How to Get an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN
Learn when a foreign LLC owner can apply for an EIN without an SSN or ITIN, what line 7b requires, and how to choose an IRS application channel.
An eligible applicant can obtain an EIN even when the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN. The current Form SS-4 instructions tell applicants to enter foreign or N/A on line 7b when that person does not have either number and is ineligible to obtain one. That exception does not make the online EIN tool available without the required taxpayer ID. See the IRS instructions for lines 7a-7b.
For a foreign owner of a US LLC, separate three questions: whether the entity needs an EIN, what identifier the responsible party can provide, and which application channel the entity can use. These are connected decisions, but they are not the same decision.
An EIN and an ITIN identify different things
An EIN identifies a business or other entity for federal tax purposes. An SSN or ITIN identifies an individual. See EIN vs ITIN for the separate application purposes. Receiving an EIN for your LLC does not give you a personal taxpayer ID, and the EIN is not a substitute for your SSN or ITIN on personal tax documents. The IRS makes that distinction in its SS-4 instructions.
You should not apply for an ITIN solely because a service says every foreign founder must obtain one before requesting an EIN. Equally, do not assume you are ineligible for an ITIN simply because you have never applied. If you have a personal US filing obligation, determine the applicable identification requirements separately.
What to enter on SS-4 line 7b
| Responsible party’s situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| Has an SSN or ITIN | Use the applicable identifier required by the instructions |
| Has neither and is ineligible to obtain either | Enter foreign or N/A under the current SS-4 instructions |
| Has neither but eligibility is unclear | Resolve eligibility before using the exception |
An entry is required. Do not leave line 7b empty, invent a nine-digit number, use a friend’s SSN or put your registered agent’s EIN there. Ordinary LLC applications require the responsible party’s information; the government-entity exception does not create a workaround for an LLC.
Line 7a should name the person who actually meets the responsible-party definition. A service provider can help with a form without becoming that person. See responsible party and designee roles.
Why the online EIN tool may not be available
The current IRS online application page requires a domestic organization, a principal place of business in the US or its territories, the appropriate applicant authority, and the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN. A US formation certificate alone does not satisfy all of those requirements. IRS online application eligibility.
Paying a provider does not change the responsible party’s eligibility. If the online tool cannot be used for your facts, choose an applicable alternative rather than substituting another person’s identity.
Fax, mail and the international telephone route
The IRS publishes fax and mail procedures for Form SS-4. Use the destination that matches the applicant’s location criteria. For fax, include a working return fax number if you want the IRS to fax the EIN back. See where to fax Form SS-4.
The public SS-4 instructions describe an international telephone route using location criteria. The more specific IRM 21.7.13.3.2.7 also requires telephone staff to check where the entity was created or organized. It classifies a US-formed LLC as domestic, even when the application lists foreign addresses, and directs those callers to other application methods. A foreign owner or overseas operating address therefore does not make a US LLC eligible for a first EIN assignment by telephone.
This restriction concerns first assignment by phone. It does not mean an overseas owner cannot contact the IRS about a pending application or verify an existing EIN, subject to identity and authority checks. See EIN by phone.
Use one method for the entity. An unanswered fax is not a reason to send a second application by mail while also seeking a new assignment by phone. If a formation provider has already applied, start with checking the existing application.
What to prepare before applying
For a formed US single-member LLC, collect the legal name, actual mailing and physical addresses, ownership information, business activity, start date and employee plans. Confirm the entity’s classification and filing purpose. The entry for a foreign-owned US disregarded entity seeking an EIN to file Form 5472 has specific instructions; it is not covered by writing foreign on line 7b alone.
Our SS-4 guide explains the other fields. A formation document can help establish the legal name and formation facts, but it does not automatically prove the operating address, responsible party or tax classification.
Common questions
Is an EIN without an SSN more expensive?
The IRS does not charge an EIN fee. Fax, postage or private assistance may cost money. A paid service does not create an IRS priority lane or guarantee a processing date.
Do I need to attach a passport automatically?
The general Form SS-4 instructions do not impose a blanket passport-attachment requirement for every foreign owner using the line 7b exception. Distinguish a provider’s verification requirements from the documents the IRS asks you to submit. Follow any specific IRS request that applies to the application.
Will an EIN guarantee a bank account?
No. A bank applies its own identity, business and document requirements. Confirm those directly, including which EIN evidence it accepts.
Understand the next step
EINPilot’s planned scope is preparation and fax assistance for eligible first-time applicants with a US single-member LLC and one foreign individual owner. Explore the preview to see the review process. Real applications, payments and submissions are not yet available.
General information, not individualized tax advice. Sources checked October 8, 2026: IRS Form SS-4 instructions and IRS online EIN requirements, and IRM telephone routing.