Table of Contents
- What Is an EIN Number?
- Why You Absolutely Need an EIN
- Who Needs an EIN — And Who Doesn’t
- Self-Assessment: Can You Apply on Your Own?
- Comparison of EIN Application Methods
- SpeedEIN’s Processing Time Frame — Realistic Expectations
- 15 Critical Things to Know Before Applying
- Common Pitfalls for Non-U.S. Applicants
- Step-by-Step: How SpeedEIN Makes It Easy
- FAQ Section: Covering Key Questions
- Final Takeaway: EIN Is Your U.S. Business Passport
1. What Is an EIN Number?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax purposes. Think of it as your business’s Social Security Number (SSN).speedein.com+1
2. Why You Absolutely Need an EIN
Whether or not you have employees, you need an EIN in the following scenarios:
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- Register with platforms like Amazon, Stripe, or PayPal
- File business taxes with the IRS
- Sign contracts or hire employees
- Obtain business licenses
If you’re forming an LLC or another entity, an EIN isn’t optional—it’s absolutely essential.speedein.com+1
3. Who Needs an EIN — And Who Doesn’t
Needs an EIN:
- U.S.-based LLCs, corporations, and partnerships
- Non-U.S. residents forming U.S. entities
- Cross-border entrepreneurs, freelancers, and e-commerce sellers
Doesn’t typically need an EIN:
- Sole proprietors using a SSN and not hiring others
- Some individuals with U.S.-based bank accounts or W-2 filings only
But in most cases involving U.S. business registration or operations, an EIN is a must.speedein.com+1
4. Can You Apply on Your Own?
If you’re a U.S. resident with an SSN or ITIN, you can apply online via IRS’s EIN Assistant. For everyone else—especially if you’re outside the U.S.—you cannot use the online option.speedein.com+1
That leaves fax, mail, or phone options, each requiring precision, patience, and familiarity with IRS protocols.
5. Comparison: EIN Application Methods
| Method | Eligibility | Timeframe | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Online | U.S. residents with SSN | Instant | Easy, but unavailable for non-U.S. residents |
| Fax Application | Non-U.S. applicants | 4–10 business days (if error-free) | Fastest non-resident method—requires accuracy speedein.com+1 |
| Mail Application | All | 4–6 weeks | Very slow and traceability issues |
| Phone Application | Non-U.S. only via phone | Unpredictable (re: availability) | Complex, dependent on fluent English |
6. SpeedEIN’s Processing Time — What’s Realistic?
According to SpeedEIN’s official site:
- EIN Number delivery: 7–10 business days
- CP-575 confirmation letter delivery: 17–20 business days after EIN issuancespeedein.com
This is credible and provides a clear advantage over DIY methods that may take several weeks—and often don’t provide clear confirmation of receipt.
7. 15 Critical Things You Must Get Right Before Applying
As outlined in SpeedEIN’s guides based on IRS publications (Pub 1635, Pub 583), here’s what matters:
- Business name must exactly match state filing
- Use a valid U.S. mailing address—not a PO Box
- Responsible Party must be an individual, not a business
- If you have no SSN, mark “Foreign” properly
- Select correct business type (LLC, C-Corp, etc.)
- Estimate number of employees—even if it’s zero
- State business start date correctly—impacts tax filing
- Provide accurate NAICS or industry code
- Avoid regulated industries without proper licenses
- Use a physical U.S. address (THIS is where CP-575 will arrive)
- Clearly state the reason for application (e.g., “New LLC”)
- Ensure all fields are complete and signed
- Don’t submit with ambiguous or vague names
- Avoid using outdated or incorrect SS-4 forms
- Prepare for IRS’s strict formatting—no decimals, all uppercase lettersspeedein.com+1
8. Top Pitfalls for Non-U.S. Applicants
Common mistakes include:
- Selecting incorrect entity type (e.g. choosing Corporation instead of LLC)
- Mistakes in responsible party fields
- Providing fax or phone numbers incorrectly
- Using a mail forwarding service or invalid U.S. address
- Assuming IRS will notify you of errors—they won’t. Applications are quietly ignored.speedein.com+1
9. SpeedEIN: How the Service Works Step-by-Step
Here’s how SpeedEIN streamlines the process:
- Submit your details online using their form
- Pay securely via Stripe, PayPal, Alipay, or others
- SpeedEIN reviews your SS-4 and catches filling errors before submission
- Documents are sent via fax to the IRS
- EIN number received in 7–10 business days
- CP-575 mailed out within 17–20 business days to your U.S. addressspeedein.com+1
- Status tracking and email support available if questions arise
They don’t provide a U.S. address or scan CP-575; applicants must supply their own.speedein.com+1
10. FAQ
Q: Is the EIN free?
A: Yes—but the processing fee covers form prep, submission, and support. No government fees included.speedein.com
Q: Can I get a CP-575 digitally?
A: No. It’s only mailed physically. A valid U.S. address is required.speedein.com+1
Q: My SS-4 was submitted; where’s my EIN?
A: IRS does not notify rejection. Use tracking or resubmit if it’s been ignored.
Q: Is using a forwarding address okay?
A: Not advisable—prefer a stable, reliable U.S. address. Private mailboxes are sometimes problematic.speedein.com
11. Final Takeaway: EIN Is Your U.S. Business Passport
An EIN unlocks critical services—from banking to platform registration. For non-U.S. residents, the process without assistance is risky, slow, and error-prone. SpeedEIN offers a reliable, transparent bridge—with high success rates and fast delivery.