Can I Get an EIN Without an SSN? A Guide for Non-U.S. Owners

If you are a non-U.S. business owner, you may be asking: can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes. In many situations, a foreign owner can obtain a U.S. Employer Identification Number (EIN) without having a Social Security Number (SSN).

The IRS specifically provides instructions for foreign responsible parties who do not have and are not eligible to obtain an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The current Form SS-4 instructions say to enter “foreign” or “N/A” on Line 7b in that situation. IRS Form SS-4 instructions

However, getting an EIN without an SSN does not mean you can use every EIN application method. Your location and the type of business matter.

Can I Get an EIN Without an SSN?

Yes, a non-U.S. owner can generally get an EIN without an SSN when the business or other entity needs an EIN and the responsible party does not have, and is not eligible to obtain, an SSN or ITIN.

The IRS identifies the responsible party as the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity or exercises ultimate effective control over it.

For a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, this may be the foreign owner.

If that responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN and is ineligible to obtain one, the current IRS instructions state that “foreign” or “N/A” should be entered on Line 7b of Form SS-4. An entry is required. IRS Form SS-4 instructions

This means an SSN is not automatically required simply because you are applying for an EIN.

Who Can Get an EIN Without an SSN?

This situation commonly applies to:

• Non-U.S. entrepreneurs
• Foreign owners of U.S. LLCs
• Nonresident business owners
• Foreign corporations
• International founders starting a U.S. business
• Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities

For example, an entrepreneur living in India may form a U.S. LLC and need an EIN for the company even though the entrepreneur does not have a U.S. SSN.

The EIN belongs to the business or other qualifying taxpayer, not to the owner personally.

How to Apply for an EIN Without an SSN

The application generally involves Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

For a foreign responsible party who does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS instructions say to enter:

Line 7a: Name of the responsible party

Line 7b: `foreign` or `N/A`

The rest of Form SS-4 must still be completed based on the company's actual circumstances.

Do not enter a made-up SSN, someone else's SSN, or an incorrect taxpayer identification number.

The IRS requires accurate information on Form SS-4 because the information establishes the business tax account.

Can You Apply for an EIN Online Without an SSN?

This is where many non-U.S. applicants become confused.

The IRS online EIN application is not available to every international applicant.

The current Form SS-4 instructions state that if you have no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or U.S. territories, you cannot use the online application to obtain an EIN.

International applicants in that situation can use another IRS application method.

Therefore, simply having a U.S. LLC does not automatically mean that a foreign owner can use the online EIN application.

How Do Non-U.S. Owners Apply for an EIN?

The IRS provides several methods for international applicants.

1. Apply by Phone

The IRS provides an international EIN telephone service for applicants who do not have a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or U.S. territories.

The current Form SS-4 instructions list:

267-941-1099

This is not a toll-free number.

The person calling must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions about Form SS-4. IRS Form SS-4 instructions

2. Apply by Fax

International applicants can fax Form SS-4 to the IRS.

The current IRS instructions list:

304-707-9471 for applicants outside the United States.

The IRS can fax the EIN back to the applicant, so the application should include an appropriate fax number. IRS Form SS-4 instructions

3. Apply by Mail

The IRS also accepts Form SS-4 by mail.

The IRS instructions recommend allowing approximately four to five weeks before the EIN is needed when applying by mail. IRS Form SS-4 instructions

For many international founders, the practical application method depends on their circumstances and the information available for the business.

What Do You Put on Form SS-4 Without an SSN?

The most important section for many foreign applicants is Line 7.

You provide the responsible party's name on Line 7a.

If that person does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS instructions say to enter:

“foreign” or “N/A”

on Line 7b.

Do not leave the field blank when an entry is required.

The exact information required elsewhere on Form SS-4 depends on the business structure and reason for requesting the EIN.

For example, an LLC may need to provide information about its entity classification, principal activity, employees, and reason for applying.

Does a Foreign-Owned U.S. LLC Need an EIN?

A foreign-owned U.S. LLC may need an EIN depending on its federal tax and reporting requirements.

This is particularly important for certain foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities.

The IRS Form SS-4 instructions specifically state that when a disregarded entity is requesting an EIN for purposes of filing Form 5472 under Section 6038A, the applicant should check the appropriate “Other” option on Line 9a and write:

“Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity-Form 5472.”

If you are forming or operating a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, getting the EIN is only one part of the company's federal compliance.

You should also understand whether the company has Form 5472 and pro forma Form 1120 filing requirements.

You can read our detailed guide on Form 5472 and 1120 for foreign-owned LLCs.

EIN Without SSN vs. ITIN

An EIN and an ITIN are different numbers used for different purposes.

An EIN identifies a business or other qualifying entity for federal tax and reporting purposes.

An ITIN is an individual taxpayer identification number issued to certain individuals who are not eligible for an SSN but need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes.

A foreign owner does not automatically need an ITIN just to obtain an EIN.

The IRS specifically states that foreign individuals are not required to have an ITIN in order to receive an EIN. IRS Internal Revenue Manual

Whether you need an ITIN for another tax purpose is a separate question.

Common Mistakes When Applying Without an SSN

Foreign applicants can run into problems when the information on Form SS-4 does not match the company's actual situation.

Common mistakes include:

Using a fake SSN

Never create or guess an SSN simply to complete the form.

If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, follow the current IRS instructions for Line 7b.

Choosing the wrong responsible party

The responsible party should be the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity, subject to the IRS rules.

An applicant should not automatically put the registered agent, formation company, or another service provider as the responsible party simply because that person helped form the company.

Using the wrong entity information

The legal company name, mailing address, entity type, and other information should match the company's actual legal and tax situation.

Assuming a U.S. registered agent is the business owner

A registered agent receives official documents for the company. The registered agent is not automatically the company's owner or responsible party.

Using the online application when you are not eligible

International applicants who have no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or its territories cannot use the online EIN application under the current IRS instructions.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN Without an SSN?

Processing time depends on the application method and the IRS's processing of the application.

The IRS instructions currently state that applicants using the mail method should allow approximately four to five weeks before the EIN is needed.

The IRS also provides international telephone and fax methods for qualifying applicants.

Because IRS procedures can change, applicants should check the current IRS instructions before submitting Form SS-4.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying?

Before applying for an EIN without an SSN, make sure you have accurate information about:

• Legal name of the business
• Business formation details
• Responsible party
• Mailing address
• Physical business address, if applicable
• Entity type
• Principal business activity
• Reason for applying
• Expected employees, if applicable
• Existing tax identification numbers, if any

Having the correct information before submitting Form SS-4 can help avoid unnecessary delays or corrections.

If you are a non-U.S. founder and want to understand the broader U.S. LLC setup process, see our guide on starting a U.S. LLC from India.

Can I Get an EIN Without an SSN for a U.S. LLC From India?

Yes, an Indian resident can potentially obtain an EIN for a U.S. LLC without having a U.S. SSN.

The important part is completing the application based on the company's actual circumstances and following the IRS instructions for a foreign responsible party.

The application method also matters. If the applicant has no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or its territories, the IRS says the online EIN application cannot be used.

Indian founders should also understand that obtaining an EIN does not by itself determine their complete U.S. or Indian tax obligations.

If you are an Indian resident operating a U.S. LLC, our U.S. LLC tax guide for Indian founders explains some of the broader U.S. and India tax considerations.

EIN Without SSN: Quick Checklist

Before submitting your application, check:

• The company name is correct
• The responsible party is correctly identified
• You do not enter a fake SSN
• “Foreign” or “N/A” is used on Line 7b when applicable
• The business address is correct
• The entity classification is correct
• The principal business activity is accurate
• The reason for applying is correct
• You are using an IRS-approved application method
• You understand any additional federal filing obligations

Final Takeaway

So, can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes. A foreign responsible party who does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN can apply for an EIN, and the current IRS Form SS-4 instructions specifically provide for entering “foreign” or “N/A” on Line 7b.

However, getting the EIN is only the first step. The application must contain accurate company and responsible-party information, and international applicants need to use an application method that applies to their situation.

For foreign-owned U.S. businesses, it is also important to understand the company's other federal reporting and tax obligations rather than treating the EIN as the end of the compliance process.