Applying for an EIN for a single-member LLC as a foreign owner? Learn the IRS rules, SS-4 form tips, Responsible Party requirements, and how to avoid rejection. SpeedEIN helps you get your EIN in 10 days — fully compliant.
EIN Application for Single-Member LLC: A Complete Guide for Foreign Owners
You’ve formed a single-member LLC (SMLLC) in the United States — a smart move for asset protection and US market access.
Now, to open a bank account, use Stripe, or file taxes, you need an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
But as a foreign owner, the EIN application process can be confusing — especially when the IRS form asks for a “Responsible Party,” SSN, and mailing address.
This guide walks you through the entire EIN application process for a single-member LLC, explains key IRS rules, and shows you how to avoid the most common pitfalls — all while staying 100% compliant.
✅ Why Does a Single-Member LLC Need an EIN?
Even though a single-member LLC is a disregarded entity for tax purposes (meaning profits pass through to the owner), it still needs an EIN if:
- You plan to open a US business bank account
- You want to hire employees (even part-time)
- You need to file business tax returns (e.g., Form 1120, 1040-NR)
- You use payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Shopify
- You apply for business licenses or merchant accounts
📌 Key Point: The IRS treats your SMLLC as a separate entity for reporting and banking purposes — so an EIN is required.
🚫 Myth: “I Don’t Need an EIN Because I’m the Only Owner”
❌ False. Ownership structure doesn’t exempt you from needing an EIN.
Whether your LLC has one member or ten, if it operates in the US or interacts with US financial systems, you must have an EIN.
Even if you’re a non-resident alien with no US employees, banks and platforms will require your EIN before onboarding.
📋 Step-by-Step EIN Application for Single-Member LLC
Follow this IRS-compliant process to apply for an EIN for your SMLLC.
Step 1: Identify the Responsible Party
For a single-member LLC, the Responsible Party is you — the individual owner.
📌 IRS Rule (Publication 1635):
The Responsible Party is the person who controls, manages, or directs the entity and has authority over its funds.
✅ You must list your full name and personal details — not your agent, lawyer, or virtual office.
❌ Never list a company or third party — this violates IRS rules and risks EIN revocation.
Step 2: Complete Form SS-4 Accurately
The SS-4 form is your official EIN application. One error can cause rejection or weeks of delay.
Here’s how to fill out key fields for a foreign-owned single-member LLC:
| Field | What to Enter | Critical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Name | Exact LLC name (e.g., “ABC Tech LLC”) | Must match state filing exactly |
| 2. Trade Name (DBA) | Leave blank unless registered | Only if you filed a DBA |
| 4. Principal Activity Code | Choose correct IRS industry code | Based on your business type |
| 5a. Business Location | Physical address or registered agent | Must be valid |
| 5b. Mailing Address | US address for CP575 delivery | Must be deliverable (no PO Box) |
| 7. Responsible Party | Your full name (the owner) | Not your agent or company |
| 8. SSN/ITIN | Leave blank + add: “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” | Required for non-residents |
| 9. Date Business Started | MM/DD/YYYY format (e.g., 04/01/2025) | Format errors cause delays |
| 10. First Wages Paid | “None” or “Not Applicable” | If no employees |
| 17. Signature | Handwritten signature of Responsible Party | Digital signatures not accepted |
📌 Pro Tip: The IRS receives thousands of SS-4 forms weekly. A clean, error-free submission gets processed faster.
**Step 3: Submit Your EIN Application
Since you can’t apply online (no SSN/ITIN), use one of these IRS-approved methods:
| Method | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| By Fax | 4–6 weeks | Fastest option with proof of submission |
| By Mail | 6–8 weeks | Use if fax isn’t available |
| By Phone | 4+ weeks | Only if you have a US phone number |
📬 Recommended: Fax your SS-4 to the IRS International Unit at 855-641-6935 — it’s faster and more reliable than mail.
Step 4: Receive Your CP575 Letter
After approval, the IRS sends the CP575 to the mailing address on your SS-4.
This letter is your official EIN confirmation and includes:
- Your LLC’s name and EIN
- Your name as Responsible Party
- Issue date and tax obligations
⚠️ Critical: If your mailing address is invalid or hidden by a service provider, you won’t receive the CP575 — and your bank may reject your account.
🛑 5 Common EIN Application Mistakes for SMLLCs
- ❌ Mistake: Listing Agent as Responsible Party
→ Fix: The owner must be listed — not a third party. - ❌ Mistake: No Note in Field 8
→ Fix: Add “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” when leaving SSN/ITIN blank. - ❌ Mistake: Using PO Box as Mailing Address
→ Fix: Use a real US street address (friend, family, or verified virtual office). - ❌ Mistake: Digital or Missing Signature
→ Fix: The Responsible Party must sign in ink. - ❌ Mistake: Wrong Business Start Date
→ Fix: Use MM/DD/YYYY — e.g., 05/15/2025.
🚀 SpeedEIN: Fast, Compliant EIN Application for SMLLCs
We specialize in helping foreign-owned single-member LLCs get their EIN — quickly, correctly, and legally.
✅ 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
- Guide you to receive your CP575 safely
- Provide 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 retention
📞 Apply for Your SMLLC’s EIN — the Right Way
Don’t risk rejection, delays, or compliance issues. Let SpeedEIN handle your EIN application — so you can focus on growing your US business.
📌 You Provide:
- LLC Articles of Organization
- Your passport (Responsible Party)
- Valid US mailing address
📩 Get Started Today: Visit SpeedEIN.com and apply now.