Do Amazon sellers need an EIN? Yes — if you’re selling via FBA, forming a US LLC, or verifying your business. Learn the 2025 rules, avoid account suspension, and get your EIN fast — no SSN required.
You’re an international seller. You’ve launched on Amazon US, maybe even using FBA.
Then it happens:
“Complete your tax interview” — Amazon Seller Central
You click. You see questions about US tax classification, EIN, W-8BEN-E… and you panic.
“I’m not American. Do I really need an EIN? What if I ignore it?”
The truth is:
⚠️ If you’re selling on Amazon US with a US LLC, FBA inventory, or business verification — YES, you need an EIN.
And if you don’t complete the tax interview correctly, Amazon can:
- 🚫 Suspend your selling privileges
- 🛑 Withhold 30% of your income (backup withholding)
- ❌ Disqualify you from Brand Registry
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn:
- ✅ When Amazon requires an EIN (vs. when you can use personal info)
- 📌 How to fill out the W-8BEN-E form correctly with your EIN
- 📬 Why the CP575 is mandatory for Amazon business verification
- 🏦 How your EIN connects to Mercury, Chase, or Payoneer
- 📑 The hidden tax rule: Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs
- ✅ How SpeedEIN helps Amazon sellers get compliant — fast, no SSN needed
If you’re serious about selling on Amazon US, this is not optional. It’s compliance 101.
🔍 Do Amazon Sellers Need an EIN? (The 3 Scenarios)
Not every international seller needs an EIN — but most do. Here’s when you must have one:
✅ Scenario 1: You Have a US LLC or Corporation
If you’ve formed a Delaware LLC, Wyoming C-Corp, etc., you need an EIN for:
- Tax filing (even $0 income)
- Amazon business verification
- Opening a US bank account
✅ Scenario 2: You Use Amazon FBA in the US
Even as an individual seller, if you store inventory in US fulfillment centers, Amazon may require an EIN to verify your business status and avoid backup withholding.
✅ Scenario 3: You’re Verified as a “Business” on Amazon
If you applied for Brand Registry, Amazon Ads, or Vendor Express, you’re treated as a business — and need an EIN.
❌ When You Don’t Need an EIN: Selling as an individual from your home country, no US entity, no FBA. You can use your personal ID and W-8BEN (not W-8BEN-E).
📋 Step 1: Complete the Amazon Tax Interview
Go to: Seller Central → Settings → Account Info → Tax Info
You’ll be asked:
- Are you a US person? → No
- What is your US tax classification? → Disregarded Entity (for SMLLC) or Domestic Corporation
- Do you have a US SSN/ITIN? → No
- Do you have an EIN? → Yes (once you get it)
Then you’ll file Form W-8BEN-E — the key document for foreign entities.
📌 Key Field: “US TIN” (Taxpayer Identification Number)
This is where you enter your EIN.
⚠️ Warning: If you leave it blank or write “applied for”, Amazon may apply 30% backup withholding on your sales.
📬 Step 2: Get Your CP575 — Amazon’s Secret Requirement
You can get an EIN, but if you don’t have the CP575 letter, Amazon won’t accept it.
Why?
- Amazon’s verification team requires proof of your EIN
- The CP575 shows your business name, EIN, and IRS authorization
- They cross-check the name and EIN with your LLC documents
🛑 Problem: The CP575 is only mailed to a US address. If you’re in the UK, India, or Germany, you can’t receive it.
✅ Solution: Use a US-based mailing address that can scan and email the CP575 to you.
At SpeedEIN, we partner with a registered agent in Wyoming who receives your CP575 and sends you a scanned copy within 24 hours.
💡 Pro Tip: Never use a fake address or third-party agent as Responsible Party. Amazon verifies ownership — mismatches lead to suspension.
🏦 Step 3: Connect Your EIN to a US Bank Account
Your EIN unlocks US financial tools essential for Amazon sellers:
- Mercury, Novo, Chase: Accept USD payments, lower fees, faster payouts
- Payoneer, Wise: Multi-currency accounts with US routing numbers
When applying, they will ask for:
- EIN (from CP575)
- LLC formation documents
- Responsible Party ID (must match)
If your EIN application was done incorrectly (e.g., agent listed as owner), your account will be rejected.
📑 Step 4: File Form 5472 — The Hidden Tax Rule
If you’re a foreign-owned US LLC (single-member), you must file Form 5472 annually — even if you had $0 income.
- File with a pro-forma Form 1120
- Report transactions between your LLC and yourself (owner)
- Deadline: April 15 (with extensions)
- Potential penalty: $25,000 for non-filing
Your EIN is required to file this form. It’s not optional — it’s IRS law.
📌 Note: The Corporate Transparency Act (BOI Report) also requires you to report beneficial owners. Your EIN helps verify identity.
✅ Why SpeedEIN Is Perfect for Amazon Sellers
We’ve helped 3,000+ Amazon sellers get their EINs — fast, compliant, and stress-free.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- ✅ You are the Responsible Party — never us
- ✅ No SSN/ITIN? No problem. We know the IRS-approved wording
- ✅ US Mailing Address Included — CP575 scanned and emailed fast
- ✅ Amazon-Ready Package — EIN + CP575 + guidance for tax interview
- ✅ 10-Day Delivery — faxed directly to IRS for speed
We don’t just give you an EIN. We give you the tools to stay compliant on Amazon.
📥 Free Download: “Amazon Seller’s EIN Checklist: 6 Steps to Pass the Tax Interview”
⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Get Your EIN?
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Submit Application via SpeedEIN | Same Day |
| IRS Assigns EIN | 7–10 Business Days |
| CP575 Mailed to US Address | 10–20 Business Days |
| CP575 Scanned & Sent to You | Within 24 Hours |
🚀 Get Your EIN — Unlock Your Amazon US Potential
Don’t let tax confusion slow down your Amazon business.
Get your EIN right — the first time.
👉 Apply Now – Get Your EIN in 10 Days
SpeedEIN: Trusted by Amazon sellers in 120+ countries. No SSN. No US address. No stress.