You have the LLC but no SSN, so the online EIN tool rejects you. We show you the fax route that works.
IRS Form SS-4 / EIN for international applicants
Get your EIN without an SSN.
You own a U.S. LLC but you live abroad and have no SSN or ITIN, so the IRS online EIN tool locks you out. You do not need an SSN. On Form SS-4, line 7b you write "Foreign," and you fax the form to the IRS international unit. This assistant fills the SS-4 fields for you and hands you the exact fax number.
7b
line where foreign owners write "Foreign"
+1-855-641-6935
IRS international fax for Form SS-4
01Answer
Entity name, responsible party, country, state and reason.
02Build
We map your answers to the SS-4 fields, including line 7b.
03Fax
Send the SS-4 to +1-855-641-6935 and get your EIN back.
Who this is for
Built for non-U.S. founders who got stuck at the SSN field.
Get the EIN that unlocks your U.S. payment processor and business bank account.
Foreign responsible parties write "Foreign" on 7b. Get it wrong and the IRS bounces the SS-4.
The three things foreign applicants get wrong
The fields that trip up non-U.S. owners on Form SS-4.
Foreign owners leave this blank for a number and write "Foreign" instead. The online tool cannot accept this, which is why you must fax or mail.
International applicants fax the SS-4 to the IRS EIN International Operation, or mail it to Cincinnati, OH 45999. Replies come back by return fax in about four business days.
Single-member LLCs are usually disregarded entities; mark the box, list the number of members and the state of formation so the IRS classifies you correctly.
Source
Built on the official IRS Form SS-4 instructions.
Application for Employer Identification Number, and its official instructions for international applicants.
IRS guidance covering applicants with no U.S. legal residence, the fax route and line 7b handling.
A field-by-field worksheet. The EIN is issued only by the IRS once you submit the SS-4.
FAQ
Common questions about getting an EIN without an SSN.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. As a foreign owner you write "Foreign" on line 7b instead of an SSN/ITIN, and you submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS online tool requires an SSN/ITIN, so it is not an option for you.
How do I send the SS-4 to the IRS?
Fax the completed form to +1-855-641-6935, or mail it to the Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Fax replies typically return in about four business days.
Does EINForeigner file my EIN for me?
No. We help you fill the SS-4 correctly and tell you exactly where to send it. We are not affiliated with the IRS and do not issue EINs. You can submit it yourself or hire a registered agent.
Get report
Turn your answers into a ready-to-fax SS-4 report.
A filled Form SS-4 worksheet with every field mapped, line 7b set to "Foreign", the IRS international fax number, and the mailing address. Prefer hands-off? Let a registered agent get the EIN for you.
Your answers mapped to every SS-4 field, line 7b, the fax number and a dated PDF.
Let Northwest Registered Agent get your EIN and file the SS-4 on your behalf.
Form a new U.S. LLC and get the EIN together, ideal if you have not registered yet.