EIN For A US LLC Without An SSN

Table of Contents

How To Get An EIN For A US LLC Without An SSN: 2026 Guide

Written By Content Team
Reviewed By Abdul Mannan, CA & California-Licensed CPA
Last reviewed: September 2026

Introduction:

Yes, you can generally get an EIN for a U.S. LLC without an SSN. A non-U.S. resident may also be able to obtain an EIN without an ITIN. If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the IRS allows “foreign” or “N/A” to be entered on Form SS-4, Line 7b.

The process is different from the standard online EIN application for many non-U.S. applicants. If your legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency is outside the United States or U.S. territories, you cannot use the IRS online EIN application. Instead, international applicants can apply by phone, fax or mail.

This blog explains how to get an EIN for the U.S. LLC without an SSN, what to enter on Form SS-4, how Line 7b works, which application method to use, and what to review after receiving the EIN. If you are still setting up your U.S. business, you can see our guide on how to form a U.S. LLC from Pakistan.

Can You Get An EIN For A US LLC Without An SSN?

Yes. An SSN is not automatically required for a foreign responsible party to obtain an EIN.

The key issue is how the responsible party completes Form SS-4. The IRS requires the responsible party’s name on Line 7a and an SSN, ITIN, or EIN on Line 7b. However, when the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS instructions specifically allow “foreign” or “N/A” on Line 7b. This is particularly relevant to founders who live outside the United States and own a U.S. LLC.

Do You Need An ITIN To Get An EIN?

It is not necessarily. An ITIN is not a universal prerequisite for obtaining an EIN. The IRS’s current Form SS-4 instructions specifically provide a procedure for a responsible party who has neither an SSN nor ITIN and is ineligible to obtain one.

However, do not treat “foreign” or “N/A” as a universal replacement for an SSN or ITIN. The IRS also has special instructions for certain foreign entities applying for an EIN for tax-treaty or withholding purposes. Your entry should therefore reflect why the EIN is being requested and the responsible party’s actual circumstances.

Does Every US LLC Need An EIN?

Not necessarily. Whether a U.S. LLC needs an EIN depends on its ownership structure, federal tax classification, and specific tax or reporting obligations.

For example, a single-member LLC treated as a disregarded entity can have different federal tax requirements from a multi-member LLC or an LLC taxed as a corporation. The IRS recognizes partnerships, corporations, and disregarded entities as possible federal tax classifications for LLCs.

An EIN may be required for purposes such as:

Having employees
Certain employment taxes
Certain excise taxes
Withholding tax on payments to nonresident aliens
Partnership or corporate filing requirements
Certain information-reporting requirements
Some state or banking requirements

Important exception for foreign-owned LLCs: A foreign-owned U.S. single-member LLC treated as a disregarded entity must obtain an EIN when it is required to file Form 5472. This EIN requirement applies specifically to the Form 5472 filing and can apply even when the LLC has no employees or other U.S. business activity.

The IRS also allows a business to request an EIN for banking or state tax purposes even when it does not otherwise need one for federal tax purposes.

The key distinction is that forming an LLC and determining whether it needs an EIN are separate questions. However, specific federal reporting requirements, such as Form 5472 for certain foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities, can create an EIN requirement.

What Information Do You Need Before Applying?

Prepare the information for the LLC and its responsible party before starting Form SS-4.

You may need:

The LLC’s exact legal name
Mailing address
Physical business address, where applicable
Responsible party’s name
SSN, ITIN, or the appropriate Line 7b entry
LLC ownership information
Federal entity classification
Reason for applying
Principal business activity
Employee information, if applicable

If the LLC has not yet been formed, complete the state formation process first when required. For Pakistani founders establishing a U.S. business, the EIN should be viewed as one part of the wider entity, tax and compliance setup rather than as the entire process.

Who Is The Responsible Party On Form SS-4?

The responsible party is the individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity or exercises ultimate effective control over it. For most businesses, the IRS requires the responsible party to be an individual rather than another company or entity.

For a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, this will often be the individual owner who actually controls the business.

Can a Registered Agent Be the Responsible Party?

Not simply because the registered agent receives legal documents for the LLC. A registered agent should not automatically be listed as the responsible party. The person listed on Form SS-4 should meet the IRS definition of responsible party and have the required level of ownership or control.

Can an Accountant or Formation Service Apply for the EIN?

A third party can assist with the application when properly authorized, but assistance with Form SS-4 does not make that person the LLC’s responsible party. The individual who actually owns or controls the entity should be identified correctly.

How To Complete Form SS-4 Without An SSN

Form SS-4 is the IRS application for an EIN. The current version is available directly from the IRS Form SS-4 page.

For a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, several lines deserve particular attention.

Line 1 : Enter the LLC’s Legal Name

Enter the LLC’s legal name exactly as it appears on its formation documents.

Do not substitute a brand name, shortened name, or nickname for the legal entity name.

The IRS requires an entry on Line 1.

Lines 4a–4b : Provide the Mailing Address

Enter the mailing address where the IRS can send correspondence. If the mailing address is outside the United States, enter the city, province or state, postal code, and country. Do not abbreviate the country name.

Line 7a : Identify the Responsible Party

Enter the full name of the individual who ultimately owns or controls the LLC or exercises ultimate effective control over it.

A registered agent may still be required for the LLC under state law, but they should not automatically be listed as the IRS responsible party simply because they serve as the registered agent. The same applies to an accountant, formation service, or another third party that helped establish the company.

Line 7b : What Do You Enter Without an SSN or ITIN?

This is the most important line for many non-U.S. founders. If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS instructions say to enter:

“foreign” or “N/A”

on Line 7b. An entry is required. Do not enter a fabricated SSN, another person’s taxpayer identification number, or an unrelated EIN.

Also, do not assume that every foreign applicant should automatically enter “foreign.” The IRS provides separate instructions for certain foreign entities applying for an EIN for tax-treaty purposes.

Lines 8a–8c : Provide the LLC Information

If the application is for an LLC, answer the LLC questions about:

Whether the applicant is an LLC
Number of LLC members
Whether the LLC was organized in the United States

The answers help determine how the EIN application is processed and what entity information applies.

Line 9a : Identify the Entity Type

Line 9a asks for the type of entity applying for the EIN.

For an LLC, the correct entry depends on its structure and circumstances. The IRS specifically notes that Line 9a is not itself an election of federal tax classification.

For example, the current instructions explain different treatment for disregarded entities, partnerships, and corporations. If a single-member U.S. LLC is requesting an EIN specifically for Form 5472 purposes, the IRS instructions provide a specific Line 9a entry for a foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity.

Line 10 : Select the Actual Reason for Applying

Choose the reason that actually applies to the EIN request. The IRS requires a selection on Line 10; “N/A” should not simply be used because the applicant is a foreign founder.

Can You Apply Online For An EIN Without An SSN?

Not if you are an international applicant who does not meet the IRS online eligibility requirements.

The IRS states that applicants without a legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or U.S. territories cannot use the online EIN application. This is an important distinction for founders living in Pakistan.

Your LLC may be formed in Delaware, Wyoming, New Mexico, or another U.S. state, but that does not automatically mean you qualify for the online EIN application.

If your relevant business location is outside the United States, use one of the international application methods below.

How Can You Apply For An EIN From Outside The US?

International applicants who cannot use the online application can apply by phone, fax, or mail.

Apply by Phone

International applicants can call the IRS at: 267-941-1099

The current IRS instructions list the international telephone service as available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The number is not toll-free. Complete Form SS-4 before calling so you have the required information available.

Apply by Fax

If you are outside the United States, the current IRS instructions list: 304-707-9471 for international applicants.

Under the IRS Fax-TIN program, an EIN is generally returned by fax within 4 business days when the application is complete and a fax number is provided.

Apply by Mail

International applicants can mail Form SS-4 to:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN International Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

The IRS recommends submitting the application approximately 4 to 5 weeks before the EIN is needed and states that the EIN will arrive by mail in approximately four weeks. Always verify the current mailing address and instructions before sending the form.

Which EIN Application Method Should You Use?

Method	International applicant	Typical IRS timing	Best for
Online	Not when the applicant does not meet online eligibility	Immediate when eligible	Applicants who qualify for the online system
Phone	Yes	During IRS processing	Applicants who can speak directly with the IRS
Fax	Yes	Generally within 4 business days	Applicants who want a faster non-online option
Mail	Yes	Approximately 4 weeks	Applicants who prefer postal filing

The IRS also states that a responsible party generally should not apply for more than one EIN per day. For many founders outside the U.S., fax is a practical route when they do not qualify for the online system and want to avoid the longer mail timeline.

What Mistakes Should Foreign LLC Owners Avoid?

Using a Registered Agent as the Responsible Party

Being the registered agent does not, by itself, make someone the IRS responsible party.

Putting a False SSN or ITIN on Line 7b

Never use an invented number or someone else’s taxpayer identification number. If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, follow the current IRS instruction for Line 7b.

Assuming “Foreign” Applies to Every Non-U.S. Applicant

The “foreign” or “N/A” instruction applies to a responsible party who does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN. Certain foreign entities applying for an EIN for treaty or withholding purposes have additional instructions.

Applying Online When You Are Not Eligible

A U.S.-formed LLC does not automatically make its foreign owner eligible for the online EIN application. Check the applicant’s actual residence and principal business location against the IRS requirements.

Choosing the Wrong Entity Information

LLC ownership and federal tax treatment affect how Form SS-4 should be completed. Do not select an entity type simply because “LLC” appears to be the obvious answer. Review the applicable IRS instructions for the LLC’s structure.

Sending Multiple Applications

Do not repeatedly submit Form SS-4 simply because you are waiting for the EIN. The IRS limits applications to one EIN per responsible party per day.

What Should You Do After Receiving Your EIN?

Getting the EIN is only one step in the compliance process.

Keep Your EIN Confirmation

Keep the EIN confirmation and your completed Form SS-4 with your business records. The IRS also provides procedures for confirming an EIN if the original notice is lost.

Review Your U.S. Tax Filing Requirements

An EIN does not determine every tax filing obligation.

Your requirements can depend on:

LLC ownership
Federal tax classification
U.S. business activity
Employees
Withholding obligations
Information reporting
State requirements
Cross-border transactions

For broader planning and compliance, see HOA’s tax planning and preparation services.

Check Whether Form 5472 Applies

This is particularly important for certain foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities. The IRS explains that a U.S. disregarded entity wholly owned by a foreign person may need an EIN for Form 5472 reporting. That does not mean every foreign-owned U.S. LLC automatically has the same Form 5472 requirement. The entity’s federal classification and reporting circumstances matter.

Form 5472 penalty exposure: If Form 5472 is required and is not filed correctly and on time, the IRS may impose a $25,000 penalty, with additional penalties possible if the failure continues after IRS notification. Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities should therefore determine whether Form 5472 applies and maintain the records needed to support the filing.

Maintain Proper Financial Records

After obtaining the EIN, maintain accurate books and records for tax reporting and financial management. For businesses that need ongoing financial recordkeeping, see HOA’s bookkeeping and accounting services.

Consider Pakistan-Side Tax Obligations

If you are a Pakistani resident who owns or operates a U.S. business, obtaining an EIN does not by itself resolve your Pakistan-side tax or reporting obligations.

Pakistani residents may need to declare foreign assets and foreign-source income in their annual income tax return and Wealth Statement (Form 116) filed with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), depending on their circumstances.

Your U.S. entity structure and Pakistan tax position should be reviewed together where cross-border activity is involved. You can discover our guide on business tax planning in Pakistan for the Pakistan-side planning context.

What To Do After Getting An EIN Without An SSN

You can generally obtain an EIN for a U.S. LLC without an SSN, even if you are a non-U.S. resident.

For an international applicant, the critical steps are:

Confirm whether the LLC needs an EIN.
Identify the correct responsible party.
Complete Form SS-4 using the LLC’s legal information.
Pay particular attention to Line 7b.
If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, follow the IRS instruction to enter “foreign” or “N/A.”
Do not use the online application if you do not meet its eligibility requirements.
Use the IRS international phone, fax, or mail process when applicable.
After receiving the EIN, review the LLC’s broader federal, state, and cross-border reporting obligations.

An EIN gives the business a federal tax identification number. It does not, by itself, determine the LLC’s complete U.S. tax or reporting obligations.

To get your EIN is an important step, but it may not be the last one. If you are running a U.S. LLC from Pakistan, you may also need to understand your U.S. tax filings, reporting requirements and Pakistan-side obligations. If you are unsure what applies to your business, explore HOA’s U.S. Tax Planning & Compliance Services to understand the next steps.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: Yes, in applicable circumstances. If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS Form SS-4 instructions say to enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b. The entry is required. This rule should be applied based on the responsible party's circumstances rather than assumed for every foreign applicant.

Ans: Yes. A non-U.S. resident can generally get an EIN for a non-resident LLC. If the LLC has no U.S. legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency, the applicant generally cannot use the IRS online application and must use an international application method.

Ans: Yes. A Pakistani citizen can apply for an EIN for a US LLC from Pakistan. If the applicant is outside the United States and does not meet the IRS online application requirements, the IRS provides international application options through phone, fax, or mail.

Ans: Generally, no if your principal place of business is outside the United States or its territories. The IRS online EIN application has specific eligibility requirements, including a U.S. or territorial principal place of business and applicable taxpayer identification information for the responsible party. International applicants can use other IRS application methods.

Ans: You need basic information about the business and its responsible party, including the LLC's legal name, address, responsible party's name, entity details, and reason for applying. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you must complete Form SS-4 according to the IRS instructions applicable to your circumstances.

Ans: If the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the current IRS instructions say to enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b. Do not use another person's SSN or ITIN simply to complete the EIN application.

Ans: For applicants eligible to use the IRS online system, the online application is generally the fastest option. International applicants who cannot apply online can use phone, fax, or mail. The IRS states that fax applications are generally processed in about four business days, while mail applications take approximately four weeks.

Ans: Getting an EIN directly from the IRS is free. The IRS does not charge an application fee. However, tax professionals, formation companies, or other third-party providers may charge their own service fees for preparing or submitting an EIN application. You can apply for an EIN directly from the IRS here.