Applying for an EIN as a foreign owner of a US LLC? Learn the correct way to list the Responsible Party, avoid revocation, and open a US bank account. No SSN required. IRS-compliant guide for 2025.
You’ve formed a US LLC as a non-US resident. You have your Articles of Organization, EIN is next — but you’re stuck on one question:
“Can I, as a foreign owner, legally get an EIN for my US LLC — and how do I do it without making a costly mistake?”
The answer is: Yes, you can. And you don’t need an SSN, ITIN, or US address to apply.
But — and this is critical — 90% of foreign-owned LLCs make one of two fatal errors on Form SS-4:
- ❌ Listing a third-party agent as the Responsible Party
- ❌ Providing an invalid mailing address for the CP575
These mistakes can lead to:
- 🚫 EIN revocation
- 🏦 Bank account rejection
- 📑 IRS penalties under Form 5472
- 🔐 FinCEN BOI reporting mismatches
In this complete 2025 guide, you’ll learn:
- ✅ The IRS rules for foreign-owned LLC EINs (per Publication 1635)
- 📌 Who must be listed as the Responsible Party
- 📬 How to receive your CP575 without a US address
- 🏦 How to align your EIN with Mercury, Chase, or Novo bank requirements
- 📑 The link between your EIN and Form 5472 & BOI Report
- ✅ How SpeedEIN helps you apply 100% compliant — no SSN, no stress
This isn’t just about getting an EIN. It’s about building a compliant US business foundation that lasts.
🔍 Step 1: Understand Your LLC’s Tax Status
Before applying for an EIN, know your LLC’s default tax classification:
| LLC Type | Default Tax Status | EIN Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Member LLC (SMLLC) | Disregarded Entity | ✅ Yes (if hiring employees, opening bank account, or electing corporate tax) |
| Multi-Member LLC | Partnership | ✅ Yes (must file Form 1065) |
| LLC electing C-Corp or S-Corp | Corporation | ✅ Yes (must file Form 1120) |
📌 Key Point: Even as a foreign owner, if your LLC does business in the US, has a US bank account, or files US taxes, you must have an EIN.
📋 Step 2: Fill Out Form SS-4 Correctly (Critical Fields)
Form SS-4 is the only way to apply for an EIN as a foreign entity. Here are the key fields for foreign-owned LLCs:
✅ Line 1: Legal Business Name
Exactly as filed in your state (e.g., “TechNova LLC”)
✅ Line 2: Trade Name (DBA)
If applicable (e.g., “TechNova Solutions”)
✅ Line 5: Responsible Party — THE MOST IMPORTANT FIELD
“The responsible party is the individual who has significant control or ownership of the entity.” — IRS Publication 1635
For a foreign-owned LLC, this must be:
- The owner (for SMLLC)
- The managing member or controller (for multi-member)
- A natural person — not a company or agent
🚫 Never list: Your registered agent, lawyer, or EIN service provider.
✅ Line 6: Mailing Address
This is where the IRS sends your CP575. It must be a valid US address (PO Box accepted if serviced by USPS).
You can use:
- Registered agent’s address
- Virtual mailbox
- Trusted contact in the US
✅ Line 7a: Responsible Party’s SSN/ITIN
If you don’t have one, write: “Foreign national without SSN or ITIN”
💡 Pro Tip: The IRS accepts this explanation. Do not invent a number or leave it blank.
📬 Step 3: Receiving Your CP575 — The Final Hurdle
The CP575 is the official IRS confirmation of your EIN. It is only sent by US mail to the mailing address on Form SS-4.
⚠️ Problem: If you’re overseas, you can’t receive it.
✅ Solution: Use a US-based address that can scan and email the CP575 to you.
At SpeedEIN, we partner with a licensed registered agent in Wyoming who:
- Receives your CP575
- Scans it within 24 hours
- Sends the PDF securely to your email
No delay. No travel. Full compliance.
🏦 Step 4: Use Your EIN to Open a US Bank Account
Once you have your EIN and CP575, you can open a US bank account with providers like:
- Mercury
- Chase
- Novo
- Relay
They will verify:
- Business name on CP575
- EIN number
- Responsible Party name (must match owner’s ID)
- Mailing address (must be valid)
📌 Tip: If your CP575 shows a third party as Responsible Party, your account will be rejected.
📑 Step 5: Ongoing Compliance — Form 5472 & BOI Report
Your EIN is not just for banking. It’s required for IRS and federal reporting:
📄 Form 5472
Required for foreign-owned US disregarded entities (e.g., single-member LLCs).
- File with Form 1120 (even with $0 income)
- Report transactions with foreign owners or related parties
- Failure to file: $25,000 penalty
📋 FinCEN BOI Report
Required under the Corporate Transparency Act.
- Report beneficial owners and company applicants
- Deadline: Within 90 days of LLC formation (for 2024+ formations)
- Your EIN may be used to verify identity
⚠️ Warning: Inconsistent data between your EIN application, BOI report, and tax filings can trigger IRS audits.
✅ Why SpeedEIN Is the Trusted Choice for Foreign Owners
Thousands of international entrepreneurs choose SpeedEIN because we prioritize compliance, transparency, and speed.
Here’s how we help you get it right:
- ✅ You are the Responsible Party — never us
- ✅ No SSN/ITIN? No problem. We guide you on the correct explanation
- ✅ US Mailing Address Included — CP575 scanned and emailed fast
- ✅ Email Support in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic
- ✅ 10-Day EIN Delivery — faxed directly to IRS
We don’t cut corners. We help you build a business that lasts.
📥 Free Download: “Checklist: 7 Must-Dos After Getting Your LLC EIN”
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Submit SS-4 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 of Receipt |
🚀 Get Your EIN — 100% Compliant, No SSN Needed
Don’t risk your US business on a wrong EIN application.
Get it right the first time — with SpeedEIN.
👉 Apply Now – Get Your EIN in 10 Days
SpeedEIN: Trusted by 5,000+ global founders. Your EIN. Your LLC. Your control.