Can foreigners apply for an EIN? Yes — but it’s not easy. This complete guide explains the IRS SS-4 form, 10 common rejection reasons, mailing address rules, and Responsible Party requirements. Avoid costly mistakes. SpeedEIN helps you get your EIN in 10 days, with CP575 guidance — 100% IRS compliant.
How Hard Is It for Non-US Residents to Apply for an EIN? 35 Fields, 10 Traps, One Mistake Can Reject You
Are you struggling to get an EIN after registering your US LLC or Corporation? Have you tried filling out the IRS SS-4 form but got stuck on confusing English fields? Are you worried your application will be rejected or delayed?
📢 Important Fact: The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is free — issued by the IRS at no cost. However, for non-US residents, applying for an EIN is extremely difficult. A single typo, formatting error, or incorrect field can lead to rejection, weeks of delay, or long-term IRS compliance risks.
This guide is based on official IRS publications (P1635, P519, P583) and reveals the 10 most common pitfalls in the EIN application process — and how to avoid them.
What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need It?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax ID assigned by the IRS to businesses. It looks like this: XX-XXXXXXX (e.g., 12-3456789).
Whether you’ve formed an LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp in the US, or plan to open a US bank account, use Stripe/PayPal, or file taxes — you cannot operate without an EIN.
✅ Main Uses of an EIN:
- Open a US business bank account
- Set up PayPal, Stripe, or other payment processors
- Hire employees and file payroll taxes
- File federal and state tax returns (e.g., Form 1120, 1065)
- Build business credit
🔍 Key Point: An EIN is not an SSN. SSNs are for US citizens and residents. EINs are for business entities, regardless of the owner’s nationality.
🚫 Non-US Residents Cannot Apply for EIN Online — This Is the First Barrier
⚠️ According to IRS rules (Publication 583), only US residents with an SSN or ITIN can apply for an EIN online via the IRS EIN Assistant.
This means: If you’re from China, India, Brazil, Vietnam, or any country outside the US — you cannot apply online.
📌 You must apply through one of these methods:
- By phone — Only if you have a US-based phone number
- By mail — Send a paper SS-4 form to the IRS (6–8 weeks processing)
- By fax — Fax the SS-4 form to the IRS (still takes 4+ weeks)
📢 Here’s the problem: Phone applications require a US number. Mailing or faxing a 35-field, 18-section English form is extremely challenging for non-native speakers — and one mistake can delay your application for weeks.
💡 SpeedEIN Warning: Many “EIN services” claim they can “issue EIN instantly.” In reality, they often use fake information or list themselves as the Responsible Party — a serious IRS violation that can lead to your EIN being revoked.
📊 SS-4 Form Breakdown: 35 Fields, One Error = Rejection
The core of the EIN application is Form SS-4 — a complex document with 18 sections and approximately 35 critical fields. The IRS enforces strict formatting, spelling, and logic rules.
Below are the 10 most error-prone fields, based on IRS guidelines (P1635, P583):
| Field # | Field Name | Common Mistakes | IRS Compliance Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal Business Name | Mismatch with state registration | Must exactly match your LLC/Corp name — including punctuation |
| 2 | Trade Name | Using an unregistered DBA | Only list a “Doing Business As” name if it’s officially registered |
| 4 | Principal Business Activity | Wrong industry code | Must select correct IRS Activity Code from official list |
| 5a | Address Where Business Is Conducted | Using virtual office or agent address | Must be actual business location; otherwise, use registered agent address |
| 5b | Mailing Address | Not distinguishing from physical address | ⚠️ This is where IRS sends CP-575 and tax notices — must be reliable |
| 7 | Responsible Party | Listing company name or agent | ✅ Must be the actual individual controller (e.g., founder, CEO) — not a company or proxy |
| 8 | Responsible Party SSN/ITIN | Blank without explanation | Can be left blank for non-US residents, but must add note: “Non-U.S. Resident without SSN/ITIN” |
| 9 | Date Business Started | Wrong date format | Must be MM/DD/YYYY (e.g., 03/15/2025) |
| 10 | First Date Wages Paid | Marking “N/A” incorrectly | If no employees, write “None” or “Not Applicable” |
| 17 | Signature | No handwritten signature | Must be signed by the Responsible Party in ink — digital signatures not accepted |
🔍 Real Case: A client mailed their SS-4 with the “Responsible Party” listed as their registered agent company. The IRS rejected it. It took 7 weeks to reapply — delaying their bank account setup.
🔥 10 EIN Application Traps — 90% of Foreign Applicants Fall Into These
Based on IRS rejections and SpeedEIN’s experience, here are the top 10 high-risk mistakes:
- ❌ Trap 1: Using an Agent as Responsible Party — Violates IRS P1635. EIN can be revoked.
- ❌ Trap 2: Invalid Mailing Address — CP-575 gets lost, no proof of EIN.
- ❌ Trap 3: Business Name Spelling Error — Even one typo causes rejection.
- ❌ Trap 4: Wrong Industry Code — Affects tax classification and audit risk.
- ❌ Trap 5: No Handwritten Signature — Electronic or missing signatures are invalid.
- ❌ Trap 6: No English Contact Info — IRS can’t reach you — application fails.
- ❌ Trap 7: Wrong “Reason for Applying” — e.g., selecting “Hire employees” when you won’t.
- ❌ Trap 8: Confusing Mailing vs. Physical Address — Leads to lost IRS mail.
- ❌ Trap 9: Using Temporary Email/Phone — IRS contact fails, application closed.
- ❌ Trap 10: No Application Tracking — Can’t follow up if issues arise.
✅ SpeedEIN Solution: We fill out SS-4 perfectly, use your US address for CP-575, guide your signature, and deliver your EIN in 10 business days.
📬 CP-575: Your EIN “Birth Certificate” — You Must Receive It
After approval, the IRS sends a CP-575 letter to the mailing address on your SS-4. This is the only official proof of your EIN.
📌 CP-575 Includes:
- Business name and EIN
- Responsible Party name
- Approval date
- Tax filing requirements
⚠️ Risk Alert: If the mailing address is invalid or hidden by a service provider, you won’t receive the CP-575, which means:
- Banks may reject your account application
- Payment platforms freeze your account
- No proof for tax filings
✅ SpeedEIN Promise: We never hide or intercept your CP-575. We guide you to receive and keep it securely.
⚖️ SpeedEIN vs. Other Providers: Compliance Matters
Many EIN services cut corners. Here’s how SpeedEIN stands out:
| Common Provider Practice | SpeedEIN Practice | Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Lists themselves as Responsible Party | ✅ You are the Responsible Party | ❌ Violation — IRS can revoke EIN |
| Uses fake or shared mailing address | ✅ You provide a real US address | ⚠️ High risk — mail may be lost |
| “Instant EIN” claims | ✅ 10-day processing (real IRS timeline) | ❌ Misleading |
| Withholds CP-575 | ✅ Full guidance to receive it | ❌ Unethical |
| No support after payment | ✅ Email support & Q&A included | ✅ Transparent & reliable |
📌 IRS Rule: The Responsible Party must be the actual individual controller (P1635, page 5). Fake information can lead to audits, penalties, or legal action.
🚀 SpeedEIN’s EIN Service: Fast, Safe, 100% Compliant
We know how hard it is for non-US residents to apply. SpeedEIN doesn’t charge government fees — we provide expert support:
📝 Accurate SS-4 Filing
We complete all 35 fields correctly — no errors, no rejections.
📠 Professional Submission
We fax or mail your form to ensure IRS receipt.
📬 CP-575 Delivery Guidance
We help you receive the IRS confirmation letter.
📧 Email Support
We answer your questions — no bots, no delays.
✅ Our Guarantee:
- ⏱️ EIN in 10 business days
- 📬 CP-575 guidance within 20 business days
- 🔐 100% IRS compliant — you are the Responsible Party
- 📩 No hidden fees, no document withholding
📞 Take Action — Avoid EIN Application Disasters
Applying for an EIN yourself is risky and time-consuming. One small mistake can delay your business for weeks.