Why Non-Resident Founders Cannot Apply for an EIN Online

Most US-resident business owners apply for an EIN online via the IRS website in 10 minutes. Non-residents cannot. The IRS online portal requires a US SSN or ITIN, which most non-residents do not have. The workaround is filing Form SS-4 by fax. Here is the process, the timing, and the IRS-side mechanics that determine when your EIN arrives.

The IRS rule

The IRS online EIN application portal requires the applicant to enter a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Non-residents without either are blocked at the first form field.

This is not policy on EIN itself. EINs are available to non-residents. The blocker is the IRS's identity verification system on the online portal, which has not been updated to support non-resident applicants.

The workaround: Form SS-4 by fax

Three steps:

Fill out IRS Form SS-4 (PDF available at irs.gov). Most fields apply: legal name of entity (LLC), trade name, mailing address (registered agent), responsible party name (you).
On Line 7b, enter "Foreign" instead of an SSN/ITIN. This is the magic word that tells the IRS you are a non-resident applicant.
Fax the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS International EIN unit at (855) 215-1627. The form is processed by the international team that handles non-resident applications.

You can fax from any service (eFax, RingCentral, online fax services). Mercury, Wise, or your home country fax service all work.

The timeline

From fax send to EIN receipt:

Day 0: Fax sent (transmission completes in seconds).
Day 1-3: IRS confirms receipt and queues the application for review.
Day 4-7: IRS reviewer processes the application.
Day 8-10: IRS faxes back the CP575 EIN letter (or 147C confirmation in some cases).

Some applications take 14-21 days during high-volume IRS periods (post-tax-season backlog typically). Holiday closures at the IRS office can extend timing.

Common Form SS-4 mistakes

Leaving Line 7b blank instead of writing "Foreign". The IRS routes the application to the wrong team.
Using a personal address instead of the registered agent address. The IRS may flag for verification.
Filling Line 9a as Sole Proprietorship when you formed an LLC. Should be "Limited Liability Company" with the appropriate sub-classification.
Missing the responsible party section. The IRS requires identifying who is the controlling owner.

How WyomingLLC handles this

We file Form SS-4 by fax for every customer as part of the $297 + state feepackage. You do not handle the form. We submit it within 24 hours of your LLC formation, then track the IRS response. When the CP575 arrives, we forward it as a PDF and confirm receipt. We have filed roughly 600 SS-4 forms across our intake to date.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an EIN by mail instead of fax?

Yes but it takes 4-6 weeks vs 8-10 business days via fax. Mail is the slowest option.

What if my fax never goes through?

Re-send after 48 hours. Sometimes IRS fax lines are busy. We use eFax for reliability.

Will the IRS phone me about my EIN?

Rarely. Most applications process without phone follow-up. If they do call, it is usually to clarify the responsible party section.

Can I get an EIN before forming the LLC?

No. The LLC must exist (Articles filed and SoS confirmation received) before SS-4 can list it as the entity name.

What is the difference between CP575 and 147C?

CP575 is the original EIN assignment letter. 147C is a duplicate/reprint letter for cases when CP575 was lost. Both serve as proof of EIN.