Is an ein application the same as a tax ID? Learn the difference between EIN, SSN, ITIN, and TIN. Get your EIN fast for your LLC — even without an SSN. SpeedEIN helps foreign entrepreneurs apply in minutes.
ein application vs tax id: what’s the difference?
You’re setting up your US LLC. You’ve heard you need a tax ID.
But then you see: EIN, TIN, SSN, ITIN — and the ein application form (SS-4).
“Are they the same?”
“Do I need more than one?”
“Can I apply without an SSN?”
Confusion around ein application vs tax id is common — especially for foreign entrepreneurs.
The truth?
✅ An EIN is a type of tax ID — but not all tax IDs are EINs.
This 2025 guide breaks down the key differences, so you know exactly which one your business needs — and how to get it, even without an SSN.
✅ what is a tax id?
A tax identification number (TIN) is a generic term for any number the IRS uses to identify taxpayers.
There are five main types of TINs:
| Type | Full Name | Used By |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | Employer Identification Number | Businesses, LLCs, corporations |
| SSN | Social Security Number | US citizens and residents |
| ITIN | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | Non-resident aliens, foreign owners |
| ATIN | Adoption Taxpayer ID Number | Temporary for children in adoption process |
| PTIN | Preparer Tax ID Number | Tax professionals |
📌 In most cases, when people say “tax ID,” they mean EIN — especially for businesses.
🔍 ein application vs tax id: key differences
| Feature | EIN | Other Tax IDs (SSN/ITIN) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For businesses (LLCs, corps, partnerships) | For individuals (owners, employees) |
| Form Used | SS-4 (ein application) | SS-5 (SSN), W-7 (ITIN) |
| Who Applies | LLC owner, corporation, trust | Individual person |
| Needed For | Open bank account, hire employees, file business taxes | File personal taxes, claim dependents |
| Foreign Owners | ✅ Yes — no SSN needed | ITIN: ✅ Yes | SSN: ❌ No |
📌 Bottom Line:
- Your LLC needs an EIN
- You (the owner) may need an ITIN — but only if you have US-source income
🏢 what is an ein?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also called a Federal Tax ID Number — is a 9-digit number (e.g., 12-3456789) assigned by the IRS to identify your business.
It’s like a Social Security Number for your company.
✅ you need an ein if your llc:
- Has employees
- Files employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms taxes
- Is taxed as a corporation or partnership
- Has a Keogh plan
- Or is owned by a foreign person (common for non-US owners)
📌 Even if not required, most single-member LLCs get an EIN to:
- Open a US bank account
- Use Stripe, PayPal, Amazon
- Keep personal and business finances separate
🧑 what is an itin? do you need it for ein application?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax ID for foreign nationals and others who can’t get an SSN.
❓ Do you need an ITIN to apply for an EIN?
No.
You can complete your ein application without an ITIN or SSN.
📌 On Form SS-4, Field 8, simply write:
“Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN”
The IRS accepts this for foreign-owned LLCs.
📄 can you apply for ein and itin at the same time?
No — and here’s why:
| Application | Form | Process | Can Foreigners Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | SS-4 | By fax, mail, or third party | ✅ Yes |
| ITIN | W-7 | Must be filed with federal tax return | ✅ Yes, but only when filing taxes |
📌 Key Point:
You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN.
But if you earn US-source income, you may need to apply for an ITIN later — when you file your personal tax return.
🚫 common myths about ein application and tax id
- ❌ myth: “I need an SSN to get an EIN”
→ Truth: Foreign owners can apply with passport only — no SSN needed. - ❌ myth: “My registered agent can get the EIN for me”
→ Truth: The responsible party (you) must be listed — not the agent. - ❌ myth: “EIN and tax ID are different numbers”
→ Truth: EIN is the business tax ID. They’re the same. - ❌ myth: “I can use my SSN instead of an EIN”
→ Truth: Possible for sole props — but not recommended for LLCs (breaks liability protection). - ❌ myth: “I need an ITIN before applying for EIN”
→ Truth: No. You can get your EIN first — ITIN later, if needed.
🚀 speedein: get your ein application approved — no ssN needed
We help thousands of foreign entrepreneurs get their EIN — fast, compliant, and without an SSN.
✅ what we do:
- Complete your SS-4 form with correct TIN entries
- Write “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” in Field 8
- Submit via fax for faster processing
- Guide you to receive your CP575 letter
- Provide IRS-compliant support — you remain the responsible party
✅ our guarantee:
- ⏱️ ein in 10 business days
- 📬 cp575 guidance within 20 business days
- 🔐 100% irs compliance — no third-party control
- 📩 no hidden fees, no document retention
📞 apply for ein — the right way
Stop overcomplicating tax IDs. Your ein application is simple when you know the rules.
Let SpeedEIN handle it — so you can open your bank account and start selling.