Applying for an EIN as a non-U.S. resident is full of hidden pitfalls: form errors, no feedback from the IRS, shady service providers… Discover the top 5 reasons EIN applications fail — and how to get yours safely and fast.
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🚧 Why Is It So Hard for Foreigners to Get an EIN? 5 Hidden Traps You Must Avoid
🔍 If you’re launching a U.S. business, opening an Amazon or Ozon store, or dealing with international clients, you must have an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
It sounds simple — just fill out Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS, right?
Wrong. For non-U.S. residents, applying for an EIN is a confusing, error-prone, and often completely silent process. The IRS won’t help you fix mistakes — it just ignores your form.
Let’s explore 5 hidden EIN traps you must avoid, and how SpeedEIN can help you skip all the pain and get your EIN in days ✅
🧾 Trap #1: The SS-4 Form Looks Easy, But It’s a Minefield
Form SS-4 includes seemingly simple questions — but each is a potential rejection trigger for non-U.S. applicants:
| Field | Common Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 7a/b – Responsible Party & SSN/ITIN | Non-U.S. residents often lack a valid SSN or enter random digits | IRS rejects silently |
| 9a – Type of Entity | Choosing wrong type (e.g., LLC vs sole proprietor) | EIN mismatch, tax issues later |
| 10 – Reason for applying | Too vague or unclear | IRS doesn’t process it |
| Mailing Address | Using non-U.S. format or non-deliverable address | CP575 never arrives |
📌 Reminder: The IRS doesn’t email, call, or notify you. If you make a mistake — your application is simply ignored.
🧮 Trap #2: An EIN Makes You Legally Accountable in the U.S.
According to IRS Publication 15, once you get an EIN, the IRS assumes you:
- Will file regular tax forms (even if zero income)
- Will comply with U.S. business recordkeeping laws
- Might need to submit annual forms like Form 5472, Form 1120, etc.
💸 If you don’t know these rules or forget to file, the IRS may hit you with fines starting from $10,000 USD.
🔢 Trap #3: Confusing EIN, ITIN, and SSN — Choosing the Wrong Tax ID
Many foreigners confuse these tax numbers. One wrong move, and your account can’t be opened or your application is rejected:
| Tax ID | Used By | Purpose | Can Foreigners Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | Business entities | Tax ID, banking, e-commerce | ✅ YES |
| ITIN | Individuals (no SSN) | Personal tax returns | ✅ YES |
| SSN | U.S. citizens/residents | Work authorization, income tax | ❌ NO |
❗ Choosing the wrong one wastes time and causes permanent rejection in systems like Amazon or U.S. banks.
🚫 Trap #4: Cheap EIN Services Are Often Unlicensed or Risky
You’ll see $30–$50 EIN services advertised everywhere — but most are not authorized, and can be dangerous:
| Risk | What Can Go Wrong |
|---|---|
| ❌ Fake information | Falsified name/address may be used — illegal |
| 📭 Wrong mailing | You never receive your CP575 confirmation letter |
| 🆘 No support | No one to help if something goes wrong |
| ⚠️ IRS blacklisting | Future EIN or tax filings may be rejected |
🧨 One small mistake from a shady service provider could ruin your U.S. business presence forever.
📬 Trap #5: No CP575 Letter = Big Trouble Later
After assigning an EIN, the IRS sends an official letter called CP 575 to the mailing address on the SS-4 form. According to IRS Publication 583:
If you use an invalid address (or don’t understand U.S. mailing standards), then:
- ❌ You won’t receive your EIN confirmation
- ❌ Banks, Amazon, or Payoneer may reject your application
- ❌ You can’t attach it to your tax files
📦 SpeedEIN uses a real U.S. mailing address and forwards your CP575 to you internationally.
🚀 Why Use SpeedEIN?
We built SpeedEIN specifically for non-U.S. residents and global entrepreneurs who need an EIN done right, fast, and legally.
🎯 All-In-One EIN Service
- We fill out and submit Form SS-4 for you
- We handle address and IRS-compliant formatting
- We receive and forward your CP575 by post
🔍 Error-Proof Process
- Every application reviewed by real humans
- We check for all common IRS red flags
- We guide you through every step
🛡️ Fully Legal, No Risk
- We never use fake names or addresses
- We protect your legal status in the U.S.
⚡ Speed Options Available
- Get your EIN in as fast as 3 business days
⏳ Final Warning: Waiting Costs You Opportunities
Every day without an EIN could mean:
- 🚫 Amazon seller rejection
- 💰 Payment account delays
- 📉 Tax penalties you didn’t see coming
📢 Don’t fall for shady “EIN for $20” websites. Don’t DIY your SS-4 unless you’ve read 5 IRS publications.
✅ Go with SpeedEIN.com — the fastest, safest, and smartest way to get your EIN as a non-U.S. resident.