foreign” or “N/A,” following the current IRS instructions.
- Do not invent a number, use another person’s SSN, or use the registered agent’s number.
Having no SSN does not automatically prove that someone is ineligible for an ITIN. If you are uncertain about eligibility, ask a qualified U.S. tax professional before filing.
Step 5: Complete the LLC and entity-classification questions
Lines 8a through 8c ask whether the entity is an LLC, how many members it has, and where it was organized.
Line 9a asks for the entity type. A domestic single-member LLC using its default federal tax classification generally selects “Other” and writes “disregarded entity.” A domestic multi-member LLC accepting its default classification generally selects “Partnership.” An LLC electing corporate taxation must follow the applicable IRS instructions.
State-law entity type and federal tax classification are not always the same. Seek professional advice if you are uncertain.
Step 6: Explain why the entity needs an EIN
On line 10, select the genuine reason for applying. Common answers include:
- Started a new business
- Hired employees
- Banking purpose
- Changed type of organization
- Purchased a going business
If selecting “Started new business,” briefly state the activity, such as ecommerce, software consulting, or online publishing.
Step 7: Finish the operating details
Complete the business start date, accounting-year closing month, expected employee counts, principal activity, and product or service description.
Step 8: Choose one submission method
Use only one application method for the same entity. Sending Form SS-4 by both fax and mail can result in duplicate EINs and additional correction work.
Option A: Apply by phone as an international applicant
An eligible international applicant may call 267-941-1099, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. It is not toll-free.
Complete Form SS-4 before calling. The caller must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions about the form. If an IRS representative requests it, send the signed form by fax or mail within the stated time.
Option B: Apply by fax
Fax is often practical when the responsible party cannot use the online system. Include a return fax number so the IRS can send the EIN back.
The December 2025 IRS instructions list:
- 855-641-6935 for applicants with a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
- 855-215-1627 when faxing from within the United States for an entity without such a location in a state or Washington, D.C.
- 304-707-9471 when faxing from outside the United States for an entity without such a U.S. location
Verify these numbers in the latest instructions immediately before filing.
Option C: Apply by mail
Mail the signed Form SS-4 to the address shown in the current instructions. The domestic and international operations currently use Cincinnati, Ohio addresses, but the attention line differs.
Mail takes longer. Use trackable delivery if available and retain a copy.
Step 9: Save the EIN confirmation
Keep the assignment notice with permanent business records. If the EIN is issued by phone, write it on Form SS-4 and retain the form.
Common Mistakes That Delay an EIN Application
Watch for these errors:
- Using a business nickname instead of the exact legal name
- Listing a registered agent or formation service as the responsible party
- Leaving line 7b blank instead of entering the appropriate TIN, “foreign,” or “N/A”
- Selecting the wrong federal tax classification
- Sending more than one application for the same entity
- Providing an incomplete address or unsigned form
- Omitting a return fax number
The IRS generally limits EIN issuance to one EIN per responsible party per day, across all application methods.
Practical Tips for Foreign Founders
Prepare before calling. The representative will work through the Form SS-4 questions.
Keep records consistent. Names, addresses, and formation details should match across IRS, state, and bank documents.
Do not pay simply for the EIN. The IRS application is free, although private assistance may cost money.
Treat banking separately. An EIN does not guarantee an account. Banks may request identification, ownership records, address evidence, or an in-person visit.
Review tax duties early. A foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity may have information-reporting obligations even when no income tax is due.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
- An SSN is not mandatory in every valid EIN application
- Applying directly to the IRS is free
- International applicants may have phone, fax, and mail options
- The number supports common tax and business processes
Limitations
- Applicants without a valid taxpayer identification number usually cannot use the online tool
- Fax and mail can be slower than online filing
- It does not form a company, provide immigration benefits, or guarantee financial accounts
- The entity may have ongoing U.S. filing duties
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN?
Not always. The IRS instructions allow an eligible responsible party without an SSN or ITIN to enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b if that person is ineligible to obtain either number. An ITIN may still be required for separate personal tax-filing reasons.
2. Can I apply for an EIN online without an SSN?
Possibly, if the responsible party has another valid taxpayer identification number, such as an ITIN, and the entity meets the IRS location requirements. If the responsible party has no valid TIN, the online application generally is not the correct route.
3. Can a non-U.S. citizen obtain an EIN?
Yes. Citizenship is not the deciding factor. A foreign person may obtain an EIN for an eligible entity by following the IRS procedure applicable to the entity’s location and the responsible party’s identification status.
4. How much does an EIN cost?
The IRS issues EINs free of charge. Private companies can charge for preparing or submitting an application, but paying a third party is optional.
5. How long does it take to receive an EIN without an SSN?
The IRS says fax applications generally receive a response within about four business days when a return fax number is included. Mail applicants should apply four to five weeks before needing the number. An eligible international caller may receive the EIN during the call, although service availability and individual cases can affect timing.
6. Can my registered agent apply for the EIN?
A third party may be authorized to help and receive the EIN by completing the Third Party Designee section. However, the registered agent should not be falsely identified as the responsible party. The actual person who ultimately owns or controls the entity must generally be named.
7. Does an EIN allow me to work in the United States?
No. An EIN is a federal tax identification number for a business or entity. It does not provide a visa, legal residency, employment authorization, or immigration status.
8. What if I applied but have not received the EIN?
Do not immediately submit a second application. For a mailed application, the IRS instructions list 800-829-4933 for status inquiries. If a filing deadline arrives first, follow the IRS instructions for writing “Applied For” and the application date where the EIN would normally appear.
Verdict
Getting an EIN without an SSN is possible, especially for foreign founders and nonresident owners. The safest approach is to form the entity first, identify the correct responsible party, complete the latest Form SS-4, and use the submission method permitted for your situation.
If you have an ITIN and a qualifying U.S. principal location, the online route may be available. If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN and are ineligible for both, enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b and use an eligible phone, fax, or mail method.