EIN / Updated
How to Get an EIN for a U.S. LLC From Abroad
The IRS issues EINs for free. If your principal place of business is outside the United States, use the IRS international applicant instructions for applying by phone, fax, or mail. Form SS-4 is the application.
Form the company first
Wait for the state to approve the LLC so you can match its legal name and formation details exactly. Gather the approved filing, mailing address, details of the responsible party, and the reason the company needs an EIN.
Choose the right application channel
Use the IRS international applicant instructions if your principal place of business is outside the U.S. The IRS online application has separate eligibility conditions. Verify the current contact details directly with the IRS before submitting, and avoid sending duplicate applications through multiple channels.
Check the responsible party instructions
The responsible party generally must be the individual who owns, controls, or exercises effective control over the entity. If that person lacks a U.S. taxpayer identification number and is ineligible to obtain one, follow the current Form SS-4 line 7b instructions. Don’t substitute an agent’s personal ID.
Save the confirmation
Keep the IRS EIN confirmation next to your formation documents. A bank or payment provider may ask for both. If the legal name on a provider application differs from the IRS record, resolve the mismatch before resubmitting.
Official sources
General information. Check how the rules apply to your business with the relevant provider or a qualified adviser.