Form SS-4: EIN for Non-Residents & Foreign Owners

Who qualifies

Foreign business owners, non-residents, and international entities forming a U.S. company or doing business in the U.S. without an SSN or ITIN.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Designate a Responsible Party

   Identify an individual owner or officer to serve as the responsible party for the entity.

   Watch out: Entities cannot serve as the responsible party; it must be a true individual.

   Common rejection reason: Listing a business name or registered agent instead of an individual.
2. 2

   Complete Form SS-4 Correctly

   Fill out entity details, business structure, and reason for applying without a U.S. tax ID.

   Watch out: Write 'Foreign' or 'None' in Line 7b if the responsible party lacks an SSN or ITIN.

   Common rejection reason: Leaving Line 7b blank instead of entering 'Foreign' or 'None'.
3. 3

   Submit by Fax or Mail

   Non-residents without an SSN cannot use the online tool and must submit via fax or international mail.

   Watch out: Faxing is much faster than mailing, but ensure you provide a valid return fax number.

   Common rejection reason: Sending an illegible fax or missing the return fax number for response.
4. 4

   Receive Your Official EIN Confirmation

   The IRS issues Form CP 575 or a fax confirmation letter containing your assigned nine-digit EIN.

   Watch out: Store the official confirmation safely; banks require this exact document to open accounts.

   Common rejection reason: Mismatched business name between formation documents and IRS records.

Documents you'll need

• Articles of Organization or Incorporation

  Official state approval showing the exact legal name and formation date of your U.S. company.

  Note: Must match the legal name on Form SS-4 exactly.

• Responsible Party Passport

  Valid government-issued passport of the individual designated as the responsible party.

• Completed Form SS-4

  The signed application containing entity structure and business address details.

  Note: Must have an original handwritten or accepted electronic signature.