EIN for Non-Residents —
US Tax ID Without SSN or ITIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required to open Stripe, Wise Business, and Mercury Bank. Non-residents can get one without a Social Security Number in as little as 4–10 business days for $40 — HynoGo files as your third-party designee via International Fax to the IRS Philadelphia Campus and delivers your official confirmation letter.
What is an EIN and why does your US LLC need one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS — the equivalent of a Social Security Number for businesses. Format: 12-3456789.
Every US LLC needs an EIN to operate. Without one, you cannot open a US bank account, activate Stripe, file IRS returns, or hire US contractors. For non-residents, an EIN is the critical step that makes your US LLC fully functional.
Online EIN application is NOT available to non-residents
The IRS online EIN application (irs.gov) requires a valid US SSN or ITIN to complete. Non-residents must use the Form SS-4 by International Fax to the IRS Philadelphia Campus, or by mail. HynoGo handles this on your behalf as your authorized third-party designee — a 4–10 business day turnaround via the fax expedite route.
EIN vs ITIN — what's the difference?
EIN
Issued to: Business entity (your LLC)
When needed: Required for all US LLCs
How to get: Form SS-4 by International Fax — 4–10 days
ITIN
Issued to: Individual (you, as owner)
When needed: Only if you have personal US-source income
How to get: Form W-7 by mail — 7–11 weeks
SSN
Issued to: US citizens and residents only
When needed: Not available to non-residents
How to get: Not applicable
How HynoGo gets your EIN in 4–10 business days
Form SS-4 filed as your third-party designee via International Fax to the IRS Philadelphia Campus — the only reliable non-resident path. HynoGo prepares everything.
LLC formation
Your Wyoming or Delaware LLC is filed first. The EIN is tied to the LLC's legal name and state — it cannot be applied for without the LLC existing.
Form SS-4 prepared
HynoGo prepares your Form SS-4 with the LLC details, responsible party information, third-party designee authorization, and business purpose — correctly completed for IRS fax submission.
IRS fax submitted
Form SS-4 is faxed to the IRS Philadelphia Campus international EIN unit. The IRS processes faxed SS-4 forms for foreign-owned entities in roughly 4–10 business days and faxes back the EIN assignment.
EIN delivered
Your official CP575 EIN confirmation is delivered to your HynoGo dashboard. Use it immediately to open Wise Business, Mercury, and apply to Stripe.
Every platform that requires your EIN
Your EIN is the key that unlocks the entire US business infrastructure. Every major US platform requires it for LLC accounts.
| Platform | EIN Required? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Required | EIN mandatory for LLC Stripe account application |
| Wise Business | Required | KYB verification requires EIN + Articles |
| Mercury Bank | Required | Bank KYB requires EIN + LLC documents |
| Airwallex | Required | Business account KYB requires EIN |
| Shopify Payments | Required | Tax info required for US business accounts |
| Amazon Seller | Required | US entity Amazon seller account needs EIN |
| Payoneer (LLC) | Required | For business accounts (personal needs only ID) |
| US contractors | Required | Must provide EIN on W-9 form to US contractors |
| IRS filing (5472) | Required | Annual information return for non-resident LLCs |
| Google AdSense (LLC) | Required | Tax information for US entity payments |
Common EIN mistakes non-residents make
Applying via irs.gov online
The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN. Non-residents who try this reach a dead end or get errors. Only fax/mail works.
Applying before LLC is formed
You cannot get an EIN without a registered LLC. The EIN is tied to the LLC entity. Form the LLC first.
Leaving Line 7b blank incorrectly
Form SS-4 Line 7b (SSN/ITIN) must be properly annotated 'Non-Resident Alien' — not just left blank. Wrong completion causes rejection.
Waiting for mail instead of fax
IRS mail processing takes 4–6 weeks. Fax expedite via the IRS Philadelphia Campus takes 4–10 business days. Always use fax for non-resident applications.
LLC first, EIN second
Form your Wyoming or Delaware LLC → receive Articles of Organization → then apply for EIN with the LLC's legal name and state.
Use HynoGo — we handle SS-4
HynoGo signs on as your third-party designee and faxes your Form SS-4 as part of every LLC package. You receive your EIN in your dashboard within 4–10 business days of ordering.
EIN for non-residents — FAQ
Everything you need to know about getting a US EIN without a Social Security Number.
What is an EIN and why do non-residents need one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit US Federal Tax ID issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. It's the business equivalent of a Social Security Number. Non-residents need an EIN to open a US business bank account (Wise Business, Mercury), activate Stripe, pay US contractors, and file IRS information returns. Without an EIN, your US LLC cannot operate as a real business entity.
Can I get a US EIN without a Social Security Number?
Yes. Non-residents who don't have a Social Security Number or ITIN can still obtain an EIN by mailing or faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS. The IRS issues EINs to foreign nationals who own US LLCs without requiring a US Social Security Number. HynoGo handles this process for all clients.
How long does it take to get an EIN as a non-resident?
Via IRS fax expedite: 4–10 business days. Via IRS mail: 4–6 weeks. HynoGo files as your authorized third-party designee and faxes Form SS-4 directly to the IRS Philadelphia Campus (the dedicated international EIN unit) — most clients receive their EIN within that 4–10 business day window. US residents can apply online in minutes but this option is not available to non-residents.
What is Form SS-4 and how do I complete it?
Form SS-4 is the IRS application for an Employer Identification Number. As a non-resident LLC owner, you complete it with your LLC's legal name, state of formation, responsible party (you), and business purpose. Line 7b (SSN/ITIN) is left blank for non-residents, with a notation. HynoGo signs on as your third-party designee (Line 18 of Form SS-4) and submits it via International Fax to the IRS Philadelphia Campus — the IRS unit dedicated to processing foreign-owned entity EIN applications.
What is the difference between a CP575 letter and a 147C letter?
The CP575 is the original EIN confirmation letter the IRS issues the first time your EIN is assigned — you only receive this once. If you lose it, the IRS will not reissue a CP575; instead, calling or faxing the IRS Business & Specialty Tax line gets you a 147C letter, an official replacement verification letter confirming the same EIN that banks and Stripe accept exactly like a CP575. HynoGo retrieves a 147C on your behalf if your original CP575 is ever lost.
What's the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is issued to business entities — your LLC. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued to individuals who need a tax ID but don't have an SSN. For your US LLC, you need an EIN. You do not need an ITIN as the LLC owner unless you have US-source income that requires individual US tax filing.
Is an EIN required to open Stripe?
Yes. Stripe requires an EIN for LLC accounts. When you apply to Stripe as a US LLC, you provide your LLC name, EIN, Wise Business or Mercury bank account number, and your personal ID as the beneficial owner. Without an EIN, the Stripe application cannot be completed for an LLC.
Is an EIN required to open Wise Business or Mercury?
Yes. Both Wise Business and Mercury Bank require an EIN as part of their KYB (Know Your Business) verification for LLC accounts. The EIN confirms your LLC is registered with the US government and allows the bank to report to the IRS if required.
Can I get an EIN before my LLC is formed?
No. The EIN is tied to your specific LLC entity. HynoGo files the LLC first (Articles of Organization), then applies for the EIN once the LLC is registered with the state. This sequential process takes 3–5 days total — LLC formation followed by IRS EIN registration.
Does an EIN expire?
No. An EIN is permanent and does not expire. It's tied to your LLC's legal entity. If you dissolve your LLC, the EIN is cancelled. If you form a new LLC, you need a new EIN. An EIN cannot be transferred between entities.
Do I pay US taxes with my EIN as a non-resident?
A single-member LLC owned by a non-resident with no US employees and no US-source income is a 'disregarded entity' — it is not subject to US federal income tax. You do file an annual information return (Form 5472 with Form 1120) to report transactions. You are taxed in your home country on LLC income per your local tax law. Consult a qualified tax professional.
What is an EIN for non-residents and why do you need one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) for non-residents is a US federal tax ID issued by the IRS to foreign-owned US businesses. Non-residents need an EIN for non-residents to: open US bank accounts (Mercury, Wise Business), activate Stripe, file US tax returns for their LLC, and hire US contractors. Without an EIN, a US LLC cannot open banking or accept Stripe payouts.
How long does EIN for non-residents take?
Via HynoGo's expedited fax queue, EIN for non-residents typically takes 4–10 business days. Via standard IRS paper mail, it takes 4–6 weeks. The IRS phone line for international EIN applicants is for US-based callers only — non-residents without a US phone presence must use the fax or mail method. HynoGo handles EIN for non-residents as part of every LLC package, submitting Form SS-4 by International Fax directly to the IRS and tracking the status.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN for non-residents?
No — you do not need an SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN to get an EIN for non-residents. The IRS issues EIN for non-residents on Form SS-4, marked as a foreign-owned entity. Non-residents from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Philippines, and any other country can get an EIN for non-residents through HynoGo without any US identification number.
Get Your Official US EIN Confirmation Letter in 4–10 Days
No SSN required. Flat $40 with official IRS Form 147C / CP575 delivered directly to your dashboard.
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