How to Get a US Employer Identification Number (EIN) for US & Foreign Founders

Everything you need to obtain an EIN from the IRS: Instant online application for SSN/ITIN holders, and Form SS-4 fax/mail filing for non-US residents without SSN.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 100% free from the IRS. SSN/ITIN holders get instant issuance online; foreign founders without SSN must submit Form SS-4 via facsimile with 'Foreign' on line 7b (processed in 4–7 business days).

Statutory Roadmap & Decision Matrix

Phase / Step	Core Requirement	Governing Agency / Portal	Statutory Fee	Standard Timeline
Step 1	Determine Your Applicant Eligibility Path	Internal Revenue Service	$0	5 minutes
Step 2	Prepare Form SS-4 with Exact Precision	Internal Revenue Service	$0	15 minutes
Step 3	Submit via Fax to the IRS International Operation	Internal Revenue Service	$0	4-7 business days
Step 4	Receive and Archive Your CP 575 or 147C Letter	Internal Revenue Service	$0	Permanent record

Step 1

Determine Your Applicant Eligibility Path

If the Responsible Party has an SSN or ITIN, you can use the IRS online tool Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. If the Responsible Party does not have an SSN or ITIN (common for foreign entrepreneurs), you must file via Form SS-4 by Fax or Mail.

Tip: Be aware of third-party scam sites charging $100-$300 for EINs. The official IRS issuance is 100% free. You can only receive one EIN per responsible party per calendar day.

Step 2

Prepare Form SS-4 with Exact Precision

Complete Line 1 (Legal name of entity), Line 7a-7b (Responsible party name and write "Foreign" on 7b if no SSN/ITIN), Line 8a-9a (Type of entity, e.g., LLC), and Line 10 (Reason for applying: "Started new business" or "Banking purposes only").

Step 3

Submit via Fax to the IRS International Operation

If you do not have an SSN/ITIN, fax your signed Form SS-4 to +1 (855) 641-6935 (within the US) or +1 (304) 707-9471 (outside the US). Clearly specify your return fax number on a cover sheet.

Tip: Use an online e-fax service (e.g., eFax, Fax.Plus) to maintain a reliable digital receipt and receive the incoming response letter automatically.

Step 4

Receive and Archive Your CP 575 or 147C Letter

The IRS will generate confirmation Notice CP 575 containing your 9-digit EIN (XX-XXXXXXX). Keep this letter safe; U.S. banks like Mercury, Relay, Chase, and Bank of America require this exact document to approve your business account.

Tip: If you lose your CP 575, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at +1 (800) 829-4933 to request a 147C replacement letter.

Topology Mesh Cross-Links

IRS Tax Identification & Corporate Formation Quad-Pack

1. How to Form a Texas LLC Online → Complete Certificate of Formation (Form 205) before submitting Form SS-4 to the IRS. 2. Form W-7 ITIN Application Guide → Secure an individual tax number for foreign founders and spouses without an SSN. 3. FinCEN BOI E-Filing Compliance → Use your newly issued EIN to complete mandatory beneficial ownership reporting in 90 days. 4. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Official Profile → Direct IRS business helpline (1-800-829-4933) and Form SS-4 fax routing numbers.

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