To open a store on Amazon USA, foreign companies must obtain an EIN from the IRS. This article explains how to apply, common mistakes to avoid, and how to ensure your EIN is valid—helping you launch your Amazon business faster.
Why Do Foreign Companies Need an EIN to Sell on Amazon USA?
If your company is not registered in the United States but wants to sell products on Amazon.com (US marketplace), Amazon requires you to provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number)—a federal tax ID issued by the IRS.
Even if you don’t have a U.S. office, employees, or tax obligations, you still need an EIN to comply with tax regulations like FATCA and other U.S. laws.
The Challenges of Applying for an EIN Yourself
Many business owners try to apply for an EIN on their own and encounter the following issues:
| Common Problem | Description | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete Information | Missing foreign address, legal name, or phone details | IRS ignores the application without notice |
| Incorrect Form Filing | Mistakes in SS-4 fields 7a, 9a, or 28 | Application is rejected or delayed indefinitely |
| No U.S. Phone Number | IRS may not reach international numbers | Your case may be frozen |
| No U.S. Mailing Address | CP575 letter is only mailed physically, not emailed or scanned | Can’t prove EIN is valid |
| Long Processing Time | Manual submission may take 4–8 weeks | Miss Amazon’s account approval deadlines |
| Unqualified Agencies | Many platforms don’t specialize in non-U.S. EINs | Risk of data leaks or scams |
How SpeedEIN Helps You Avoid Mistakes
SpeedEIN.com specializes in helping foreign businesses apply for EINs quickly and correctly. Here’s what we offer:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Human review of your information | Ensures your data meets IRS requirements |
| Submission within 1 business day | Save weeks of waiting |
| Guidance to receive your CP575 letter | Ensures you get the IRS’s physical proof |
| Support for all entity types | Including LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship |
| Global support | We serve clients from China, Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and more |
How to Verify Your EIN Is Real
You must receive the CP 575 letter from the IRS for your EIN to be official. Just hearing “we submitted your EIN” is not sufficient. Amazon often asks for the EIN number or a scan/photo of CP575.
SpeedEIN will guide you through confirming your EIN’s legitimacy and safely storing your CP575 document.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a Hong Kong company apply for an EIN?
Yes. Any legally registered foreign company—including those in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, the UK, etc.—can apply with the correct information.
Q2: Does having an EIN mean I must file U.S. taxes?
Not necessarily. EIN is an identifier. Whether you owe U.S. taxes depends on your business activities.
Q3: How do I fill out the W-8BEN-E form for Amazon?
You must have a valid EIN first. SpeedEIN provides guidance on W-8 form completion.
Q4: Can I reuse one EIN for multiple stores?
No. Each legal entity (e.g., each LLC or Corp) must apply for a separate EIN.
Conclusion: Your EIN Is the First Step to Success
Selling on Amazon USA opens your business to the world. But EIN requirements can be a hidden roadblock. Don’t let IRS delays or paperwork errors hold you back. Trust SpeedEIN to handle everything for you.
📌 Visit us now: https://www.speedein.com
📩 Chat with our team and get free guidance on your EIN application!