Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS — Get Your EIN in 4 Days
The online EIN tool not working? Can't use it from outside the US? Fax your SS-4 and get your EIN in 4 business days — free, no fax machine needed.
Last updated: May 2026
IRS Fax Numbers for Form SS-4
- Domestic (50 states + DC): (855) 641-6935
- International from within the US: (855) 215-1627
- International from outside the US: (304) 707-9471
The Fax-TIN service operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Include a cover sheet with your return fax number so the IRS can fax your EIN back to you.
Who Needs to Fax SS-4?
The IRS online EIN tool works for most US applicants — but not everyone. You'll need to fax if: you're a non-US resident without an SSN or ITIN, you hit a Reference Number error (101, 105, 106, 107, or 115) on the online tool, or you need to include supporting documents like Articles of Organization. International founders forming US LLCs through Stripe Atlas, Amazon, or Shopify commonly use the fax path.
What the IRS Sends Back
After receiving your faxed SS-4, the IRS faxes back a cover sheet with your assigned EIN within approximately 4 business days. This is NOT the CP 575 confirmation letter — that arrives separately by mail in 4-6 weeks. Keep both: the fax-back for immediate use (opening bank accounts, starting payroll) and the CP 575 for permanent records. If the CP 575 never arrives, you can request a Letter 147C replacement by phone.
How to Fax Form SS-4 with FaxTerra
Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov, fill it out completely, and save as a PDF. Upload it here, enter (855) 641-6935 (or the international number), and send. Use our high-quality fax setting — the IRS requires clear, legible documents. Include your FaxTerra number on the cover sheet so the IRS can fax your EIN back to you. Your delivery confirmation is your proof of filing.
Tips for Success
Fill out every field — incomplete forms are rejected without notice. Double-check the Responsible Party's SSN or ITIN (Line 7b). For foreign applicants without an SSN, write "Foreign person — no SSN or ITIN" in the SSN field. Send at 300 DPI or higher. If the fax line is busy (common during business hours), try early morning Eastern time or weekends — the Fax-TIN service runs 24/7. Non-US founders should also read the EIN for Non-US Residents guide for international-specific timelines and the phone-followup playbook. Once you have your EIN, you may also need to request a 147C verification letter — banks require official IRS proof of your EIN before they will open a business account. For the broader picture of what the IRS accepts by fax, see How to Fax the IRS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRS fax number for Form SS-4?
Domestic: (855) 641-6935 (toll-free). International from within US: (855) 215-1627. International from outside US: (304) 707-9471. All numbers accept faxes 24/7.
How long does it take to get an EIN after faxing?
The IRS faxes back your EIN within approximately 4 business days. You must include a return fax number on your cover sheet. The formal CP 575 confirmation letter arrives separately by mail in 4-6 weeks.
Can I fax Form SS-4 for free?
Yes. FaxTerra offers 10 free pages per month. Form SS-4 is 1 page (2 with a cover sheet), well within the free limit.
Can I apply for an EIN online instead?
Yes — if you have an SSN or ITIN and your principal business is in the US. The online tool at irs.gov assigns an EIN instantly. If you can't use the online tool (non-US resident, reference number errors), fax is the fastest alternative.
What is a Reference Number 101 error?
Reference 101 means the IRS found a business name too similar to an existing entity. You'll need to fax Form SS-4 with your filed Articles of Organization/Incorporation for manual review. The online tool cannot resolve this.
Do I need a fax number to receive the EIN back?
Yes. Include a return fax number on your SS-4 cover sheet. If you don't have a fax number, FaxTerra's Starter plan ($4.99/month) gives you a dedicated US fax number that receives the IRS reply directly to your email.