Detailed protocol for international entrepreneurs to obtain a U.S. Employer Identification Number without a Social Security Number, including Form SS-4 submission and processing timelines.
By Omer Aydin ·
How non-US founders get an EIN without an SSN requires submitting Form SS-4 directly to the Internal Revenue Service via fax or mail. This compact guide details the exact protocol for international entrepreneurs establishing U.S. entities.
You must download and complete Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. Crucially, on Line 7b (SSN, ITIN, or EIN), you must write "Foreign" to indicate you do not possess a U.S. taxpayer identification number. Ensure your U.S. business address (often provided by your registered agent) is accurately listed on Line 4.
If you are utilizing a formation service to apply on your behalf, you must sign the "Third Party Designee" section at the bottom of the form. This legally authorizes the service to receive the EIN from the IRS. The signature must be handwritten or a verifiable digital signature; typed names are rejected.
The most efficient submission method for international applicants is faxing the document to the IRS at (855) 641-6935. Mail submissions to the IRS processing center in Cincinnati can take up to four weeks for processing.
As of mid-2026, the IRS processes faxed SS-4 applications from foreign applicants in approximately 4 to 8 business days. Once processed, the IRS will fax back the CP-575 confirmation letter containing your new 9-digit EIN.
International founders seeking to bypass manual faxing can utilize an automated company registration system to handle the SS-4 preparation and submission programmatically.
Once you receive your CP-575 letter containing your EIN, you can apply for a U.S. business bank account. Modern fintech platforms like Mercury or Brex cater specifically to international founders. You will need to provide your filed Articles of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, and a valid passport. Some institutions may also require proof of a U.S. business address.
Obtaining an EIN does not automatically subject you to U.S. corporate tax, but it does trigger reporting requirements. Non-US founders operating a single-member LLC (treated as a disregarded entity) must file Form 5472 and Form 1120 pro forma annually to report transactions between the foreign owner and the U.S. LLC. Failure to file Form 5472 carries a severe penalty starting at $25,000 per year. It is highly recommended to consult a cross-border CPA to ensure strict compliance.
[1] Internal Revenue Service - Form SS-4 [2] Internal Revenue Service - Where to File Form SS-4
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