Getting an EIN without SSN is one of the first questions Korean founders ask after forming a US company, and the good news is that it is entirely possible. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes, banking, and hiring. Many founders assume they need a Social Security Number (SSN) to obtain one, but that is a common myth. Foreign business owners without an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply successfully by using the correct method.
This guide walks through exactly how to get an EIN without SSN, what the IRS requires, and how to avoid the delays that trip up many international applicants.
What an EIN Is and Why You Need One
An EIN functions like a tax ID for your business. Nearly every US company needs one to operate properly. You will use your EIN to open a US business bank account, file federal tax returns, apply for business licenses, hire employees, and set up payment processors such as Stripe or PayPal. Amazon, Shopify, and other marketplaces also frequently ask for an EIN during seller verification.
Without an EIN, your company exists on paper but cannot function financially. Because of this, obtaining one should be a priority immediately after your LLC or corporation is formed.
Can You Really Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes. The IRS clearly allows individuals who do not have an SSN or ITIN to apply for an EIN. The key is that you cannot use the fast online application, which requires an SSN or ITIN for the responsible party. Instead, foreign founders apply using Form SS-4 submitted by fax or mail, and in some cases by phone through the IRS international line.
On the SS-4 form, when you reach the line asking for the responsible party’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN, you simply write Foreign in that field. This is the standard, IRS-accepted way for non-US persons to indicate they do not hold a US tax ID.
Step-by-Step: Applying With Form SS-4
Follow these steps carefully, because small errors are the leading cause of rejected or delayed applications.
- Complete Form SS-4. Download the current version from the IRS website. Enter your legal business name exactly as it appears on your formation documents, your business address, entity type, and the reason you are applying.
- Name the responsible party. This is usually the owner or a principal officer. Enter your full legal name, and write Foreign where the SSN or ITIN is requested.
- Sign and date the form. An unsigned SS-4 will be rejected.
- Submit by fax or mail. Fax is faster. International applicants typically fax the form to the IRS number designated for applicants with no legal residence in the US.
- Wait for your EIN. By fax, processing often takes roughly one to four weeks, though times vary. By mail it can take longer.
You may also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line for international applicants. An agent can issue an EIN over the phone if your SS-4 is prepared and you can answer their questions accurately.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Foreign founders often run into avoidable problems. Watch for these issues:
- Inconsistent business names. The name on your SS-4 must match your state formation documents exactly.
- Leaving the responsible party field blank. Write Foreign rather than leaving it empty.
- Providing a fake or placeholder SSN. Never do this. It can cause serious complications.
- Applying before your company is officially formed. Your entity should exist first.
- Illegible fax copies. A blurry form can be rejected, so send a clean, high-quality scan.
EIN vs. ITIN: Do You Need Both?
These two numbers serve different purposes and are often confused. An EIN identifies your business. An ITIN identifies an individual who has US tax obligations but is not eligible for an SSN. You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. However, you may later need an ITIN for personal tax filing, certain tax treaty benefits, or specific banking situations. Many founders start with the EIN and pursue an ITIN only if their circumstances require it.
After You Receive Your EIN
Once the IRS issues your EIN, keep the confirmation letter, known as the CP 575, in a safe place. You will need it repeatedly, and the IRS does not reissue the original letter, so a lost copy can slow you down later. Your next steps typically include opening a US business bank account, registering for any required state tax accounts, and setting up payment processing. Storing a digital and physical copy of your EIN letter will save you time whenever a bank or platform asks to verify your business.
It is also worth confirming that the details on your EIN letter, such as your business name and address, exactly match your formation documents. Even small discrepancies can cause friction when a bank or marketplace verifies your company. If you notice an error, address it with the IRS early rather than waiting until it blocks an account opening. Treating your EIN paperwork with care from the beginning makes every later step, from banking to tax filing, noticeably smoother.
This article provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. Rules and processing times change, so consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an EIN without an SSN?
Processing times vary. By fax, it often takes roughly one to four weeks, and by mail it can take longer. Phone applications through the IRS international line may be faster if your form is complete and accurate.
Do I need to visit the United States to apply?
No. You can complete the entire process from Korea by preparing Form SS-4 and submitting it by fax, mail, or phone. A US visit is not required to obtain an EIN.
What do I write on the SS-4 if I have no SSN or ITIN?
On the line requesting the responsible party’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN, write the word Foreign. This is the standard IRS method for non-US applicants who do not hold a US tax identification number.
Navigating IRS forms from overseas can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. If you want expert help securing your EIN and setting up your US company correctly, we invite you to a free consultation with USdongsan, where our team guides Korean founders through every step of US market entry.
