How to get an EIN from outside the United States

Key takeaways

• You can apply for an EIN from outside the US by phone (fastest), fax, or mail using IRS Form SS-4. The online application isn't available to international applicants.

• An EIN is free. The IRS doesn't charge for it, so avoid third-party services that do.

• Once you have your EIN, an Airwallex Global Account lets you hold USD and pay US taxes without unnecessary currency conversion fees.

If you're running a business outside the United States but need to work within the US tax system, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The catch is that the IRS's online EIN application is only available to businesses based in the US or US territories.¹ So if you're applying from overseas, you'll need to apply by phone, fax, or mail using IRS Form SS-4.

This guide walks you through what an EIN is, who needs one, the step-by-step process for each application method, and what to do once you've got it, including how to pay your US taxes without losing money to conversion fees.

What is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number the IRS issues to identify a business for tax purposes – formatted as XX-XXXXXXX (e.g. 12-3456789).³ Think of it as your business's passport for operating in the US tax system. It's what lets you hire employees, open accounts, file tax returns, and do business in the US.

You might also hear it called a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number. They're all the same thing. Now that you know what an EIN is, here's how to tell if you need one, and how it's different from other US tax identification numbers.

EIN vs TIN vs ITIN: What's the difference?

These acronyms get mixed up a lot, so here's a quick breakdown. TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is the umbrella term for all US tax IDs. An EIN is a type of TIN that's specifically for businesses. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is for individuals who aren't eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).

If you're applying as a business entity, you need an EIN, not an ITIN. If you're a sole proprietor without an SSN, you can still get an EIN.

Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN?

No. International applicants without an SSN or ITIN can still apply for an EIN. On the SS-4 form, leave the SSN/ITIN field blank or write "N/A" and note that you're a foreign entity.

Who needs an EIN from outside the US?

If you fall into any of these categories, you'll need an EIN:

• You've registered a business entity in the US. This includes LLCs, corporations, and partnerships, even if you're the sole owner and based overseas.

• You import goods into the US. US Customs and Border Protection typically requires businesses to use an EIN as their Importer of Record number.

• You sell on US platforms like Amazon or Shopify. Many US marketplaces require an EIN for tax reporting purposes.

• You have US-based employees. You'll need an EIN to report employment taxes.

• You're a freelancer or contractor with US clients. Some US clients may ask foreign individuals to complete a W-8BEN, or foreign entities to complete a W-8BEN-E, to establish your non-US status for tax withholding purposes. They may also request your EIN or foreign TIN to complete this documentation.

• You withhold taxes on income paid to non-residents. This triggers EIN requirements for reporting.

If you do need one, the good news is that it won't cost you anything.

How much does an EIN cost?

Nothing. The IRS provides EINs at no cost.² If you see a website charging you for an EIN, go straight to the IRS instead. There's no reason to pay a third party for something you can do yourself for free.

How to get an EIN from outside the US

Important: The IRS online EIN application isn't available to international applicants. You must apply by phone, fax, or mail.²

All three methods require you to complete IRS Form SS-4 first. Here's how each option works.

Step 1: Fill out IRS Form SS-4

Form SS-4 is the Application for Employer Identification Number.¹ You'll need to complete this no matter which application method you choose. Here are the key fields you'll need to fill out:

• Legal name of entity

• Trade name (if different from legal name)

• Mailing address

• Responsible party name and SSN/ITIN (write "N/A" if you're a foreign applicant without one)

• Type of entity (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)

• Reason for applying

• Date business started or was acquired

• Principal activity of your business

• Number of employees expected in the next 12 months

If you're authorising someone in the US to receive your EIN on your behalf, fill out the Third Party Designee section. That means they'll receive your official EIN documentation once it's prepared. If not, leave it blank. Either way, make sure you sign the form. An unsigned application will be rejected, and you'll have to start over.

Option 1: Apply by phone (fastest method)

This is the quickest way to get your EIN. You'll receive it during the call itself. Here's how to do it:

1. Have your completed SS-4 in front of you. You'll need to answer questions from it during the call.

2. Call the IRS international line. The number is 267-941-1099. Hours are 6 am to 11 pm Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.² This isn't a toll-free number, so international calling charges will apply.

3. Follow the phone menu prompts until you reach the EIN service.

4. Answer the representative's questions. They'll walk you through the information on your SS-4.

5. Receive your EIN verbally. Once you've answered their questions, you'll get your EIN on the spot. You can start using it straight away.

6. Write down your EIN carefully. Your physical confirmation letter (Form CP 575) will arrive by post in about four weeks, so you'll want to have the number recorded.

Option 2: Apply by fax

If you'd rather not make an international call, fax is a good alternative. Here's the process:

1. Complete Form SS-4 as described above.

2. Include a return fax number on your form where the IRS can send your EIN.

3. Fax your completed SS-4 to the IRS at 304-707-9471 (outside the US) or 855-215-1627 (within the US).²

4. Wait for your EIN. The IRS will fax back your EIN within four business days. If you don't include a return fax number, they'll post it instead, which takes much longer.

Option 3: Apply by post (slowest method)

Post is the slowest option, but it works if phone and fax aren't practical for you:

1. Complete Form SS-4 as described above.

2. Post your form to the IRS address for international applicants: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.²

3. Wait for your EIN. Processing takes four to six weeks. The IRS will post your EIN confirmation to the address on your application.

If timing matters, phone or fax will get you there much faster.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Here's a quick comparison of processing times by method:

Once you've got your EIN, you'll need to understand your ongoing US tax obligations.

US tax obligations after getting your EIN

Having an EIN means you may have US tax filing obligations. Here's what you need to know about when and how to pay.

When you need to file US taxes

Your business will need to file US taxes if any of the following apply:

• You have employees, or you withhold taxes on income paid to non-residents

• You operate as a corporation or partnership

• You're in the finance, real estate, or not-for-profit sector

• You file a tax return for tobacco, firearms, alcohol, employment, or excise

• You import goods into the US to sell on platforms like Amazon

How to pay US taxes from outside the US

The IRS offers online payment options through Direct Pay and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). EFTPS is undergoing significant changes. As of 17 October 2025, new individual enrolments are no longer accepted via EFTPS.gov. Business taxpayers with EINs are unaffected and may still enrol and use EFTPS as normal. But if you don't have a US account, paying by credit or debit card means you'll face international transfer and currency conversion fees. There's a better way.

Pay your US taxes without extra fees

You shouldn't have to pay extra fees just to meet your tax obligations. With an Airwallex Global Account, you can hold USD and make payments to the IRS without conversion fees eating into your money.

Open a USD Global Account and you'll get local US account details, without the paperwork, waiting times, or complexity of opening a traditional account. You can receive USD from US customers, hold it in your account, and pay your taxes directly. When you do need to convert currencies, you'll get interbank exchange rates, not inflated retail rates.

Airwallex processes over US$266 billion in annual payments volume, supporting 200,000+ businesses worldwide. If you're looking for a simpler way to manage your US finances from abroad, explore how to open a US Stripe account from Australia or get in touch with us today for a free demo.

Frequently asked questions

Can a non-US citizen get an EIN?

Yes. Foreign individuals and business entities can apply for an EIN if they're involved in US business activities that require tax compliance. You don't need to be a US citizen or resident.

Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?

No. International applicants without an SSN or ITIN can still apply. On Form SS-4, leave the SSN/ITIN field blank or write "N/A" and indicate you're a foreign entity.

Can I apply for an EIN online from outside the US?

No. The IRS online EIN application is only available to applicants whose principal business is in the US or US territories. International applicants must apply by phone, fax, or post.

How long does it take to get an EIN from outside the US?

It depends on the method. By phone, you'll get it during the call. By fax, about four business days. By post, four to six weeks.

Sources

1. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4

2. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number 

3. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers 

4. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

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