How to Get an EIN as a Non-US Founder (Without an SSN)

Short answer: you can get an EIN for your US LLC without an SSN or ITIN. You file Form SS-4 and submit it by fax or mail (the online tool requires an SSN, so non-US founders skip it). It typically takes a few business days by fax, longer by mail.

What an EIN is and why you need one

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID. You need it to open a US business bank account (Mercury, etc.), use Stripe, hire contractors, and file required forms like the 5472.

The non-US founder process

1. Complete Form SS-4. For the responsible party, you use your name and foreign address — no SSN/ITIN required. On line 7b, write "Foreign" where an SSN would go.
2. Submit by fax or mail to the IRS (the online EIN tool won't work without an SSN).
3. Wait for the CP 575 letter / EIN. Fax is usually fastest (a few business days); mail can take several weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying the online application (it requires an SSN — it'll fail).
• Filling the responsible-party section as if you have an SSN.
• Using a service that overcharges for what's a free IRS filing (many do).

After you have your EIN

You're set to open a bank account and operate — but remember the annual obligations that come with a foreign-owned LLC, especially Form 5472 (the one with the $25,000 penalty). Track your owner contributions and distributions from day one.

FounderFi includes guides for EIN, 5472, BOI, and W-8BEN, and reminds you of the deadlines that follow — so getting the EIN is step one of a path it walks with you.

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Educational guidance, not licensed tax or legal advice. Confirm the current IRS process with a qualified preparer.