Applying for an EIN as a foreign owner? You can’t apply online through the IRS — but SpeedEIN makes it fast and compliant. Learn how to complete your EIN application in 10 days, no SSN required.
You’ve formed your LLC in the United States. Congratulations!
Now, to open a US bank account, accept payments, or file taxes, you need one essential document:
✅ An EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Also known as a Federal Tax ID Number, the EIN is issued by the IRS and acts as your business’s identity for tax and financial purposes.
But if you’re a non-US resident or foreign entrepreneur, you may have hit a roadblock:
❌ “The IRS does not allow international applicants to apply for an EIN online.”
❌ “You must have an SSN or ITIN to apply.”
That’s only partly true — and it doesn’t mean you can’t get an EIN.
In fact, thousands of foreign owners successfully obtain EINs every year.
This guide will show you exactly how to complete your EIN application as a foreign owner — even without an SSN — and how SpeedEIN makes the process fast, secure, and IRS-compliant.
🌍 Who Is Considered a “Foreign Owner” by the IRS?
The IRS defines a foreign owner as someone who:
- Is not a US citizen or resident
- Does not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Lives outside the United States
This includes entrepreneurs from:
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇪🇺 European Union
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
- And over 100 other countries
📌 Good news: You do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN for your US-based LLC.
🚫 Why Can’t Foreign Owners Apply for EIN Online?
The IRS’s online EIN application is only available to applicants who:
- Have a valid SSN or ITIN
- Are applying from a US-based IP address
- Use a US phone number
Since most foreign owners don’t meet these criteria, they are blocked from the online portal.
But the IRS does allow foreign-owned LLCs to obtain an EIN — just not through the online system.
✅ How Foreign Owners Can Apply for an EIN
There are two official methods for foreign applicants:
1. Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS
- Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov
- Fill it out with your LLC details
- Write “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” in Part I, Field 8
- Fax it to 855-641-6935
- Wait 4–6 weeks for the CP575 letter
2. Use a Third-Party Designee (Recommended)
The IRS allows a third party — like SpeedEIN — to submit Form SS-4 on your behalf.
📌 This is 100% legal and compliant, as long as:
- You remain the Responsible Party
- The third party does not become the EIN holder
- All documents are submitted correctly
This is the fastest and most reliable way to get your EIN.
🚀 How SpeedEIN Helps You Complete Your EIN Application
SpeedEIN is designed specifically for foreign entrepreneurs who need to apply for an EIN but can’t use the IRS online system.
Here’s how it works:
🔹 Step 1: Start Your Application Online
Visit speedein.com and enter your:
- LLC name and formation state
- Date of formation
- Business purpose
- Responsible party (you)
No SSN? No problem. We’ll add the IRS-approved note:
“Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN”
🔹 Step 2: Upload Your Documents
Securely upload:
- Copy of your LLC Articles of Organization
- Clear scan of your passport
- Confirmation of your US mailing address (for CP575 delivery)
All data is encrypted and never stored longer than necessary.
🔹 Step 3: We Submit to the IRS
Our experts:
- Complete Form SS-4 with IRS-compliant entries
- Ensure Field 7 (Responsible Party) is correct
- Submit via IRS fax line for faster processing
No mailing. No delays. No errors.
🔹 Step 4: Get Your EIN & CP575
- ✅ EIN delivered in 10 business days (via email)
- 📬 CP575 guidance within 20 business days (mailed by IRS to your US address)
You’ll receive your EIN number, IRS assignment details, and next steps.
📌 Why the CP575 Letter Matters
The CP575 is the official IRS letter confirming your EIN assignment. You need it to:
- Open a US business bank account (Wise, Mercury, Chase, etc.)
- Activate Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Pay
- File annual US tax returns
- Prove your business identity to clients and platforms
📌 SpeedEIN ensures your CP575 is issued in your name as the responsible party — so banks and platforms accept it.
🚫 Common Mistakes in EIN Applications for Foreign Owners
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| ❌ Using a registered agent as responsible party | IRS requires the real owner — not a third party |
| ❌ No US mailing address | CP575 must be sent to a physical US street address |
| ❌ Poor document quality | Blurry scans cause delays or rejection |
| ❌ Digital signature instead of handwritten | IRS requires ink signature on SS-4 |
| ❌ Applying with incorrect LLC name | Must match Articles of Organization exactly |
SpeedEIN reviews every application to prevent these errors.
🌐 Who Can Use SpeedEIN?
SpeedEIN supports all foreign entrepreneurs, including:
- ✅ Single-member and multi-member LLCs
- ✅ No SSN or ITIN required
- ✅ All 50 US states (Delaware, Wyoming, Florida, etc.)
- ✅ Entrepreneurs from any country
Whether you’re launching a tech startup, e-commerce store, or consulting business — if you have a US LLC, you can get your EIN with SpeedEIN.
💬 Why Choose SpeedEIN?
| Feature | SpeedEIN |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Processing Time | EIN in 10 business days |
| 🌐 Online Application | Yes — from anywhere in the world |
| 🛡️ IRS Compliance | You remain the responsible party |
| 📎 No SSN/ITIN Required | Yes — we handle foreign owner rules |
| 📬 CP575 Support | Step-by-step delivery guidance |
| 💬 Customer Support | Direct email — no bots, no wait times |
| 💰 Transparent Pricing | One flat fee — no hidden charges |
📞 Apply for Your EIN Today — Even Without an SSN
Don’t let IRS restrictions stop your US business journey.
With SpeedEIN, you can:
- ✅ Complete your entire EIN application online
- ✅ Get your IRS-issued EIN in 10 days
- ✅ Stay fully compliant — no risk of revocation
📌 You provide:
- LLC Articles of Organization
- Passport copy of responsible party
- Valid US mailing address
📩 Start your EIN application now: speedein.com