Non-US residents or companies often cannot apply for an EIN online via the IRS website. This guide explains the full application process, common mistakes, hidden compliance risks, and compares service providers so you can obtain your EIN and CP-575 securely and quickly.
🏁 Introduction
For many non-US residents or companies without a physical business presence in the United States, obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the first step to doing business in America. However, the IRS application rules are complex, especially due to online application restrictions, strict field requirements, and Responsible Party compliance issues, which frequently lead to delays or outright rejections.
SpeedEIN specializes in assisting non-US applicants with EIN services, helping clients obtain an EIN within 10 business days and receive the CP-575 confirmation letter within 20 business days, while avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes.
📌 Why Can’t Non-US Residents Apply for an EIN Online?
According to IRS Publication 1635 and official guidance:
- The IRS EIN Assistant online system is only available to applicants with a principal business location in the US.
- If you use a non-US address or the Responsible Party is not a US person, you must apply by phone or by submitting a paper SS-4 form.
- This means non-US residents must communicate with the IRS across time zones, and the SS-4 form contains 18 sections and 35 main fields, where any small error could result in rejection.
📋 Key SS-4 Form Fields and Common Difficulties
| SS-4 Field No. | Field Name | Difficulty | Common Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal name | Must match the company’s registration documents exactly | Misspelling or abbreviation mismatch | Rejection or delay |
| 4a-4b | Mailing Address | Official IRS communication address | Using virtual or incorrect address | CP-575 not received |
| 7a-7b | Responsible Party | Must be a real individual | Using service provider’s info | Violation of IRS rules, EIN can be revoked |
| 9a-9b | Entity Type | Correct selection for LLC, Corporation, etc. | Selecting wrong type | Must reapply |
| 10 | Reason for applying | Must match business purpose | Vague wording | Processing delays |
| 18 | Closing month of accounting year | Must specify month | Leaving blank or mismatch | Processing delays |
⚠️ Common Pitfalls and “Traps”
1. Mailing Address Issues
The IRS sends the CP-575 confirmation letter and all important tax notices to the Mailing Address provided on your application. If this address is invalid or incorrect, consequences can be severe.
Many low-cost service providers fail to mention this and may even use virtual addresses. If the IRS verifies it, your EIN could be rendered invalid.
2. Responsible Party Violations
The IRS requires the Responsible Party to be the actual individual controlling the company—not a fictitious name, corporate entity, or service provider. Some non-compliant providers use their own information, which is illegal and can cause serious tax issues later.
3. Incorrect Information
The SS-4 form demands exact spelling, capitalization, and formatting. Even a minor typo can delay your application for weeks.
🆚 Service Provider Comparison
| Feature / Provider | SpeedEIN | Low-Cost Agent | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN Processing Time | 10 business days | 3–6 weeks or more | Uncertain |
| CP-575 Delivery Time | Within 20 business days | May never arrive | Uncertain |
| Mailing Address Compliance | ✅ Detailed guidance | ❌ Not explained | ❌ Often overlooked |
| Responsible Party Compliance | ✅ Strict IRS compliance | ❌ Uses proxy info | ❌ Error-prone |
| Form Error Rate | Very low | High | High |
| Time Zone Communication | Fully handled for you | Client must call IRS | Client must call IRS |
| After-Sales Support | ✅ Email/Ticket support | ❌ None | ❌ None |
🔍 Detailed EIN Application Process for Non-US Residents
- Prepare Documents
- Company registration certificate
- US mailing address (preferably one that can receive physical mail)
- Passport information of the Responsible Party
- Complete the SS-4 Form
- Fill out all required fields according to IRS formatting rules
- Ensure spelling, abbreviations, and formatting match official documents exactly
- Submit Application
- By phone (requires fluent English and time zone coordination)
- Or by mailing/faxing to the IRS
- Wait for IRS Processing
- Usually 3–6 weeks
- SpeedEIN can shorten this to 10 business days
- Receive CP-575
- The confirmation letter is the only official proof of your EIN
- Keep the original document safe
💡 Why Choose SpeedEIN?
- Save Time & Effort: No time zone calls or complex IRS interactions required.
- Compliance Assurance: All forms submitted strictly according to IRS requirements, with correct mailing address and Responsible Party details.
- Faster Results: EIN issued in just 10 business days—twice as fast as standard methods.
- Full Support: From form completion to CP-575 delivery, we provide continuous assistance.
📢 Conclusion
While the EIN itself is free, for non-US residents the complexity of the process, language barriers, strict formatting rules, and Responsible Party requirements make DIY applications prone to failure. SpeedEIN ensures you get your EIN efficiently and in full compliance, so you can focus on growing your business.
📬 Visit SpeedEIN.com to get started today.