How to Get a U.S. EIN (Employer Identification Number) from Abroad!

In the current global business landscape, entrepreneurs and firms worldwide are more keen on broadening their operations or investments in the United States. If you’re a non-resident starting a U.S. business, overseeing international investments, or looking to participate in U.S. trade, a crucial requirement is securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

This detailed manual offers sequential guidance, advice, and updated methods for obtaining a U.S. EIN from overseas, guaranteeing that your entrepreneurial goals are not obstructed by administrative challenges.

What is an EIN and what is its importance?

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a distinctive nine-digit ID given by the IRS to businesses in the United States for the purpose of tax reporting. It's akin to a Social Security Number (SSN), but meant for companies. Even if you are conducting business internationally, you will probably require an EIN to:

• Establish a bank account in the U.S. for your enterprise.

• Submit federal tax returns or meet other IRS reporting obligations.

• Employ staff in the U.S. or pay payroll taxes

• Establish accounts for processing payments

• Submit applications for appropriate business permits or licenses

• Enroll with state tax agencies or establish a local office.

U.S. and foreign organizations, such as LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and trusts, can secure an EIN, even without a physical presence in the U.S. or an SSN.

Effective Ways to Request an EIN:

If your main business location is in the U.S., you can obtain an EIN through these methods:

1. Submit your application online: Obtain an EIN now, at no cost, directly from the IRS.

2. Send Fax Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number to 855-641-6935. When you apply via fax and include a fax number, the IRS will return a cover sheet with the EIN to you within 4 business days. We will no longer issue the Form SS-4 annotated with the EIN.

3. Send Form SS-4 to the Internal Revenue Service, Attention: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Your EIN will arrive in approximately 4 weeks.

Can individuals who do not reside in the US obtain an EIN from abroad?

Indeed, individuals who are not residents can acquire an EIN from abroad. Generally, international applicants are not able to apply for an EIN online, since this procedure is limited to entities that have a US address (businesses with legal residence, main office, or primary agency in the US may be eligible). Nevertheless, international applicants may submit their applications through phone, fax, or mail.

Every application procedure requires filling out Form SS-4, which is the Application for Employer Identification Number. While completing Form SS-4, international applicants must specify their entity's foreign status and adhere to the guidelines for foreign entities, which entail omitting an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they lack one.

For each method, it is crucial to have all necessary details prepared, including the entity's legal name, its main business activities, the name and address of the responsible individual, and the purpose of applying for the EIN.

Here's the process to request an EIN from abroad:

1. Mobile app: Global applicants may request an EIN by reaching out to the IRS through the specified number available on the IRS website. The individual placing the call must be permitted to obtain the EIN and respond to inquiries about Form SS-4.

2. Fax application: International applicants may send a filled Form SS-4 via fax to the IRS. If a return fax number is supplied, the IRS can deliver the EIN in four business days.

3. Postal submission: International candidates may send a filled-out Form SS-4 to the IRS via mail. This method is the slowest, requiring approximately four weeks to acquire an EIN. 

Global EIN applicants:

If your main business location is outside the U.S., you may obtain an EIN by calling 267-941-1099, available Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time or submit Form SS-4 by:

Send a fax to 855-215-1627 (in the U.S.) or 304-707-9471 (from outside the U.S.).

Send mail to the Internal Revenue Service, Attention: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45999.

You can request a maximum of 1 EIN each day, whether it's online, by phone, mail, or fax.

Advice for a Successful Application:

• Accuracy is crucial: Thoroughly examine your SS-4 for mistakes or unclear writing, since errors could lead to delays or denial.

• Sin SSN? No issue: Foreign owners or managers are not required to acquire a SSN or ITIN. For these areas, simply leave them empty.

• Be accessible: If on a call, be ready to respond to specific inquiries regarding your business or organization.

• Representatives from third parties: When utilizing a representative or registered agent based in the U.S., make sure to fill out and sign the Third-Party Designee section on SS-4.

• Retain a copy: Always maintain a copy of the submitted form and the EIN confirmation for your records.

What to Anticipate Post-Application:

• When applying by phone, you'll get the EIN instantly and can start using it immediately.

• When applying by fax, most people obtain the EIN letter through return fax within approximately a week.

• Applications sent by mail take the longest, reaching up to 6 weeks.

An official EIN assignment letter (CP 575) will be issued to you, which acts as verification of your federal tax ID for bank accounts, tax submissions, and various business requirements.

Frequent Errors to Avoid

• Inaccurate or insufficient details on Form SS-4

• Unreadable writing or absent signatures

• Utilizing the IRS online application portal while located outside the U.S.

• Submitting an application prior to formally establishing your entity

Conclusion: Unlock U.S. Business Opportunities with an EIN

Acquiring a U.S. EIN from outside the country represents a crucial step for any international business or entrepreneur aiming to create a trustworthy and compliant footprint in the U.S. market. International applicants can successfully navigate the tax and regulatory framework without a U.S. SSN or local address by adhering to the IRS’s procedures, accurately filling out Form SS-4 and submitting it via phone, fax, or mail. Mastering this process not only unlocks access to U.S. business banking, tax registration, and formal operations, but also guarantees seamless financial transactions and collaboration prospects with American clients, vendors, and organizations.

Ultimately, the capacity to obtain an EIN from overseas demonstrates the U.S. government's dedication to fostering international trade and foreign investment. By organizing the required paperwork and comprehending each stage, international firms and individuals can steer clear of frequent mistakes, reduce processing durations, and set themselves up for success. With the increasing interconnectedness of global trade, possessing an EIN is not only a regulatory requirement, it is a valuable business resource, establishing the groundwork for sustained growth and trust in one of the most profitable markets worldwide.