Applying for an EIN as a foreign-owned LLC owner? This step-by-step guide walks you through the IRS EIN application process, SS-4 form tips, mailing address rules, and CP575 delivery. Avoid rejection. SpeedEIN helps you get your EIN in 10 days — 100% compliant.
EIN Application for Foreign-Owned LLC: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
You’ve successfully registered your LLC in the United States — congratulations! But now comes a critical next step: completing the EIN application.
For foreign-owned LLCs, the EIN (Employer Identification Number) is not just a formality — it’s your gateway to US banking, payment processing, and tax compliance. Yet, the process is full of hidden traps, especially if you’re unfamiliar with IRS rules.
This guide walks you through the entire EIN application process for foreign-owned LLCs — from filling out the SS-4 form to receiving your CP575 confirmation letter — and shows you how to avoid the most common mistakes.
✅ Why Do You Need an EIN for Your Foreign-Owned LLC?
An EIN is a 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS (e.g., 12-3456789). It’s required for:
- Opening a US business bank account
- Setting up Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon Pay
- Filing federal and state tax returns (e.g., Form 1065, 1120)
- Applying for business licenses or merchant accounts
- Building business credit in the US
📌 Important: Even if your LLC has no employees and you live outside the US, you still need an EIN if you plan to do business in the US.
🚫 The #1 Myth: “I Can Apply for EIN Online”
❌ False. The IRS does not allow non-US residents without an SSN or ITIN to apply for an EIN online.
The IRS EIN Assistant is only available to applicants with:
- A US Social Security Number (SSN), or
- A US Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
👉 If you’re a foreign national — you cannot use the online portal.
📋 Step-by-Step EIN Application Process for Foreign-Owned LLCs
Here’s the correct process to apply for an EIN as a non-US resident:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting the EIN application, collect:
- LLC Formation Documents (Articles of Organization)
- EIN Responsible Party’s Passport (must be the actual individual owner/controller)
- US Mailing Address (for receiving IRS CP575 letter — cannot be a PO Box)
- Business Purpose & Industry Code (IRS Activity Code)
💡 Tip: The Responsible Party must be a real person — not a company or agent. This is required by IRS Publication 1635.
Step 2: Complete Form SS-4 (Correctly!)
The SS-4 form is the official IRS application for an EIN. It has 18 sections and ~35 fields — one error can lead to rejection.
🔥 Most Critical Fields for Foreign-Owned LLCs:
| Field | What to Enter | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Name | Exact LLC name as filed with the state | Typos, missing “LLC” |
| 5a. Business Address | Physical location or registered agent address | Using invalid virtual office |
| 5b. Mailing Address | Where IRS sends CP575 (must be deliverable) | Using PO Box or temporary address |
| 7. Responsible Party | Individual owner’s full name (not company) | Listing agent or law firm |
| 8. SSN/ITIN | Leave blank + add note: “Non-U.S. Resident” | Leaving blank without explanation |
| 17. Signature | Handwritten signature of Responsible Party | Digital or missing signature |
📌 Pro Tip: Never let a third party list themselves as the Responsible Party — this violates IRS rules and can result in EIN revocation.
Step 3: Submit Your EIN Application
Since you can’t apply online, choose one of these IRS-approved methods:
| Method | How It Works | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Fax | Fax SS-4 to IRS service center | 4–6 weeks |
| By Mail | Mail SS-4 to IRS address | 6–8 weeks |
| By Phone | Call IRS International Unit (only with US number) | 4+ weeks |
📬 Best Practice: Use fax submission — it’s faster than mail and provides proof of sending.
Step 4: Wait for CP575 Letter
After approval, the IRS sends the CP575 letter to the mailing address on your SS-4.
This letter is your official EIN confirmation and includes:
- Business name and EIN
- Responsible Party name
- Date issued
- Tax filing requirements
⚠️ Risk Alert: If your mailing address is invalid or hidden by a service provider, you won’t receive the CP575 — and banks may reject your account.
🛑 5 Common EIN Application Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even small errors can delay or reject your EIN application. Here are the top 5:
- ❌ Mistake: Using Agent as Responsible Party
→ Fix: The Responsible Party must be the individual owner, not a company. - ❌ Mistake: Invalid Mailing Address
→ Fix: Use a real US address where mail can be received (friend, family, or verified virtual office). - ❌ Mistake: No Handwritten Signature
→ Fix: The Responsible Party must sign in ink — digital signatures are not accepted. - ❌ Mistake: Wrong “Reason for Applying”
→ Fix: Select the correct reason (e.g., “Started a new business”). - ❌ Mistake: Mismatched Business Name
→ Fix: Match exactly with your state-registered LLC name — including punctuation.
🚀 SpeedEIN: Your Trusted Partner for EIN Application
We know the EIN application is stressful for foreign entrepreneurs. SpeedEIN provides expert support to ensure your application is correct, fast, and fully compliant.
✅ What We Do:
- Accurately complete your SS-4 form (all 35 fields)
- Verify your Responsible Party and mailing address
- Submit via fax for faster processing
- Provide CP575 delivery guidance
- Offer email support throughout the process
✅ Our Guarantee:
- ⏱️ EIN delivered in 10 business days
- 📬 CP575 guidance within 20 business days
- 🔐 100% IRS compliant — you are the Responsible Party
- 📩 No hidden fees, no document withholding
📞 Ready to Complete Your EIN Application?
Don’t risk rejection or delays. Let SpeedEIN handle your EIN application — so you can focus on growing your US business.
📌 You Provide:
- LLC formation documents
- Responsible Party passport
- US mailing address
📩 Get Started Today: Visit SpeedEIN.com and apply now.
📘 Official IRS Resources: