Close

Non-Resident EIN FAQs and Dispelling a Few Myths

 

EIN FAQs and Dispelling a Few Myths

 

First, let's dispel a few myths

 

Myth #1 – To get an EIN, you must be an American, U.S. citizen, or U.S. resident.

This is false.

No, being an American is not a requirement to apply for an EIN.

Nor do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply for an EIN.

And being a U.S. resident is also not required to apply for an EIN.

In fact, there are no residency or citizenship requirements for applying for an EIN for your LLC.

Solution:
Use our process to obtain an EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #2 – You need an SSN to get an EIN

This is also false.

Many people fail to obtain an EIN and begin their business ownership dreams because they have read or been told they need an SSN.  This is simply not true!  You don't need an SSN (Social Security Number) to apply for an EIN.  

You need an SSN (or ITIN) to apply for an EIN online directly on the IRS' website.  If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot use this system.

Solution:
Use our process to obtain an EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #3 – You need an ITIN to get an EIN

This is also false.

This is a common misconception; like the SSN, you don't need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to apply for an EIN.

We help clients every day obtain an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

As a matter of fact, your ITIN application will be denied unless you meet one of the requirements below;

  • You are required to file a U.S. tax return but do not have an SSN
  • You have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code
  • You are filing a joint tax return with your spouse who does not have an SSN (but you do)
  • You have investment income (such as interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) for which you need to file a tax return
  • You are claiming refunds based on treaties
  • You wish to claim certain tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit

It's impossible to get an ITIN without filing a return unless you meet one of the below exceptions;

  • You get third-party withholdings on your  passive income
  • A third party reports mortgage interest to you
  • You're a member or owner of a Limited Liability Company
  • You're exempt under Treasury Decision 9363
  • You sold a property in the United States
  • You have received wages, salary, gambling winnings, or honoraria payments that are exempt due to a tax treaty

If you meet any of these exemptions, you can apply for ITIN without filing a U.S. tax return.  Each of these exceptions requires specific documentation to support the exemption.  If you are unsure you might be exempt, it's best to consult an expert.

 

Solution:
Use our process to apply for an EIN without an ITIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #4 – It can take six weeks or more to obtain an EIN

This may be partially true, depending on the service you use.

If you do not work with an experienced service to obtain your EIN without an SSN or ITIN, it could take six weeks or more to complete the application

Solution:
Use our process to obtain an EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #5 – You can apply for an EIN online without an SSN or ITIN

This is false.

You can't get an EIN online, on the IRS' website,  unless you have an SSN or ITIN

And even if you have an ITIN, many foreigners get an error message at the end of the online EIN application.  Often they don't know where to turn.

Solution:
Use our process to obtain an EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #6 – You need to call the IRS to get an EIN

This is false.

While the IRS does have a department called the International EIN Department (1-267-941-1099), as a foreigner who's formed a U.S. LLC, you CAN’T call this number to apply for an EIN.

This International EIN Department is used by companies formed outside of the U.S., not companies formed inside the U.S. owned by a foreigner.

Solution:
Use our process to obtain an EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #7 – You can open a business bank account in the U.S. without an EIN

This is false.

Regardless of your location or nationality, the Patriot Act will not allow you to open a bank account, in the U.S., without an EIN.

Solution:
Use our process to obtain an EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Myth #8 – You have to have a U.S. address to apply for an EIN

This is false.

You don't have to have a U.S. office address or U.S. mailing address to apply for an EIN.

The IRS requires a "mailing address," which can be either a U.S. address or a foreign address.

If the main reason for obtaining an EIN is to open a U.S. bank account, it looks much better to a prospective U.S. bank when your IRS EIN Confirmation Letter shows a U.S. address.  For this reason, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent ($125 per year).  By using Northwest, you can use the U.S. address for your Registered Agent, your entity's office address, and your EIN application.  This address will also be used to open a U.S. bank account.   They offer a service where any mail sent to your entity will be scanned by Northwest and uploaded to your online account.

 

Myth #9 – Obtaining an EIN without an ITIN or SSN is expensive

This one bothers me and is one of the reasons why we offer this service.  We believe business owners should be able to obtain an EIN without an ITIN or SSN for a reasonable fee.

Yes, this can be expensive, and obtaining your EIN with other services can take a long time.  That is why we offer an affordable and efficient process to obtain an EIN. 

Solution:
With our service, you can have your EIN in 1- 2 weeks directly from the IRS

 

Check out our Plans and Pricing

 

Other Frequently Ask Questions

 

Can I do this on my own?

 

Yes, you can do this on your own if you love to deal with the IRS on your own…

 

Fill out complicated and confusing forms

 

Spend six weeks or more of your time navigating the IRS information maze.

 

Risk being REJECTED by the IRS just to start all over again.

 

What is your time worth to you?

 

Let an expert work on your EIN and receive it in less than two weeks

 

You focus on your business. We focus on the paperwork

 

Do you guarantee that I can get my EIN?

 

Yes! I offer a Money Back Guarantee to make sure you get your EIN.

 

If you don’t get your EIN, we will issue you a full refund immediately.

 

 

Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account in the US?

 

 

Yes, all banks in the United States require an EIN to open a business bank account.

 

 

How long will it take to receive my EIN?

 

It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks through our system to get an EIN

 

 

Is it safe to send my personal information in your questionnaire?

 

Yes, it is completely secure to enter your information using our online questionnaire.

 

 

Do I need to provide any documents when applying for an EIN?

 

Unless you are applying for an EIN for an LLC or Corporation, no documents are required.

 

 

What is the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?

 

 

An Employee Identification Number (EIN) is a Business Tax ID used to start a business to open a business bank account.

 

 

You need an EIN if you’re starting a business

 

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a personal Tax ID used to personal file taxes or open a personal bank account for those that do not have an SSN

 

 

Do you also offer a service to obtain an ITIN Number?

 

Yes! We also offer services to obtain an ITIN Number

 

 

What can I do with my EIN?

 

You can use your EIN for your EIN to lawful conduct business in the U.S.

 

Open a U.S. bank account

Hire employees

 

Comply with the IRS filing requirements

 

You can use your EIN to open accounts with Amazon FBA, Stripe, eBay, or other online platforms.

 

 

There’s nothing standing between your business and you now….

 

Click on the Get My EIN Button Now below to get stated

 

 

 

Track Your Refund

 
Track Federal Refund Check Federal Amended Return Refund

Check your State Refund

Client Login

 

Refer a Friend

.