Complete guide to the EIN application process in 2025. Apply for an EIN online, by fax, or with help — even without an SSN. Step-by-step instructions for U.S. and international applicants.
You’ve formed your U.S. LLC.
You’re ready to open a bank account, sell on Amazon, or accept payments with Stripe.
But one thing’s missing: your EIN.
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also known as a Federal Tax ID — is required by banks, payment processors, and marketplaces like Amazon to verify your business.
So how do you apply for an EIN?
And what if you don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)?
In this 2025 EIN Application Guide, you’ll learn: ✅ The 3 ways to apply for an EIN
✅ How to apply without an SSN or ITIN
✅ Who can be the Responsible Party
✅ How to fill out Form SS-4 correctly
✅ Why the CP575 letter matters
✅ How SpeedEIN helps you get your EIN in 10 business days — no SSN needed
Let’s walk through the complete EIN application process — step by step.
🔍 What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to identify businesses for tax, banking, and legal purposes.
It’s like a Social Security Number for your business.
You need an EIN to:
- 🏦 Open a U.S. business bank account (Mercury, Wise, Relay)
- 💳 Accept payments via Stripe, PayPal, Payoneer
- 🛒 Sell on Amazon USA (especially with FBA)
- 📄 File U.S. tax returns (e.g., Form 1120, 5472)
- 📑 Comply with KYC/AML requirements
📌 EIN Format: XX-XXXXXXX
📋 Who Needs to Apply for an EIN?
You must apply for an EIN if you:
- ✅ Have a U.S. LLC or Corporation
- ✅ Hire U.S.-based employees
- ✅ File employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms taxes
- ✅ Operate as a partnership or multi-member LLC
- ✅ Are a foreign-owned U.S. entity (e.g., single-member LLC owned by non-resident)
📌 Even single-member LLCs owned by non-U.S. individuals need an EIN for banking and platform compliance.
🚫 Who Cannot Apply Online for an EIN?
The IRS online EIN application is only available to applicants with:
- A valid SSN (Social Security Number)
- Or a valid ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- A U.S. address and phone number
- A U.S.-based IP address
❌ This means the online method is NOT available to:
- Non-U.S. residents
- Foreign-owned LLCs
- International entrepreneurs
- Anyone without an SSN/ITIN
But don’t worry — there are two other IRS-approved methods.
✅ 3 Ways to Apply for an EIN (2025)
🔹 Method 1: Online Application (Fastest — But Limited Access)
Available to: U.S. citizens/residents with SSN or ITIN
Processing Time: Instant (same-day EIN)
Form: IRS Online EIN Assistant
📌 Best for: U.S.-based entrepreneurs with SSN/ITIN.
🔹 Method 2: Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS (Free — But Slow)
Available to: Everyone, including foreign applicants
Form: Form SS-4 (PDF)
Fax Number: 855-641-6935 (for international applicants)
Processing Time: 4–6 weeks
✅ Step-by-Step:
- Download and fill out Form SS-4
- In Part I, Field 8, write:“Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN”
- In Field 7, list your name as the Responsible Party
- Fax to 855-641-6935
- Wait for the CP575 letter at your U.S. mailing address
⚠️ Risks: Lost fax, delays, errors, no tracking, IRS rejection
🔹 Method 3: Use a Third-Party Designee (Recommended for Non-U.S. Applicants)
The IRS allows a third party to submit Form SS-4 on your behalf — as long as you remain the Responsible Party.
This is 100% legal and compliant under IRS rules.
Best for:
- Non-U.S. residents
- Foreign-owned LLCs
- Amazon, Stripe, Mercury users
- Anyone without an SSN
📌 SpeedEIN is a trusted third-party designee that helps thousands of global entrepreneurs apply for their EIN every year.
🚀 How to Apply for an EIN with SpeedEIN (In 10 Business Days)
SpeedEIN streamlines the EIN application for international applicants — no SSN, no stress.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Start Your Application Online
Go to speedein.com and enter:
- Your LLC name and state
- Date of formation
- Business purpose (e.g., “E-commerce”)
- Your details as the Responsible Party
No SSN? No problem — we’ll handle the IRS note.
Step 2: Upload Documents
Securely upload:
- Articles of Organization (LLC formation document)
- Clear passport copy
- U.S. mailing address (for CP575 delivery)
Step 3: We Submit to the IRS
Our experts:
- Complete Form SS-4 with IRS-compliant entries
- Ensure Field 7 is correct
- Fax to the IRS for faster processing
Step 4: Get Your EIN + CP575
- ✅ EIN delivered in 10 business days (via email)
- 📬 Guidance to receive your CP575 letter
You’ll get everything you need for banking, taxes, and platform verification.
📌 Key Section: Form SS-4 – How to Fill It Out Correctly
Here’s how to complete the most important fields — especially if you’re a non-U.S. applicant:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| 1. Legal Name of Entity | Your LLC’s full name (e.g., “ABC Holdings LLC”) |
| 2. Trade Name | If different from legal name (e.g., “Shopify Store”) |
| 4. Street Address | U.S. address (can be registered agent) |
| 7. Name of Responsible Party | Your full name (you, the owner) |
| 8. SSN, ITIN, or REF # | Write: “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” |
| 9. Phone Number | Your international number |
| 10a. Date of Formation | Month, Day, Year your LLC was formed |
| 11. Principal Activity Code | 454110 (E-commerce), 541512 (Web Design), etc. |
| 12. Business Purpose | “Online retail sales”, “E-commerce”, “Software development” |
📌 Important: The Responsible Party (Field 7) must be a real person — not a company. This is you, the owner.
📬 What Is the CP575 Letter?
The CP575 is the official IRS document that confirms your EIN assignment.
You’ll receive it by mail at your U.S. address 2–4 weeks after your EIN is issued.
You need the CP575 for:
- 🏦 Opening a U.S. business bank account (Mercury, Wise)
- 💳 Verifying on Stripe, PayPal, Amazon
- 📄 Filing annual tax returns
📌 Keep a scanned copy — and never lose the original.
❌ Common EIN Application Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad |
|---|---|
| Using a registered agent as Responsible Party | IRS may revoke EIN |
| No U.S. mailing address | CP575 cannot be delivered |
| Blurry or incomplete documents | Delays or rejection |
| Incorrect business purpose | May trigger IRS review |
| Digital signature on SS-4 | IRS requires ink signature |
SpeedEIN reviews every application to prevent these errors.
💬 Why Choose SpeedEIN for Your EIN Application?
| Feature | SpeedEIN |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 10 business days |
| 🌐 Online Application | Yes — from any country |
| 🛡️ IRS Compliance | You remain the responsible party |
| 📎 No SSN/ITIN Required | Yes — designed for foreign owners |
| 📬 CP575 Support | Step-by-step delivery guidance |
| 💬 Customer Support | Direct email — no bots |
| 💰 Transparent Pricing | One flat fee — no hidden charges |
📞 Apply for Your EIN Today — Fast & Stress-Free
Don’t let the IRS application process delay your business.
With SpeedEIN, you can:
- ✅ Complete your EIN application online in minutes
- ✅ Get your IRS-issued EIN in 10 business days
- ✅ Stay compliant and ready for banking, taxes, and e-commerce
📌 You provide:
- LLC Articles of Organization
- Passport copy of responsible party
- Valid U.S. mailing address
📩 Start your EIN application now: speedein.com
📘 Official IRS Resources: