Short answer Yes. If the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN and is ineligible to obtain one, the IRS says to enter “foreign” or “N/A” on Form SS-4 line 7b. An entry is required. International applicants then use phone, fax or mail instead of the online EIN application.

Why the online EIN application rejects you

The online application requires the principal officer, partner, owner or other responsible party to have a valid taxpayer identification number. It is also limited to applicants with a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or U.S. territories.

If neither condition fits you, that is a routing issue—not proof that your U.S. LLC cannot receive an EIN.

What to put on line 7b

Line 7a identifies the responsible party: the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity. Line 7b normally asks for that person’s SSN, ITIN or EIN.

For a responsible party who does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS instruction is to enter “foreign” or “N/A.” Do not leave the field blank.

Choose one submission method

International phone+1-267-941-1099

International applicants only; not toll-free.

Fax from abroad+1-304-707-9471

For applicants outside the United States.

Fax while in the U.S.+1-855-215-1627

For an international case sent from within the U.S.

MailEIN International Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999.

Phone

The IRS allows applicants with no U.S. or territorial legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency to call from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Complete Form SS-4 first: the representative uses those answers to establish the account and assign the EIN.

Fax

The IRS says fax applications generally receive an EIN response within four business days. Include a fax number where the IRS can return the EIN.

Do not use the domestic fax line The number 855-641-6935 is for an applicant with a legal residence or principal place of business in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C. It is not the international routing number.

Mail

For an international applicant, address the form to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. The IRS says to allow approximately four weeks.

Before you call or send the form

  1. Use the exact legal entity name from the formation document on line 1.
  2. Name a natural person—not another company—as responsible party on line 7a.
  3. Enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b only when the IRS eligibility condition applies.
  4. Complete the remaining LLC, tax classification and business activity fields.
  5. Use only one application method for the entity.
Primary source This guide is based on the IRS Instructions for Form SS-4, including the sections for line 7b and international phone, fax and mail applications.