Complete guide to ein application for single-member LLC with foreign owners. Learn how to apply without SSN, who is the responsible party, where to get CP575, and avoid IRS rejection. SpeedEIN helps you get EIN in 10 days — compliant & fast.
ein application for single-member llc: foreign owner guide (2025)
You’ve formed your single-member LLC in the US. You’re excited to open a bank account, accept payments, and grow your business.
But there’s one hurdle: the ein application.
As a foreign owner without an SSN or ITIN, you can’t apply online. You’ve heard mailing takes 6–8 weeks — and one mistake could mean rejection.
You’re not alone. Thousands of international entrepreneurs face the same challenge every year.
This 2025 guide walks you through the entire ein application for single-member LLC — step by step — so you can apply correctly, avoid delays, and receive your CP575 letter without issues.
✅ what is a single-member llc?
A single-member LLC (SMLLC) is a limited liability company with only one owner.
Despite having one member, it’s a separate legal entity — which means:
- It can open US bank accounts
- Enter into contracts
- And must obtain an EIN if it hires employees or is taxed as a corporation
📌 By default, the IRS treats a single-member LLC as a disregarded entity — meaning income flows to the owner’s personal tax return.
But even as a disregarded entity, you still need an EIN for banking and compliance.
📋 can a foreign owner get an ein for a single-member llc?
Yes — absolutely.
The IRS allows foreign nationals to apply for an EIN for their US-based single-member LLC — even without:
- A Social Security Number (SSN)
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Or a US citizenship
📌 You just need:
- A valid US LLC formation (Articles of Organization)
- A responsible party (you)
- A US mailing address for the CP575 letter
🧾 how to complete the ein application (form ss-4)
Here’s how to fill out Form SS-4 correctly as a foreign owner:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| 1. Reason for applying | Started a new business |
| 4a. Kind of entity | Limited Liability Company |
| 4b. Short name | Your LLC Name (e.g., Alpha Tech LLC) |
| 5a. Principal business address | Your US formation address (e.g., Wyoming) |
| 5b. Mailing address | ✅ Valid US street address — no PO Box |
| 7. Responsible Party | Your full legal name — not your agent or company |
| 8a. SSN/ITIN | Leave blank → write: Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN |
| 8b. Address | Your personal address (can be outside the US) |
| 9. Date business started | Your LLC’s formation date (from Articles) |
| 17. Signature | Your handwritten signature — must be in ink |
📌 Key Rule: The LLC name must exactly match your formation documents.
🌍 special rules for foreign owners
✅ 1. No SSN? No problem.
The IRS does not require an SSN or ITIN for foreign applicants. Just write the note in Field 8.
✅ 2. You are the responsible party
Even if you use a registered agent, you — the owner — must be listed in Field 7.
❌ Never list:
- Your lawyer
- Your agent
- “The Manager”
- Or a third-party service
The IRS wants transparency — and may revoke your EIN if they discover a hidden owner.
✅ 3. You need a US mailing address
The CP575 (EIN assignment letter) is mailed by USPS to the address in Field 5b.
📌 Acceptable options:
- A friend or family member in the US
- A virtual office with mail handling
- A co-working space that accepts USPS
❌ PO Boxes are not accepted for CP575 delivery.
📄 what documents do you need?
For a successful ein application, prepare:
- LLC Articles of Organization (PDF copy)
- Responsible Party Passport (for identity verification)
- Operating Agreement (optional but recommended)
- US Mailing Address (where CP575 will be sent)
📌 You do not need:
- SSN/ITIN
- US phone number
- US bank account (yet)
🚫 common mistakes in ein application for single-member llc
- ❌ mistake: listing the registered agent as responsible party
→ Fix: You are the owner — you must be listed. - ❌ mistake: using a PO Box as mailing address
→ Fix: Use a real US street address that receives USPS. - ❌ mistake: poor quality fax or scan
→ Fix: Use high-resolution scanning and “Fine” fax mode. - ❌ mistake: no handwritten signature
→ Fix: Sign in ink — digital or typed names are invalid. - ❌ mistake: wrong entity type
→ Fix: SelectLimited Liability Company, notSole Proprietorship.
📬 how to receive the cp575 letter
After 4–6 weeks (fax) or 6–8 weeks (mail), the IRS will send the CP575 to your US mailing address.
This letter includes:
- Your LLC’s legal name
- Your EIN (e.g., 12-3456789)
- Your name as Responsible Party
- Issue date and tax responsibilities
📌 Critical: Keep this letter safe — it’s required to:
- Open a US bank account
- Apply for Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Seller
- File US taxes annually
🚀 speedein: we handle your ein application for single-member llc
We help foreign entrepreneurs apply for EINs — quickly, correctly, and in full IRS compliance.
✅ what we do:
- Complete your SS-4 form with precision
- Verify your valid US mailing address
- Submit via fax (855-641-6935) for faster processing
- Provide CP575 delivery guidance
- Offer direct email support — no bots, no wait times
✅ our guarantee:
- ⏱️ ein in 10 business days
- 📬 cp575 guidance within 20 business days
- 🔐 100% IRS compliant — you are the responsible party
- 📩 no hidden fees, no document retention
📞 apply for ein as a foreign-owned single-member llc
Stop guessing. Let SpeedEIN handle your ein application — so you can focus on growing your US business.
📌 you provide:
- llc articles of organization
- responsible party passport
- valid us mailing address
📩 get started today: speedein.com
📘 official irs resources: