EIN Without SSN
Yes, you can get an EIN without a Social Security Number. We help foreign business owners and non-US residents obtain their EIN through the IRS phone application process.
Start Your EIN Without SSN Application
Professional service for international applicants. Starting at $172 (includes international filing fee).
The Truth: SSN is NOT Required for an EIN
Many people believe you need a Social Security Number to get an EIN. This is false. The IRS allows foreign individuals and businesses to obtain EINs without an SSN or ITIN.
What the IRS Says:
"International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) to obtain an EIN. The hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)."
— IRS.gov
The Catch:
Without an SSN, you cannot use the IRS online system. You must apply by phone, fax, or mail — which is where we come in.
Who Needs an EIN Without SSN?
Foreign Business Owners
Non-US residents starting a US business or LLC
E-commerce Sellers
Amazon, eBay, Shopify sellers outside the US
International Contractors
Freelancers working with US companies
Foreign Investors
Real estate or business investors from abroad
How to Get an EIN Without SSN
Option 1: IRS Online (NOT Available)
The IRS online EIN application requires an SSN or ITIN. Without one, you'll be blocked from completing the online form.
Option 2: Call IRS Directly (Difficult)
You can call the IRS at +1-267-941-1099 during US business hours (6am-11pm EST).
- • International calling charges apply
- • 30-60+ minute wait times common
- • Must navigate IRS agent questions in English
- • Inconvenient time zones for Asia/Europe/Australia
Option 3: Fax or Mail (Slow)
Submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail to the IRS.
- • Fax processing: 4-7 business days
- • Mail processing: 4-6 weeks
- • Errors can cause significant delays
- • No real-time confirmation
Option 4: Use Our Service (Recommended)
We handle the entire process — you provide information, we call the IRS on your behalf.
- • No international phone calls for you
- • No time zone issues
- • Expert SS-4 preparation (no errors)
- • 24-48 hour estimated processing (Standard)
- • Same-day review available (Express)
What You Need (Instead of SSN)
Required Documents
- 1Passport or Government ID
Valid identification from your country
- 2US Business Formation Documents
Articles of Organization/Incorporation from a US state
- 3US Mailing Address
Registered agent or virtual office address
- 4Responsible Party Information
Name, address, and date of birth of individual who controls the entity
NOT Required
- ✗Social Security Number (SSN)
- ✗Individual Taxpayer ID (ITIN)
- ✗US Citizenship or Green Card
- ✗Physical Presence in the US
- ✗US Bank Account (get EIN first!)
- ✗Previous US Tax History
EIN Without SSN Pricing
Why the additional fee? Without an SSN, applications require phone processing with the IRS, which takes significantly more time and expertise than online applications.
Standard
- Priority IRS phone filing
- Expert review
- Priority support
Express
- Rush IRS phone filing
- Same-day review target
- Priority support line
EIN Without SSN FAQ
Is it legal to get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. The IRS allows foreign individuals and businesses to obtain EINs without an SSN or ITIN when the application is filed through the correct process.
Why can't I use the IRS online system without an SSN?
The IRS online EIN application was designed primarily for US residents and requires identity verification through an SSN or ITIN. Foreign applicants must use alternative methods (phone, fax, or mail) which don't require these numbers.
Do I need an ITIN before getting an EIN?
No. An EIN and ITIN are separate identification numbers for different purposes. You can get an EIN without having an ITIN. However, you may need an ITIN later for personal tax filing if you receive US-sourced income.
Can I open a US bank account with just an EIN (no SSN)?
Yes, many US banks allow foreign-owned businesses to open accounts with an EIN, passport, and business formation documents. Popular options include Mercury, Relay, and some traditional banks like Chase or Bank of America (varies by branch).
How long does it take to get an EIN without SSN?
Through our service: Basic (3-5 business days), Standard (24-48 hour estimate), Express (same-day). If you call the IRS yourself, you can potentially choose express review, but expect long hold times and scheduling challenges due to time zones.
Start Your EIN Without SSN Application
No Social Security Number? No problem. We handle the IRS phone application process so you can get your EIN and start doing business in the US.
Start Your Application