Six months ago, I launched my first brand on Amazon.com.
I had done the research:
- ✅ Formed a U.S. LLC in Wyoming
- ✅ Registered my brand
- ✅ Shipped inventory to FBA
But when Amazon sent the tax verification email — “Please provide your EIN” — I froze.
“What’s an EIN? And how do I get one if I don’t have a Social Security Number?”
I wasn’t alone.
After hours of Googling “EIN application for foreign owners”, I found conflicting advice, IRS PDFs, and horror stories of 6-week delays.
But here’s what I learned:
✅ You don’t need an SSN to get an EIN.
✅ You don’t need to live in the U.S.
✅ You can get it in 10 business days — from anywhere in the world.Let me show you how I did it — and why every Amazon seller should get their EIN before launching.
🛑 Why Amazon Asks for an EIN — And What Happens If You Don’t Have One
When you sell under a U.S. LLC, the IRS sees you as a U.S. business — even if you’re based in the UK, India, Japan, or Germany.
That means:
- You must have an EIN (like a business tax ID)
- You may need to file Form 5472 annually
- You must verify your identity with Amazon using official documents
Without an EIN: ❌ Amazon may suspend your account
❌ Your payouts could be blocked
❌ You can’t access Amazon Ads, Brand Analytics, or LendingI learned this the hard way — my account was stuck in verification for 3 months because I didn’t have my EIN or the CP575 letter.
🔍 What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS. It’s required for:
- 🏦 Opening a U.S. business bank account (Mercury, Wise, Relay)
- 💳 Connecting Stripe, PayPal, Payoneer
- 📄 Filing U.S. taxes
- 🛒 Verifying on Amazon Seller Central
Think of it as your business passport into the U.S. economy.
🚫 The Problem: You Can’t Apply Online Without an SSN
The IRS allows online EIN applications — but only if you have:
- A Social Security Number (SSN)
- Or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- A U.S. phone number and address
If you’re a non-U.S. resident, you’re locked out.
So what are your options?
✅ My Solution: A Fast, Legal EIN Application (No SSN Needed)
After days of research, I found a third-party designee service that submits Form SS-4 to the IRS on your behalf.
This is 100% legal — allowed under IRS Revenue Procedure 2002-53.
Here’s how I got my EIN in 10 business days:
Step 1: Fill Out a Simple Online Form
I entered:
- My LLC name and state
- Date of formation
- My passport details
- My U.S. mailing address (my registered agent’s address)
No SSN. No hassle.
Step 2: Upload Documents
- Copy of Articles of Organization
- Scan of my passport
- Proof of U.S. address
Everything was encrypted and secure.
Step 3: They Submitted to the IRS
The service (I used SpeedEIN) completed Form SS-4, added the IRS-approved note — “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” — and faxed it to the IRS.
Step 4: Got My EIN + CP575 Letter
- ✅ EIN delivered by email in 10 days
- 📬 CP575 (official IRS letter) arrived at my U.S. address 2 weeks later
I uploaded everything to Amazon Seller Central, and my account was verified within 24 hours.
📌 Why the CP575 Letter Matters
The CP575 is the official IRS confirmation of your EIN.
Amazon, Mercury, Stripe — they all may ask for it.
Keep a digital copy. Never lose the original.
💡 Pro Tips for Amazon Sellers
- Get your EIN early — don’t wait until Amazon asks.
- Use your personal name as the Responsible Party — not your agent or company.
- Keep your U.S. address active — that’s where the CP575 gets mailed.
- File Form 5472 every year — even if you made $0.
- Use Mercury or Wise — they accept foreign owners with EIN + CP575.
🚀 Ready to Get Your EIN?
If you’re building a real brand on Amazon, an EIN isn’t optional — it’s essential.
And you don’t need to wait 6 weeks or risk IRS rejection.
👉 I recommend SpeedEIN.com — they helped me, and they’ve helped thousands of Amazon sellers just like you.
It’s fast, simple, and designed for global entrepreneurs.
P.S. Have questions about EINs, U.S. LLCs, or Amazon taxes? Drop them in the comments — I’ll answer every one.
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