How to Get an EIN for a US LLC: Complete Guide for Non-Residents
· 9 min read · by Super Admin
Getting an Employer Identification Number, commonly called an EIN, is an important step for many US businesses.
An EIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is used to identify a business for federal tax purposes.
For entrepreneurs who own a US LLC, obtaining an EIN may also be relevant for activities such as business banking, hiring employees and certain tax-related requirements.
For non-resident business owners, the EIN application process can be different from the standard online application available to eligible US applicants.
This guide explains how to get an EIN for a US LLC and what non-resident entrepreneurs should know before applying.
What Is an EIN?
An EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity.
It is sometimes referred to as a federal tax identification number.
Businesses may use an EIN for purposes such as:
- Federal tax matters
- Business banking
- Hiring employees
- Business registrations
- Certain tax filings
- Identifying the business when dealing with government agencies
Not every business situation is identical, so entrepreneurs should determine whether an EIN is required for their particular LLC.
Does an LLC Need an EIN?
Whether an LLC needs an EIN depends on its circumstances.
For example, an LLC may need an EIN if it has employees or certain federal tax obligations.
An LLC may also obtain an EIN for business purposes such as banking.
The responsible party and the LLC's tax classification can also affect the EIN requirements.
Before applying, make sure the information submitted to the IRS accurately reflects the business.
How to Get an EIN for a US LLC
The general EIN process involves providing information about the business and its responsible party to the IRS.
The application normally requires information such as:
- Legal business name
- Trade name, if applicable
- Business address
- State where the LLC was formed
- Responsible party
- Reason for applying
- Date the business started or was acquired
- Principal business activity
- Number of employees, where applicable
The IRS uses this information to issue the EIN.
Step 1: Form Your LLC
In many situations, entrepreneurs should first establish the LLC before applying for its EIN.
The LLC formation process generally involves choosing a state, selecting an available business name, appointing a registered agent and filing the required formation documents.
If you are still setting up your LLC, you can explore LLC Formation Services.
For entrepreneurs in India, you can also read our guide on Registering a Company in USA from India.
Step 2: Identify the Responsible Party
The EIN application requires information about the LLC's responsible party.
The responsible party is generally the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity.
For an LLC, the responsible party is typically an individual rather than another entity, although specific circumstances can vary.
It is important to provide accurate information because the IRS uses the application to establish the business's federal tax identification record.
Step 3: Determine Which EIN Application Method You Can Use
The application method depends partly on where the business's principal place of business is located and whether the applicant meets the IRS online eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants with a principal place of business in the United States or US territories may be able to use the IRS online EIN application.
However, applicants whose principal place of business is outside the United States generally cannot use the IRS online application.
International applicants may instead use other IRS application methods, such as phone, fax or mail, depending on their circumstances.
Step 4: Complete Form SS-4
Form SS-4 is the IRS application used to request an EIN.
The form asks for information about the business, including its legal name, address, responsible party and reason for applying.
For non-resident LLC owners, completing the form accurately is particularly important.
Information should be consistent with the LLC's formation documents and the business's actual circumstances.
Step 5: Submit the EIN Application
After completing the required information, submit the application using the method available to you.
US applicants who qualify can use the IRS online application.
International applicants who are not eligible for the online system may use the IRS's alternative application methods.
The IRS provides specific instructions for international applicants, so check the current requirements before submitting your application.
Is an EIN Free?
Yes.
The IRS does not charge a fee to obtain an EIN directly from the IRS.
This is important because third-party companies may charge service fees for helping with an EIN application.
A service fee is separate from the IRS's own EIN issuance process.
EIN for Non-Residents
Non-resident LLC owners should pay particular attention to the application method.
If the LLC's principal place of business is outside the United States, the owner generally cannot use the IRS online EIN application.
Instead, international applicants may use the application methods provided by the IRS.
Depending on the circumstances, these can include:
- Telephone
- Fax
The exact procedure should be checked against the latest IRS instructions before submitting the application.
Do You Need an SSN or ITIN to Get an EIN?
The answer depends on the applicant's circumstances.
The IRS online EIN application requires the responsible party to have an appropriate taxpayer identification number.
However, international applicants who are not eligible for an SSN or ITIN may have different options when completing Form SS-4.
For this reason, non-residents should not assume that the online EIN process applies to their situation.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?
Processing time depends on the application method.
Online applications for eligible applicants can generally be processed much faster than applications submitted through other methods.
International applications submitted through fax or mail may take longer.
Entrepreneurs should therefore consider EIN processing time when planning business banking and other post-formation activities.
What Information Do You Need for an EIN?
Before applying, prepare the information required for the business.
This may include:
Business Information
- Legal LLC name
- Trade name, if applicable
- Formation state
- Business address
- Start date
Responsible Party Information
- Full legal name
- Taxpayer identification information, where applicable
- Mailing address
Business Activity
You may also need to identify the principal business activity and provide information about employees where applicable.
Having the correct information ready can help reduce mistakes during the application process.
Common EIN Application Mistakes
Entrepreneurs sometimes make avoidable mistakes when applying for an EIN.
Using the Wrong Application Method
A non-resident whose principal place of business is outside the United States should not assume that the standard online application is available.
Incorrect Business Name
The legal name submitted to the IRS should match the LLC's formation information.
Incorrect Responsible Party
The responsible party information should accurately reflect the individual who owns or controls the business.
Duplicate EIN Applications
Submitting multiple applications unnecessarily can create confusion.
Entrepreneurs should keep track of their application status before submitting another application.
Using Incorrect Tax Information
The EIN application should accurately reflect the LLC's actual tax and business circumstances.
What Should You Do After Getting an EIN?
Once the EIN has been obtained, the LLC can continue with other business setup steps.
Depending on the business, these may include:
- Opening a business bank account
- Setting up accounting
- Applying for applicable licenses
- Maintaining a registered agent
- Preparing required tax filings
- Maintaining business records
- Monitoring state compliance deadlines
An EIN is an important business identifier, but obtaining one does not complete all of an LLC's compliance obligations.
EIN and US Business Banking
Many entrepreneurs obtain an EIN as part of preparing to open a US business bank account.
However, an EIN alone does not guarantee that a bank will approve an account.
Financial institutions can have their own requirements relating to:
- Identity verification
- Business documents
- Ownership information
- Business activity
- Address
- Banking history
- In-person verification
Non-resident entrepreneurs should review the requirements of the specific financial institution they plan to use.
You can also read our guide on How to Open a US Business Bank Account for an LLC.
EIN for an LLC From India
Entrepreneurs in India who form a US LLC may need to understand the difference between LLC formation and the EIN application process.
A typical process can look like:
Form LLC → Determine EIN requirement → Prepare SS-4 information → Submit EIN application → Receive EIN → Continue business setup
The application method can depend on where the LLC's principal place of business is located and the responsible party's circumstances.
Can Jupiter Filing Help With EIN Applications?
Jupiter Filing provides assistance with US business formation and EIN-related services.
Entrepreneurs who need help understanding the EIN process can explore our EIN Application Services.
Jupiter Filing also provides Registered Agent Services and LLC Formation Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EIN?
An EIN is a federal tax identification number issued by the IRS to identify a business.
Is an EIN the same as an LLC?
No. An LLC is a business entity formed under state law, while an EIN is a federal tax identification number issued by the IRS.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS does not charge a fee for issuing an EIN directly.
Can a non-resident get an EIN for a US LLC?
Yes, non-resident owners can obtain EINs for US businesses when the applicable requirements are met. The application method may differ from the standard online process.
Can I apply for an EIN online as a non-resident?
Not in every situation. If the LLC's principal place of business is outside the United States, the IRS online EIN application generally cannot be used.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?
Not necessarily. The requirements depend on the applicant's circumstances and the application method. International applicants may have options when they are not eligible for an SSN or ITIN.
How long does an EIN application take?
Processing time depends on the application method. Online applications for eligible applicants are generally faster than fax or mail applications.
Can I get an EIN before forming my LLC?
The appropriate sequence can depend on the entity and circumstances. Entrepreneurs should generally have accurate legal business information available when applying.
Final Thoughts
Getting an EIN is an important step for many US LLC owners.
For non-resident entrepreneurs, the process requires additional attention because the standard IRS online application is not available in every international situation.
Before applying, make sure your LLC information, responsible-party details and application method are correct.
If you are forming a US LLC from India or another country, understanding the EIN process can help you plan the next stages of your business setup.
Ready to get started?
Explore Jupiter Filing's EIN Application Services or learn more about US LLC Formation Services.
Learn more about US LLC formation and EIN requirements: Jupiter Filing
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