Description:
Description: Discover the top 10 most common EIN application mistakes non-US residents make in 2025, especially when applying as an LLC owner. This guide is based on official IRS publications and covers everything from SS-4 errors to address issues and CP575 misunderstandings. Avoid costly delays and learn how SpeedEIN helps you submit a flawless application. Important: SpeedEIN does not provide a U.S. address and does not forward CP575 letters.Keywords:
EIN mistakes, EIN for foreigners, SS-4 errors, EIN rejection, CP575 not received, LLC EIN, nonresident EIN 2025, IRS EIN denied, EIN form help, EIN service
1. Why Most Non-US Residents Fail at Applying for an EIN
Applying for an EIN may seem simple: fill out Form SS-4, send it to the IRS, and wait for the result. But if you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident, the risk of being rejected, delayed, or completely ignored is much higher.
Thousands of EIN applications submitted by foreigners each year are either rejected, misplaced, or stuck in IRS limbo due to common yet avoidable mistakes.
At SpeedEIN, we’ve reviewed thousands of cases. Here are the top mistakes we’ve seen — and how to avoid them.
2. The 10 Most Common EIN Application Mistakes (2025 Version)
| # | Mistake | Why It Happens | Consequences | How SpeedEIN Fixes It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❶ | Not writing “Foreign Owner – No SSN” | Applicant thinks SSN is optional to skip | IRS can’t process request | We insert the correct disclaimer |
| ❷ | Using fake/shared US addresses | Using cheap address services or no address | CP575 returned, EIN invalid | We warn users to prepare a valid, unique U.S. mailing address |
| ❸ | No signature or using an e-signature | IRS doesn’t accept digital signatures | Form rejected outright | We require handwritten signatures only |
| ❹ | Wrong entry in Box 10 (Reason for EIN) | Writing vague terms like “Start Business” | IRS confusion or denial | We auto-fill based on your LLC purpose |
| ❺ | Box 7a/7b left blank or wrong | Applicant unsure about “Responsible Party” | Application rejected | We explain how to fill this for foreign LLCs |
| ❻ | Poor scan or low-quality fax | Blurred forms or missing pages | IRS can’t process the file | We generate IRS-standard PDFs only |
| ❼ | SS-4 filled in all CAPS or templates reused | Using templates without editing | Wrong data, IRS mismatch | We verify every field manually |
| ❽ | Incorrect entity type selected | Mistaking Corporation for LLC | EIN linked to wrong tax entity | We use IRS-compliant templates per entity |
| ❾ | Expecting CP575 by email or online | Misunderstanding IRS policy | CP575 never received | We clarify: only paper mail via USPS |
| ❿ | Wrong fax number or mailing address | IRS address changed in 2024 | Application never arrives | We always use latest official instructions |
3. Real Case: Lost CP575 = Lost Business Opportunity
A client submitted an EIN via a budget freelancer. The form was sent with:
- An invalid shared address
- No SSN explanation
- A digitally signed PDF
- Wrong fax number (old IRS office)
Result? EIN not issued. CP575 never came. Amazon, Stripe, and PayPal denied account activation. The client lost time, money, and business credibility.
4. Comparison Table: SpeedEIN vs Unverified Services
| Feature | Cheap Agents / Freelancers | SpeedEIN |
|---|---|---|
| Manual SS-4 Review | ❌ Copy-paste only | ✅ Manual check per client |
| U.S. Address Provided | ✅ (but fake/illegal) | ❌ User must provide their own |
| CP575 Forwarding | ✅ (illegal scan/email) | ❌ Only IRS mails it to your address |
| IRS Compliance | ❌ Often skipped | ✅ Fully IRS-compliant |
| Refund if Failed | ❌ Never | ✅ Full refund if not issued |
| Time to Process | ⏳ 4–8 weeks | ⚡ Average 7–14 business days |
5. Who Should Use SpeedEIN?
- Foreigners with no SSN or ITIN
- Entrepreneurs forming an LLC or Corp in the U.S.
- Anyone opening Stripe / PayPal / Amazon accounts
- Dropshippers, consultants, developers, SaaS owners
- Digital nomads and non-residents needing a U.S. tax ID
6. Important Reminders from SpeedEIN
🚫 We do NOT provide U.S. addresses. You must prepare your own valid U.S. mailing address (not a virtual shared one).
📬 We do NOT forward or scan CP575. The IRS only sends the CP575 via regular U.S. mail. We cannot and do not intercept it.
✅ What we do: help you fill the form perfectly, avoid all the above mistakes, and maximize your success rate.
7. Final Thoughts: One Mistake Can Cost You Thousands
Filling in the SS-4 form may look simple. But if you’re applying from outside the U.S., it’s more like a legal document. One wrong line or skipped instruction can mean weeks or months of delay — or worse, denial.
💡 Avoid uncertainty. SpeedEIN is built specifically for non-residents who want quick, accurate, and legal EIN application support.