{
  "name": "International EIN fax routing audit — 2026 snapshot",
  "version": "2026-07-30",
  "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
  "description": "A non-exhaustive, page-level snapshot of English-language guidance about where international applicants should fax Form SS-4. Each page was checked live and compared with the IRS Instructions for Form SS-4 revised December 2025.",
  "scope_note": "This convenience sample is not a prevalence estimate and does not rate a publisher's overall quality. Pages and IRS routing can change after the checked date.",
  "selection_method": "Pages were discovered through current web searches for international EIN, nonresident EIN, Form SS-4, and EIN fax-routing queries. Only pages that could be accessed live on the checked date were classified.",
  "classification_definitions": {
    "matches_current_irs_route": "Every fax destination stated for the international scenario covered by the page aligns with the current IRS location and fax-origin rules.",
    "contradicts_current_irs_route": "The page assigns at least one described applicant or fax-origin scenario to a destination that differs from the current IRS route.",
    "incomplete_or_ambiguous": "The page mentions fax filing but omits an applicable branch, uses a proxy that does not establish the IRS test, or does not provide enough routing detail to compare conclusively."
  },
  "official_baseline": {
    "domestic_50_states_or_dc": {
      "fax": "855-641-6935",
      "rule": "The applicant has a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia."
    },
    "international_case_faxed_within_us": {
      "fax": "855-215-1627",
      "rule": "The applicant has none of those locations in a state or the District of Columbia, and the fax originates from within the United States."
    },
    "international_case_faxed_outside_us": {
      "fax": "304-707-9471",
      "rule": "The applicant has none of those locations in a state or the District of Columbia, and the fax originates from outside the United States."
    }
  },
  "official_sources": [
    {
      "name": "IRS Instructions for Form SS-4 (12/2025), Apply by fax",
      "url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4"
    },
    {
      "name": "IRS: Where to file your taxes for Form SS-4",
      "url": "https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-your-taxes-for-form-ss-4"
    },
    {
      "name": "IRS: Employer identification number",
      "url": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/employer-identification-number"
    }
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.xero.com/us/guides/how-to-get-an-ein-number/",
      "publisher": "Xero",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Lists 855-641-6935 for the state/DC case, 855-215-1627 from within the U.S., and 304-707-9471 from outside.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The three destinations and the two international fax-origin branches align with the current IRS instructions."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://comfax.com/taxes/fax-form-ss-4-to-irs/",
      "publisher": "Comfax",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Uses a three-row table: state/DC 855-641-6935, international case from inside the U.S. 855-215-1627, and from outside 304-707-9471.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The page states the location test and both fax-origin branches in terms that align with the IRS baseline."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://faxterra.com/fax/irs-form-ss4",
      "publisher": "FaxTerra",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Lists domestic 855-641-6935, international from within the U.S. 855-215-1627, and international from outside 304-707-9471.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "All three stated routes align with the current IRS instructions."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://quickfax.com/how-to-fax-the-irs",
      "publisher": "QuickFax",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Its SS-4 table uses 855-641-6935 for a U.S. principal office, 855-215-1627 for no legal U.S. address from inside the U.S., and 304-707-9471 internationally.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The SS-4 row distinguishes the domestic case and both international fax-origin routes consistently with the IRS baseline."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://legalclarity.org/where-to-send-your-ss-4-form-for-an-ein/",
      "publisher": "LegalClarity",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Uses 855-641-6935 for a state/DC principal place, 855-215-1627 for an international case faxed within the U.S., and 304-707-9471 from outside.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The page states the relevant applicant-location and fax-origin distinctions and cites the current IRS instructions."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://onlinellcguide.com/llc-for-non-residents",
      "publisher": "Online LLC Guide",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "For nonresident applicants, lists 855-215-1627 when faxing within the U.S. and 304-707-9471 when faxing internationally.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "Within the international-only scope of the page, both fax-origin branches align with the IRS baseline."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.crossventura.com/blogs/us-ein-guide-for-foreign-companies",
      "publisher": "CrossVentura",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "For foreign companies, lists 855-215-1627 from within the U.S. and 304-707-9471 from outside the U.S.",
      "classification": "matches_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The two international fax-origin destinations align with the current IRS instructions."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.speedein.com/en/ein-application-by-fax-how-to-submit-ss-4-get-cp575-faster-2025/",
      "publisher": "SpeedEIN",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Presents 855-641-6935 as the fax destination for international EIN applications.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The current IRS instructions reserve 855-641-6935 for the state/DC location test and provide two other routes for applicants with no qualifying location there."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://businessanywhere.io/how-to-get-an-ein-for-your-llc-as-a-non-us-resident/",
      "publisher": "BusinessAnywhere",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Labels 855-641-6935 as the fax number for international applicants.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "That label differs from the current IRS location and fax-origin routing for applicants with no qualifying location in a state or D.C."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://bastionformations.com/blog/ein-for-non-us-residents",
      "publisher": "Bastion Formations",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Directs nonresident applicants to 855-641-6935 and calls it the international fax line.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The current IRS instructions assign 855-641-6935 to the state/DC location test, not as the international route."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://wyomingllc.co/faq/",
      "publisher": "WyomingLLC.co",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Tells nonresidents and foreign nationals to fax Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The page's audience-based instruction does not apply the IRS applicant-location and fax-origin test and assigns the domestic destination."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.ibocore.com/blog/ein-for-non-residents",
      "publisher": "IBOCore",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Directs foreign applicants to fax Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The current IRS instructions use 855-641-6935 only when the applicant meets the state/DC location test."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.ein.so/ein-for-non-residents/",
      "publisher": "ein.so",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "The opening uses 855-641-6935 for international applicants; later sections direct nonresidents to 855-215-1627 without the outside-U.S. branch.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The page is internally inconsistent, and its opening instruction assigns an international scenario to the domestic destination."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://terms.law/Invest-USA/entity-formation/ein-without-ssn.html",
      "publisher": "terms.law",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Its summary directs foreign nationals to 855-641-6935, while a later list labels 304-707-9471 as international.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The conflicting directions include a foreign-applicant instruction to the domestic destination and omit the within-U.S. international branch."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://faxend.com/guides/irs/fax-form-ss-4-irs/",
      "publisher": "Faxend",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Assigns 855-215-1627 to applicants filing from outside the United States.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The current IRS outside-U.S. fax-origin destination is 304-707-9471; 855-215-1627 applies when that international case is faxed from within the United States."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://einnumber.co/ein-for-foreigners/",
      "publisher": "EINNumber.co",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Assigns 855-215-1627 by lack of a U.S. business address and repeats it for applicants in named foreign countries.",
      "classification": "contradicts_current_irs_route",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The IRS makes the final international split by fax origin; the page does not provide the 304-707-9471 outside-U.S. branch and uses a different routing test."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/start-a-business/ein-tax-id/ss4-application",
      "publisher": "Northwest Registered Agent",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Lists 855-641-6935 for U.S. applicants and 304-707-9471 for international applicants.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The listed international destination aligns with an outside-U.S. fax origin, but the 855-215-1627 within-U.S. international branch is not stated."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://myfreetaxamerica.com/blog/how-to-get-an-ein-for-your-foreign-owned-llc-without-an-ssn/",
      "publisher": "MyFreeTaxAmerica",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Lists all three numbers, but chooses between them using a U.S. address and whether an online fax service is U.S.-based.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The numbers align, but a mailing address or assumed service location does not necessarily establish the IRS applicant-location test or the fax's actual origin."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://filingexpress.com/how-to-apply-for-ein-as-a-non-us-resident/",
      "publisher": "FilingExpress",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Lists 855-641-6935 as domestic and 304-707-9471 as international.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The outside-U.S. international number is present, but the 855-215-1627 branch for an international case faxed within the United States is omitted."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://foreignfounder.com/articles/ein-application-ss4-step-by-step-2026",
      "publisher": "ForeignFounder",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Tells nonresidents to use the number in the current IRS instructions for entities with no qualifying U.S. location, without reproducing the number.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "Pointing readers to the current official instructions is prudent, but the page itself does not state enough fax-origin detail for a route-level match."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://vantiscpa.com/resources/ein-without-ssn-foreign-owners/",
      "publisher": "Vantis CPA",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Explains that foreign applicants may file Form SS-4 by fax but does not state a fax destination.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "No route is stated, so the page cannot be classified as matching or contradicting a current fax destination."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://optimizetax.io/blog/ein-for-foreign-owned-llc/",
      "publisher": "Optimize Tax",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Describes fax as an international EIN application method but does not publish the routing numbers.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The page recommends confirming current official instructions, but it does not contain enough destination detail for a route-level match."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://mizufinancial.com/blog/how-to-start-us-llc-non-us-founder",
      "publisher": "Mizu Financial",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Tells non-U.S. founders to fax Form SS-4 to the international EIN unit without stating a number.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The general destination is named, but the fax-origin branch and number are not available on the page."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://beginpulse.com/blog/non-resident-llc-guide",
      "publisher": "BeginPulse",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Says nonresidents should fax Form SS-4 to the international fax line but does not state a number.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The route cannot be compared conclusively because neither international fax-origin branch is specified."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://llcforforeigners.com/",
      "publisher": "LLC For Foreigners",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Displays 304-707-9471 as the fax number for its nonresident audience.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The number aligns when the fax originates outside the United States, but the page does not state that condition or the 855-215-1627 within-U.S. branch."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.ein.now/guides/how-to-submit-ss4-to-irs",
      "publisher": "ein.now",
      "checked_at": "2026-07-30",
      "stated_route": "Lists 304-707-9471 as international and 855-641-6935 as U.S.-based.",
      "classification": "incomplete_or_ambiguous",
      "official_source_url": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4",
      "notes": "The page does not include the 855-215-1627 route for an international case whose fax originates within the United States."
    }
  ],
  "summary": {
    "total": 26,
    "matches_current_irs_route": 7,
    "contradicts_current_irs_route": 9,
    "incomplete_or_ambiguous": 10
  },
  "changelog": [
    {
      "date": "2026-07-30",
      "change": "Initial snapshot: 26 live-accessible pages checked against current IRS routing."
    }
  ]
}