Get an EIN without an SSN

What an EIN is and why you need one

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the tax ID for your LLC. You need it before you can:

• Open a US business bank account (Mercury, Wise, etc.)
• Sign up for Stripe
• File any IRS form (1120, 5472, 1065)
• Issue invoices that look professional to US clients

Critical:You do NOT need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN as a foreign owner. The IRS treats the EIN as the entity's tax ID, not the owner's. The catch is you can't use the IRS online application (it requires an SSN). You apply via fax or mail — usually fax, which is faster.

What you need before you start

• Stamped Articles of Organization (from Module 1)
• Your LLC's legal name and address
• Your foreign address (your home address is fine)
• A fax number you can receive faxes at (covered below)