If you are an Amazon seller located outside the United States, chances are you’ve heard about the EIN (Employer Identification Number). Amazon may request an EIN number to verify your tax identity with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Without it, your payouts could be delayed, or your account could be restricted.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what an EIN is, why Amazon sellers need it, and how non-US companies can complete the EIN application process quickly.
1. What is an EIN Number?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number issued by the IRS to businesses for tax purposes.
Think of it as the U.S. version of a “business tax ID.” Even if you’re not based in the U.S., you may still need one if you are:
- Selling on Amazon.com
- Opening a U.S. bank account for payouts
- Setting up a U.S. LLC or corporation
- Hiring U.S.-based employees or contractors
2. Why Amazon Sellers Need an EIN
Amazon operates under U.S. tax regulations and requires sellers to submit tax information via the Tax Information Interview (TII). For non-US sellers, this means you can either:
- Provide your Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN), OR
- Provide a U.S. EIN Number
However, many non-US sellers prefer to get an EIN because:
- Avoid Withholding Taxes – With a properly completed W-8BEN-E form linked to your EIN, you can claim tax treaty benefits and reduce or eliminate U.S. tax withholding.
- Professional Image – Having a U.S. EIN makes your business look more established in the American market.
- Banking & Payment Flexibility – An EIN is often required for U.S. bank accounts or payment processors.
3. EIN Application Process for Non-US Amazon Sellers
You don’t need to be in the U.S. to apply for an EIN. The process is free and handled directly with the IRS.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
- Legal business name
- Business structure (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.)
- Responsible party’s name and ID (passport is fine for non-US citizens)
- Business address (can be your foreign address)
- Reason for applying: “Compliance with IRS withholding regulations” or “Starting a new business in the U.S.”
Step 2: Complete Form SS-4
The SS-4 form is the official application for an EIN. Key points for non-US applicants:
- Leave the “SSN or ITIN” field blank (unless you already have one).
- For “County and State,” write “N/A – Foreign.”
- For “Third Party Designee,” you can use an authorized service provider if you want someone to handle the process for you.
Step 3: Submit to the IRS
Non-US sellers cannot apply online — you must apply via phone or fax:
- By Phone (Fastest): Call +1-267-941-1099 (Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. EST).
- By Fax: Send the completed SS-4 form to +1-304-707-9471.
If you call, the IRS representative will issue your EIN immediately at the end of the call.
Step 4: Update Your Amazon Seller Central
Once you receive your EIN:
- Go to Settings → Tax Information in Seller Central.
- Enter your new EIN and complete the W-8BEN-E form.
- Save and verify that your tax status is updated.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using personal SSN instead of EIN – This can cause delays or incorrect tax classification.
- Providing incorrect business type – Make sure your business entity matches Amazon’s records.
- Not keeping a copy of your EIN letter – Amazon may request proof in the future.
5. Final Thoughts
For Amazon sellers outside the U.S., having an EIN is more than just a tax requirement — it’s a step toward building a strong presence in the American e-commerce market. The process is free, relatively quick, and can save you from unnecessary tax headaches.
If you want to skip the paperwork and get an EIN quickly, you can use a professional EIN application service to handle the process on your behalf.