How does a non-US owner get an EIN for a US business?

Owners can live outside the US, with a US company. Once the company exists, it can apply for an EIN, the company's US tax ID. The IRS online application needs a US principal place of business, so non-US owners usually apply by phone, fax or mail instead.

What an EIN is and why you need one

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) identifies your company to the IRS. You need it to open a US business account, file taxes and set up platforms such as marketplaces and payment processors. It is not a personal ID. It belongs to the company.

Step 1: Form the US company first

An EIN is issued to an entity, so the company has to exist. Most non-US founders form a limited liability company (LLC) in a US state. You do not need to live in that state or in the US to form one. You will need the formation documents and a registered agent in the state.

If you would rather not handle the paperwork, Shield's US LLC service covers LLC formation, an EIN, a US business address, a registered agent and a US business account. You answer a few questions about your residence, entity type and company name, and Shield takes it from there.

Step 2: Apply for the EIN

The IRS EIN page says applicants whose principal place of business is outside the US can apply:

• By phone: 267-941-1099, Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time (as of October 2026).
• By fax: Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 (within the US) or 304-707-9471 (outside the US).
• By mail: Form SS-4 to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.

The IRS also says you can apply for only one EIN per day, and that nominees cannot apply for one. Its guidance on getting an EIN says the online tool requires a US principal place of business and a responsible party with an SSN or ITIN.

Form SS-4 asks for a "responsible party," the person who controls the company. Read the current SS-4 instructions for what to enter if that person has no SSN or ITIN, or ask a tax professional who works with non-US owners.

Step 3: Plan for the wait

Phone applications can be quicker than fax or mail, but the IRS sets the timing, so allow time. This step is often the slowest part of opening a US account. Do not schedule a supplier deposit or a product launch around a date you do not control.

Step 4: Open the account with the EIN

With formation documents and the EIN letter, you can apply for a business account in the company's name. Providers also verify the owners and the business, so have your ID and company documents ready.

Shield's US accounts give your company US account and routing numbers in its own name, with no branch visit. Owners can live outside the US, with a US company.

After you have the EIN

• Keep your state filings and registered agent current.
• Foreign-owned US companies can have extra federal reporting duties. Talk to a tax professional who works with non-resident owners.
• Keep your EIN confirmation letter. Banks and platforms ask for it.

FAQ

Do I need an SSN to get an EIN? Not necessarily. The IRS online tool needs one, but applicants outside the US can apply by phone, fax or mail. Check the SS-4 instructions or ask a tax professional about the responsible party line.

Can I get an EIN before the LLC exists? No. The EIN is issued to an existing entity, so form the company first.

Is an EIN the same as a US business account? No. The EIN is a tax ID. You still need to open an account in the company's name.

Next step

To see how Shield can set up the company and the account, visit Start a US LLC with Shield.