The EIN in two sentences
The Employer Identification Number is your company's federal tax number, issued by the IRS. Banks and payment platforms ask for it, and you need it for every federal filing.
The procedure for a non-resident
The IRS online application is only open to applicants with an SSN or ITIN. Without one, you apply with Form SS-4, sent by fax or by mail.
- Form the LLC and have the Articles of Organization
- Complete the SS-4 (classification, responsible party, reason for applying)
- Send the form to the IRS
- Keep the CP 575 confirmation letter
Timelines
The IRS usually indicates a few business days for a fax application and several weeks by mail. These timelines vary through the year and nobody can guarantee them.
Common mistakes
A company name that differs from the formation documents, the wrong classification or a poorly identified responsible party are the most common reasons for rejections or delays.
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice. The rules mentioned may have changed since the update date.
