What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify your business. The IRS uses it to track which person runs the LLC. It is sometimes called a Federal Tax Identification Number. Despite the name, you do not need employees to have an EIN. Any LLC doing business in the United States needs one.
Your EIN functions as your LLC's identity with the IRS and with US financial institutions. Without an EIN, you cannot:
- Open a US business bank account
- Apply for payment processors such as Stripe or PayPal
- Enter into contracts that require a US tax ID
- File Form 5472 and Pro Forma 1120 with the IRS
The EIN is permanent. Once issued, it belongs to your LLC for its entire existence. It does not expire, and it does not change if your business address, ownership, or responsible party changes. Changes to your address or responsible party must be reported to the IRS via Form 8822-B. If ownership changes, the new owner may need an updated EIN document. For example, to open a bank account. They can request a 147C letter from the IRS. The 147C is an official EIN verification letter that reflects current IRS records and is accepted by banks and financial institutions.
Why Non-Residents Cannot Use the IRS Online Application
Every US LLC needs an EIN to open a bank account, receive payments, and file tax forms with the IRS. The IRS provides an online EIN application at IRS.gov. It is the fastest method. And it is unavailable to non-US residents.
The online application requires two things: a valid US Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN, and a US principal place of business (a US office address). As a non-US resident, you have neither. The system blocks you.
You can apply directly by fax or phone, but this route has risks. IRS hold times can be very long. You must prepare the form perfectly with no mistakes. If it is rejected, the IRS will not explain why.
The established alternative is to use an authorised agent. Licensed representatives with US credentials can apply for an EIN on behalf of a foreign-owned LLC, using their agent credentials, and forward the confirmed EIN to the LLC owner.
What's Included in the Service
- Form SS-4 Preparation: We prepare Form SS-4 (the EIN application form you file with the IRS) to IRS specifications: LLC name, formation details, business activity, and applicant credentials correctly entered.
- IRS Submission: We submit Form SS-4 to the IRS using our agent credentials. Standard route: IRS processing (2–3 weeks typically). Fast-track route: IRS phone application (24 hours, business days only). During peak (January–April), expect processing may take longer.
- EIN Confirmation: Once the IRS issues your EIN, we forward the confirmation letter to you. This is your official IRS record. Keep it on file.
- Form 8822-B Instructions: After receiving your EIN, you file Form 8822-B to transfer the "responsible party" (the person the IRS contacts about your LLC) from our agent to you. Form 8822-B must be printed, wet-signed, and physically mailed to the IRS. Electronic submission is not accepted. Your EIN is fully usable immediately upon receipt; you do not need to wait for Form 8822-B to be processed. We provide step-by-step instructions included in your delivery.
What We Need From You
- Your LLC's legal name (as registered with your state)
- Your business address
- Your name (as LLC owner)
- Date of formation
- State of formation
- Business activity description
- Number of LLC members
- Whether a previous EIN application has been submitted for this LLC (if yes, please upload a copy of the Form SS-4 submitted at that time so we can review before preparing a new application)
- Articles of organization (uploaded document)
- Preferred timeline: Standard (typically 2–3 weeks) or Fast-track (24 hours on business days only)
Most clients complete the intake form in under 10 minutes.
How It Works
- Submit Your Details: After ordering on our main page, you receive a secure intake form. It asks for your LLC details, formation documents, and your preferred timeline. Most clients complete it in under 10 minutes.
- We Prepare and Submit Form SS-4: Our team prepares Form SS-4 to IRS specifications and submits it on your behalf using our agent credentials. Standard submissions enter IRS processing. Fast-track submissions use the IRS phone application for priority handling.
- The IRS Issues Your EIN: The IRS processes the application and issues your EIN. Standard processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. Fast-track processing returns a result within 24 hours (business days only). During peak periods (January–April), IRS processing may extend beyond typical timeframes.
- You Receive Your EIN and Form 8822-B Instructions: We forward your IRS EIN confirmation letter and provide clear instructions for filing Form 8822-B, the form that permanently transfers the responsible party from our agent to you as the LLC owner.
After Your EIN Is Issued: Form 8822-B
When we apply for your EIN, we act as your authorised agent. The IRS records our agent as the "responsible party." This is standard IRS procedure, not a workaround. You then complete one step: file Form 8822-B to transfer ownership to you.
The Transfer Process: Step by Step
- Receive Your EIN Confirmation: We forward your IRS EIN confirmation letter. Your EIN is active immediately. You can use it right away for bank accounts, payment processors, and filings.
- Complete Form 8822-B: Fill in the old responsible party (our agent) and new responsible party (you as LLC owner). We provide the exact fields to complete, with clear instructions.
- Print, Sign, and Mail to the IRS: Form 8822-B must be printed, wet-signed, and physically mailed to the IRS address for your state of formation. Electronic submission is not accepted. No fee required. We provide the correct mailing address based on your state.
- IRS Updates the Record: The IRS processes Form 8822-B and updates your EIN record. You are now the registered responsible party. Your EIN remains valid and usable throughout. There is no interruption.
Delivery Timeline
Two service tiers are available: standard and expedited. Each uses a different IRS method and takes different time.
- Standard: Typically 2–3 weeks. This reflects IRS processing time for Form SS-4, not a delay on our end.
- Fast-track: 24 hours (business days only). We call the IRS and use the phone application method. This bypasses the standard processing queue.
- During peak periods (January–April), IRS processing may extend beyond typical timeframes.
Your EIN is active and usable immediately upon receipt of the IRS confirmation. You do not need to wait for Form 8822-B to be processed before using your EIN.
Also need your Form 5472 filed? EIN is required before Form 5472 can be submitted. See our Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 filing service.