Get a US EIN Without an SSN — Fax From Anywhere
The IRS online EIN tool requires a US SSN or ITIN. If you don't have one, fax your SS-4 from anywhere in the world and get your EIN in 4 business days.
Why the Online Tool Doesn't Work for You
The IRS EIN Assistant requires both a US mailing address AND an SSN/ITIN for the responsible party. Most non-US entrepreneurs have neither. Your options: call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 (limited hours, long holds, timezone challenges), fax Form SS-4 (24/7, 4-day turnaround), or mail it (4-6 weeks). Fax is the sweet spot for international applicants — faster than mail, no phone availability needed.
How to Fax Your SS-4 from Outside the US
Fill out Form SS-4 completely. In the SSN field (Line 7b), write "Foreign person — no SSN or ITIN." Include a cover sheet with your return fax number (so the IRS can fax your EIN back). Fax to (304) 707-9471 (the international number for applicants outside the US). If faxing from within the US, use (855) 215-1627 instead. Send at 300 DPI with fine/photo mode.
What You'll Need
Completed Form SS-4 (download from IRS.gov). A fax number where the IRS can send your EIN back (FaxTerra provides a US fax number for $4.99/month). Supporting documents may help: copy of your passport, copy of Articles of Organization/Incorporation filed with the US state. A cover sheet stating your LLC name, formation state, formation date, and return fax number.
What Happens After You Fax
The IRS faxes back a cover sheet with your assigned EIN in approximately 4 business days (international applications may take 5-15 days). This is NOT the CP 575 — that formal notice arrives by mail to your registered agent address in 4-6 weeks. If the CP 575 never arrives (common for international mail), wait 30 days then call (267) 941-1099 for a 147C verification letter.
Common Scenarios
Stripe Atlas founders: You need a US EIN before Stripe activates your account. Amazon FBA international sellers: Required for tax compliance on US marketplace sales. Shopify merchants: Needed for Shopify Payments. Digital nomads forming Wyoming/Delaware LLCs: Your registered agent handles the state filing, but EIN is on you. In all cases, the fax path gets you an EIN in days rather than weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a US EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. International applicants without an SSN or ITIN can fax Form SS-4 to the IRS. Write "Foreign person — no SSN or ITIN" in the SSN field. The IRS will still assign an EIN.
What fax number do I use from outside the US?
International applicants faxing from outside the US: (304) 707-9471. From within the US: (855) 215-1627. Both work for international EIN applications.
How long does it take to get an EIN by fax?
Domestic applications: approximately 4 business days. International applications: 5-15 business days. The IRS faxes back a cover sheet with your assigned EIN to the return fax number you provide.
Do I need a US fax number to receive my EIN?
You need a fax number where the IRS can reach you. A US number is simplest (FaxTerra: $4.99/month). The IRS faxes back to whatever number you provide on the cover sheet.
Can I call the IRS instead of faxing?
Yes. Call (267) 941-1099, Monday-Friday 6am-11pm Eastern Time. You'll receive the EIN verbally during the call. However, hold times can be long and the timezone difference makes this difficult for many international applicants.
I got my EIN but never received the CP 575 letter. What now?
Common for international addresses. Wait 30 days after EIN assignment, then call (800) 829-4933 or (267) 941-1099 and request a Letter 147C by fax. You'll need a fax number to receive it.