How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
File Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or call the IRS international line; applying online needs an SSN or ITIN. On line 7b, a responsible party with neither writes "Foreign". By fax it takes about 4 business days, by mail about 4 to 5 weeks. The IRS charges nothing; sites that charge for an EIN are resellers.
The forms involved
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Full guides
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
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