📝 Meta Description:
Description: Many non-U.S. residents forget to apply for an EIN shortly after forming an LLC, risking IRS rejection, penalties, and business delays. This article explains the critical timeline between LLC registration and EIN application, outlines IRS risks, and recommends using SpeedEIN for secure, fast service without costly mistakes.
🔑 Keywords:
LLC EIN application timeline, EIN deadline after forming LLC, EIN IRS processing time, apply EIN for LLC, EIN for non-US residents, IRS EIN form SS-4
🧾 When Should You Apply for an EIN After Registering an LLC? Full Timeline & IRS Compliance Risks
Forming an LLC is only the first step toward starting a business in the U.S. For non-residents, the real risk begins if you delay or mishandle your EIN application. Many founders think they can wait weeks or months before applying for an EIN — only to discover they can’t open a bank account or pay taxes without it.
📆 Recommended EIN Application Timeline
| Event | Recommended Timeframe | Legal Requirement | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Registration Completed | Day 0 | – | – |
| EIN Application | Within 1–5 days | Before doing business | ⛔ Critical |
| Bank Account Setup | 3–7 days after EIN received | Varies by institution | ⚠️ Moderate |
| IRS Tax Filing Preparation | Immediately after EIN | Before annual deadlines | ⛔ High |
⏰ Note: There’s no official “EIN deadline” by law, but operating or hiring without an EIN is illegal, and IRS will treat you as non-compliant.
❗ Why You Should Apply for Your EIN ASAP
- IRS processing time is unpredictable (10 to 45 business days)
- Incorrect addresses mean you’ll never receive the CP 575 confirmation
- Without EIN, you can’t file taxes, open bank accounts, or verify on Stripe/Amazon
- IRS doesn’t notify you if something is wrong—they just cancel or ignore
⚠️ Common Mistakes vs. Consequences
| Mistake | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|
| Filling SS-4 in languages other than English | Immediate rejection by IRS |
| Using invalid or virtual U.S. address | CP 575 will never arrive |
| Choosing the wrong Entity Type (e.g., Corp vs LLC) | EIN becomes invalid for LLC use |
| Applying 60+ days after forming the LLC | IRS may assume you’re operating illegally |
| No EIN status tracking after applying yourself | Business stalls, no clarity on next steps |
📢 Important Reminder: SpeedEIN does not provide U.S. addresses
We DO NOT:
- Offer or fake U.S. addresses
- Scan or forward your CP 575
- Use virtual/illegal addresses that violate IRS policy
You must provide a valid personal or registered U.S. mailing address. Using fake addresses is a common cause of EIN delays, CP 575 misdelivery, and IRS audits.
📉 How Difficult is it to Apply for an EIN Yourself?
- Non-residents can’t apply online – only by fax or international mail
- IRS agents communicate strictly in English with tax-specific terminology
- The SS-4 form includes complex tax classifications that confuse most applicants
- Minor errors often result in silent rejection – with no way to fix or track
✅ Real Case: One user attempted DIY EIN three times and failed — 6 months wasted. After using SpeedEIN, they got their EIN in 6 business days.
✅ Why Use SpeedEIN Instead of Doing It Yourself?
| Factor | DIY Approach | SpeedEIN Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Form Accuracy | ❌ Low (common errors) | ✅ 100% IRS-compliant |
| Processing Time | ⏳ 30–45 business days | ⚡ 5–7 business days |
| Communication with IRS | ❌ You’re on your own | ✅ We track and follow up |
| Address Legality | ❓ Often problematic | ✅ User-provided, verified |
| Receiving CP 575 | ❌ Usually lost or delayed | ✅ Clear instructions given |
🔚 Final Thoughts
Registering an LLC is just step one — but an EIN is what allows your business to operate legally. It’s your IRS ID number, the key to your bank account, and a non-negotiable requirement for platforms like Stripe or Amazon.
Pro Tip: Apply for your EIN within 48 hours of forming your LLC. Don’t let delays or mistakes derail your business plan.
Let SpeedEIN help you avoid IRS traps and get your EIN with confidence: