Applying for an EIN as a multi-member LLC with foreign owners? Learn how to complete the ein application correctly, who signs, and how to avoid IRS rejection. SpeedEIN helps international partners get EIN in 10 days — compliant & fast.
ein application for multi-member llc: how foreign partners apply (2025)
You and your business partners have formed a multi-member LLC in the US. You’re ready to open a bank account, file taxes, and start operating.
But before you can do any of that, you need an EIN — and you’re unsure how to complete the ein application when:
🌍 One or more partners are foreign nationals
🧾 No one has an SSN or ITIN
🔀 There’s more than one owner
You’re not alone. The ein application for multi-member LLC with foreign partners is one of the most confusing — and often mishandled — processes.
This 2025 guide shows you exactly how to apply correctly, who must be listed, and how to avoid delays or rejection from the IRS.
✅ what is a multi-member llc?
A multi-member LLC is a limited liability company with two or more owners (members).
By default, the IRS treats it as a partnership for tax purposes — which means it must file Form 1065 annually and issue Schedule K-1 to each member.
To do that, you need an EIN — even if the LLC has no income yet.
📋 who applies for the ein? who signs the ss-4?
Only one person can submit the ein application — but that person must be the responsible party.
✅ who is the responsible party?
The responsible party is the individual who:
- Has control or management authority over the LLC
- Can make financial and operational decisions
- Is listed as the managing member or general partner
📌 In most cases, this is:
- The majority owner (e.g., 60% member)
- Or the designated manager (if specified in the Operating Agreement)
❗ The IRS does not allow “co-responsible parties” — only one individual can be listed.
✅ who signs Form SS-4?
The responsible party must hand-sign Form SS-4 in Field 17.
📌 Example:
- Members: Anna (Germany, 55%), Ben (Canada, 45%)
→ Anna is the responsible party and must sign the SS-4
Even if Ben helps run the business, only Anna signs — because she has majority control.
🌍 special rules for foreign partners
When all or some members are non-US residents, the ein application process changes slightly.
✅ key rules:
- No SSN/ITIN needed
→ In Field 8, write: “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” - Responsible party must be a real person
→ Never list a law firm, agent, or “the company” - Operating Agreement should confirm authority
→ Helps prove who has management control - Passport copy required
→ For identity verification (not submitted to IRS, but kept for records) - US mailing address required
→ For receiving the CP575 letter from the IRS
📄 how to fill out ss-4 for a multi-member llc
Here’s how to complete key fields:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| 4a. Kind of entity | Limited Liability Company |
| 4b. Short name | ABC Partners LLC |
| 7. Responsible Party | Full name of managing member or majority owner |
| 8a. SSN/ITIN | Leave blank → write “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” |
| 8b. Address | Personal address of responsible party (can be outside US) |
| 9. Date business started | Formation date from Articles of Organization |
| 17. Signature | Handwritten signature of responsible party |
📌 Important: The LLC name must exactly match your formation documents.
🚫 common mistakes in ein application for multi-member llc
- ❌ mistake: listing all partners as responsible parties
→ Fix: Only one person can be the responsible party. - ❌ mistake: using a registered agent as signer
→ Fix: The agent doesn’t control the LLC — the owner does. - ❌ mistake: writing “partnership” instead of “LLC”
→ Fix: The legal entity type is LLC, even if taxed as a partnership. - ❌ mistake: no operating agreement
→ Fix: Create one to clarify who has management authority. - ❌ mistake: invalid mailing address
→ Fix: Use a real US street address where the CP575 can be delivered.
🧾 tax implications for multi-member llc with foreign partners
Once you get your EIN, your LLC has tax responsibilities:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Form 1065 | Annual partnership return (due March 15) |
| Schedule K-1 | Issued to each partner for their share of income |
| Withholding (Section 1446) | May apply if foreign partners earn US trade income |
| FBAR / FATCA | May apply if foreign partners have US accounts |
📌 Tip: Consult a US tax professional for compliance — especially with foreign partner reporting.
🚀 speedein: we help multi-member llc with foreign partners get ein fast
We specialize in ein application for multi-member llc with international owners.
✅ what we do:
- Identify the correct responsible party
- Complete SS-4 form with IRS-compliant entries
- Handle foreign owner notes (no SSN/ITIN)
- Submit via fax for faster processing (4–6 weeks)
- Guide you on CP575 delivery and next steps
✅ our guarantee:
- ⏱️ ein in 10 business days
- 📬 cp575 guidance within 20 business days
- 🔐 you remain the responsible party — no third-party control
- 📩 no hidden fees, no document retention
📞 apply for ein as a multi-member llc — the right way
Don’t let complexity delay your business. Let SpeedEIN handle your ein application so your partnership can open a bank account, accept payments, and operate legally.
📌 you provide:
- llc articles of organization
- operating agreement (if available)
- responsible party passport
- valid us mailing address
📩 get started today: speedein.com