What is an EIN? How to get one

If you’ve ever tried to start a business in the U.S. especially as a non-U.S. resident — chances are you’ve come across the term EIN and wondered, “What is an EIN, and do I really need one?”

You’re not alone — most new business owners ask this exact question. The good news? It’s simpler than it sounds. An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is like a Social Security Number, but for your business. Whether you’re forming an LLC, opening a U.S. bank account, or applying for Stripe or Amazon, your EIN acts as your business’s official ID with the IRS.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what an EIN is, why it’s important, who needs one (hint: probably you), and how to get it fast, even if you don’t live in the U.S.

Let’s demystify EINs, one step at a time.

💡 What Does EIN Stand For?

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, but don’t let the name confuse you.
Even if you’re not hiring employees, you still need an EIN to run your U.S. business legally.

🏛️ Who Gives You This Number?

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service), which is the official tax authority in the United States, is the one that issues this number. It’s basically how the U.S. government keeps track of your business for taxes and official records.

📇 Is EIN the Same as Tax ID?

Yes! In fact, EIN has a few different names. You might also hear:

• Federal Tax ID
• Business Tax ID
• IRS Tax Number

They’re all referring to the same thing: your business’s official identity number.

🧠 So, What Is an EIN?

Think of it like a Social Security Number (SSN) — but for your business, not a person.

It’s a 9-digit number, like this: 12-3456789, and it’s used to:

• Identify your business in the U.S. tax system
• Open a business bank account
• Apply for Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, or Shopify
• File taxes legally in the U.S.
• Hire employees (if you plan to in the future)
• Build business credit
• Show that your business is real and trustworthy

🌍 I’m Not a U.S. Citizen — Do I Still Need It?

Yes — and in fact, EIN is required for both U.S. and non-U.S. residents who want to:

• Start a U.S. LLC
• Accept payments online
• Open a U.S. bank account or virtual account
• Stay compliant with U.S. regulations

✅ Why You Need an EIN (Even as a Solopreneur or Freelancer)

Many new entrepreneurs think they can skip the EIN if they’re just starting small.
But the truth is, you’ll eventually hit a wall without it.

Here’s why:

Without EIN	With EIN
Can’t open a U.S. business bank account	Open U.S. bank accounts easily
Can’t use Stripe, other payment processors, etc.	Get approved on major payment platforms
Can’t show proof of business	Looks more legit and trustworthy
Might run into legal issues	Stay fully tax-compliant

 

🚀In short!

When I first started building Enterobiz, I had no clue what an EIN was. It all sounded complicated, especially from outside the U.S. But once I understood it, everything changed.

Getting an EIN is not just a step; it’s a gateway to building a real, trusted U.S. business that the world takes seriously. And the best part? You don’t need to figure it all out alone.

If you’re serious about your business, then this one little number will open big doors.
And we’re here to help you get it fast, affordable, and stress-free.

💡 EIN vs. SSN vs. ITIN – What’s the Difference?

If you’re starting a U.S. business or trying to handle anything related to taxes, you’re going to come across some confusing terms: EIN, SSN, ITIN.

Let’s break them down in simple human language:

🔹 SSN – Social Security Number

• Used by: U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• Purpose: It’s the personal ID number for Americans.
• Use Case: Needed for jobs, personal taxes, government benefits, credit, etc.

Example:
If you’re born in the U.S. or become a U.S. resident, you get an SSN to handle personal finances and employment.

🔹 ITIN – Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

• Used by: Non-U.S. residents who don’t qualify for an SSN
• Purpose: For personal tax filing and identity tracking
• Use Case: Needed to file taxes in the U.S. if you earn income here but aren’t eligible for an SSN

Example:
Let’s say you’re a freelancer from Pakistan or India who made money from U.S. clients — you’d use an ITIN to report income to the IRS.

🔹 EIN – Employer Identification Number

• Used by: Businesses
• Purpose: It’s the official ID number for your company
• Use Case: Needed to start an LLC, open a U.S. business bank account, apply for Stripe or PayPal, file business taxes, and more.

Example:
Whether you’re forming an LLC in Wyoming or New Mexico, you’ll need an EIN to prove your business exists in the U.S. system.

🚫 Do I Need an SSN to Get an EIN?

No!
You do NOT need a Social Security Number to get an EIN — even if you live outside the U.S.

This is one of the most common myths. Many people think,

“I don’t live in the U.S., so I probably can’t get an EIN.”

But the truth is:

• You don’t need to live in the U.S.
• You don’t need to be a citizen
• You don’t need an SSN

All you need is a valid reason to start a U.S. business, like forming an LLC.

✅ Quick Summary Table

Type	Full Form	Who It’s For	What It’s Used For
SSN	Social Security Number	U.S. citizens & residents	Personal taxes, jobs, and credit
ITIN	Individual Taxpayer ID Number	Non-U.S. individuals (no SSN)	Personal tax filing
EIN	Employer Identification Number	Businesses (U.S. & non-U.S.)	Business taxes, bank account, Stripe

 

Understanding these three IDs is key to getting started with your U.S. business journey — even if you’re living on the other side of the globe.

How to get an EIN as a US Resident?

If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the process is 100% free and can be done online in minutes.

✅ What You Need:

• A valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Your business name and address
• Type of business (e.g., LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietor)
• Reason for applying (e.g., started new business)

📝 Steps:

1. Go to the IRS EIN Application Website

• Official IRS link: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

2. Click “Apply Online Now.”

• You must apply Monday to Friday between 7 AM and 10 PM (Eastern Time)

3. Choose Your Business Type

• Most people select “LLC” or “Sole Proprietor”
• Then choose the number of members (for LLCs)

4. Enter Your Personal Details

• Enter your name and SSN or ITIN
• You must be the person responsible for the business (called the “Responsible Party”)

5. Provide Business Details

• Business name, mailing address, and start date
• Choose the state where your business is registered

6. Choose Why You’re Applying

• Most common answer: “Started a new business”

7. Select How You Want to Receive Your EIN

• You can choose to receive it instantly online in PDF format
• Or by mail if needed (takes weeks)

8. Submit and Save Your Confirmation

• Once submitted, the system gives you an EIN instantly.
• Download and save your confirmation letter (CP 575) as proof.

✅ Done! You now have your EIN.

How to Get an EIN as a non-US Resident?

If you’re not a U.S. citizen and don’t have an SSN or ITIN, don’t worry — you can still apply.
But you can’t use the online form. Instead, you’ll need to apply by fax or mail using IRS Form SS-4.

✅ What You Need:

• Your full legal name
• Your business name and U.S. address (like your Registered Agent address or virtual office)
• Business type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• Reason for applying: “Started a new business”
• A way to receive your EIN (fax or mail)

📝 Steps:

1. Fill Out IRS Form SS-4

• Download Form SS-4:
  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf 
• Key Fields:
  • Line 1: Business name
  • Line 7a/7b: Responsible party (you) – write your name
  • Line 8a: LLC? Check yes or no
  • Line 10: Reason: “Started a new business”
  • Line 18: Date business started (use LLC formation date)
  • Line 9a: Choose “Limited Liability Company”
  • Line 13–17: Business activity description

👉 Important: Even if you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, leave those fields blank — do not write “N/A” or “Foreign” — just leave it empty.

2. Fax the Completed Form to the IRS

• Fax Number for International Applicants:
  +1 304-707-9471 (no cover sheet needed)
• You’ll usually get your EIN back by fax within 7–14 business days.

3. If You Don’t Have Fax Access – Send by Mail

• Mail to:
  Internal Revenue Service
  Attn: EIN Operation
  Cincinnati, OH 45999
  USA
• This method is slower and may take up to 4–6 weeks.

📌 Tips for Non-U.S. Applicants:

• You do not need to be in the U.S. to apply
• You do not need an SSN or ITIN
• You can list your Registered Agent’s address as your U.S. business address
• Make sure your handwriting (if printed) is clear and readable

🧾 What You’ll Receive:

You’ll get a confirmation letter from the IRS with your 9-digit EIN.
It looks like this: 12-3456789

This EIN is your official business tax ID and is accepted by:

• U.S. banks
• Stripe, Amazon etc.
• The IRS for tax reporting
• U.S. payment processors and platforms

🧠 Common EIN Myths (That Confuse a Lot of People)

Let’s clear up some of the most common myths and misunderstandings about EINs, especially for newcomers and non-U.S. residents. You’re definitely not alone if any of these made you pause 👇

❌ Myth #1: You Must Be a U.S. Citizen to Get an EIN

Truth: Nope. 100% false.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen — or even live in the U.S. — to apply for an EIN.

Thousands of international entrepreneurs apply for and receive EINs every year. The IRS simply wants to know you’re forming a legal business in the U.S., and that’s it. 🌍

❌ Myth #2: You Need a Social Security Number (SSN)

Truth: Also false.
You can leave the SSN field blank on the EIN form if you don’t have one. The IRS understands that many non-U.S. applicants won’t have an SSN or ITIN, and they have a process just for you.

❌ Myth #3: It Takes Months to Get an EIN

Truth: Only if you mail the form and wait.
But with the fax method or professional help, many non-U.S. residents receive their EIN in just a few days — some even within 24 hours (yes, really). No need to wait weeks unless you’re sending by mail.

❌ Myth #4: You Can’t Apply Without a U.S. Address

Truth: You do need to list a U.S. mailing address on the form, but that doesn’t mean you need to live in the U.S.
Most international founders use their Registered Agent’s address or a virtual office, which is completely legal and accepted by the IRS.

❌ Myth #5: EIN = Business License

Truth: This one’s common.
But no — an EIN is not a business license.
It’s just a tax ID — like your business’s fingerprint. Depending on your business and state, you may still need licenses or permits separately.

❌ Myth #6: If I Don’t Have Employees, I Don’t Need an EIN

Truth: The word “Employer” in EIN is misleading.
Even if you’re a solo business owner, freelancer, or single-member LLC with zero employees, you still need an EIN to open a bank account, apply for Stripe/PayPal, and pay taxes.

✅ Bottom Line

Don’t let the technical language scare you. EINs aren’t as complicated as they sound once you know the facts, it’s just one small step that opens big business opportunities.

🙋 EIN FAQ – Honest Answers to Common Questions

Let’s break down the most common questions people ask when applying for an EIN, especially if you’re forming a U.S. LLC from outside the United States.

📌 1. What is an EIN used for?

Your EIN is like your business’s ID number. You’ll need it to:

• Open a U.S. business bank account
• Apply for Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, etc.
• File taxes in the U.S.
• Hire employees (if you plan to)
• Prove your business is real to banks and platforms

It’s a core part of being “official” in the U.S.

📌 2. Do I need an EIN if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Yes — especially if you’re starting a U.S. LLC.
It doesn’t matter where you live — if you’re forming a business in the U.S., you’ll need an EIN to operate it properly.

📌 3. Can I apply for an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?

✅ Yes, you can.
You can leave the SSN field blank on the EIN form. The IRS accepts applications from foreign individuals and business owners without a Social Security Number or ITIN.

📌 4. Is getting an EIN the same as forming an LLC?

Nope.
Forming an LLC is a separate step (done with the state).
Once the LLC is formed, you apply for an EIN with the IRS, a federal agency.

So, think of it like this:

• LLC = State-level business setup
• EIN = Federal-level tax ID for your business

📌 5. Do I need a U.S. address to get an EIN?

You need to provide a U.S. business mailing address, but it doesn’t have to be your personal one.

Most international founders use:

• Their Registered Agent’s address, or
• A virtual business address

Both are valid for EIN purposes.

📌 6. Can I use my EIN outside the U.S.?

Absolutely.
Once you get your EIN, you can use it to:

• Open U.S. payment gateways
• Receive client payments
• Register for tools like QuickBooks, Shopify, etc.
• Open international business bank accounts (like Wise Business, Payoneer, Mercury)

📌 7. Is there a deadline to get my EIN after forming my LLC?

There’s no hard deadline, but you should apply as soon as your LLC is approved.
Without an EIN, you won’t be able to:

• Open a bank account
• Accept payments
• File taxes
• Stay compliant

It’s best to get it done early.

📌 8. What happens after I get my EIN?

You’ll receive a document from the IRS that shows your EIN.
Keep it safe — you’ll need it for:

• Banks
• Payment processors
• Tax filings
• Business licenses

📌 9. Can I apply for more than one EIN?

Yes — if you own more than one business, you can get a separate EIN for each.
But don’t apply for multiple EINs for the same LLC — that can cause confusion with the IRS.

📌 10. Is my EIN private or public?

Unlike an SSN, your EIN is not considered sensitive personal data.
However, it’s still a good idea to protect it and only share it with trusted platforms (like banks, payment processors, and the IRS).

🧾 Bonus Tip: EINs Never Expire

Once you get your EIN, it’s yours for life — no renewal needed, no extra charges from the IRS.

🧠 Final Thoughts – Do You Need an EIN?

If you’re starting a U.S. business — whether you’re from the U.S., Pakistan, India, Nigeria, or anywhere else — then yes, you’ll almost certainly need an EIN.

It’s not just a tax number. It’s your business identity — the key that unlocks things like:

• Opening a U.S. bank account
• Accepting payments from clients
• Filing taxes the right way
• Proving that your business is real and trustworthy

💬 A Personal Note

When I first started Enterobiz, I’ll be honest — the EIN process felt overwhelming. I didn’t live in the U.S., I didn’t have an SSN, and every guide I found online made it sound more complicated than it really is.

But here’s what I learned:
👉 Getting an EIN is actually one of the easiest steps if you get the right help.

You don’t need to go through endless forms, confusing IRS pages, or long waiting periods. And you definitely don’t need to feel stuck just because you’re not a U.S. resident.

✅ Want it fast, easy, and stress-free?

If you want someone to just take care of the EIN process for you, we’ve help non-U.S. entrepreneurs do exactly that, usually within 24 hours.

🔗 Get Your EIN for $149 – No SSN Needed »

No delays. No complicated paperwork. Just clear steps and real results.