Federal Tax ID Numbers for Non-U.S. Citizens
Entrepreneurs from all over the world incorporate their companies in Delaware in order to take advantage of Delaware’s prestigious corporate law structure.
Each founder aspires to create the next great Delaware company, such as Facebook, Google, Uber or Twitter.
At Harvard Business Services, Inc., we love being a part of the entrepreneurial process—helping people form their companies, obtaining their Federal Tax ID Numbers for them and cheering them on as they start to achieve their goals.
People from all over the world inquire about obtaining a Federal Tax ID Number or EIN (Employer Identification Number) for their new businesses.
Some people think that because they do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), a U.S. address or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) that they cannot obtain an EIN and therefore cannot form an LLC in Delaware.
This is not true. If you do not have a Social Security number, you are not disqualified from obtaining a Federal Tax ID Number. Let's find out how a non-U.S. citizen can get an EIN Number and form a Delaware company.
How to Obtain an EIN without a SSN
First, you will be required to fill out and submit an SS4 Form, just as any U.S. resident would. The address listed on the SS4 Form can be anywhere in the world. The IRS is only interested in knowing where the business is operating.
In order to obtain an EIN online, you will need a Social Security Number or U.S. address. However, an EIN for non-U.S. citizens can still be acquired by mailing or faxing the application to the IRS. In this case, you will be required to provide a copy of the passport for the person listed as the responsible party.
Be very careful when applying for your EIN as a foreigner, as there are potential drawbacks to dealing with the IRS on your own.
If the EIN application is not prepared correctly or is transmitted illegibly, the IRS may fax you a letter of rejection. This letter of rejection can sometimes take weeks to receive; once it is received, you are welcome to re-apply for the EIN, but you will have to start the process from the beginning.
Our dedicated team in the Filings Department will be responsible for making sure your SS4 application is prepared and filed correctly in order to ensure the timely approval of your Federal Tax ID Number.
If there are any problems, we will call the IRS to resolve the issue, thus saving you time and energy so you can concentrate on your new company.
We can typically obtain an EIN for any international client in seven to twenty business days once we receive a signed SS4 form.
The responsible party controls, manages or directs the applicant’s entity and the distribution of its funds and assets. The responsible party for a corporation must be an actual person, but this person can be an officer of the corporation and he/she can live anywhere in the world.
The responsible party of an LLC can be a member or managing member from anywhere in the world. The responsible party simply signs the document and emails or faxes it back to us. We will follow up with the IRS on your behalf if the EIN is not received in a timely fashion. This can save you hours of frustration, since contacting the IRS can be a lesson in futility at times.
If you would like to apply for a Federal Tax ID Number for a new or existing company, please call us, regardless of whether or not you have a U.S. Social Security number, ITIN or U.S. address. We can help alleviate the hassle of dealing with an often uncooperative and unfriendly IRS. Please call 1-800-345-2677, Ext. 6910.
You can also learn more about how to obtain an EIN without a SSN or an ITIN in this blog post.
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 41 comments left for Federal Tax ID Numbers for Non-U.S. Citizens
Gerardo Delgado said: Thursday, April 12, 2018I am a citizen from Mexico and I would like to get a Federal tax id number to be able to buy some products in USA that require it. What do I have to do??
HBS Staff replied: Monday, April 16, 2018You can call our Federal Tax ID specialist at 1-800-345-2677. Ask for the EIN department. She can walk you through the process and assist you in any way.
Ahura said: Tuesday, April 10, 2018Hi, I am not american citizen or even resident. Frelancer Iranian writer and published book in Amazoon, I have bank account in USA but do not have American tax ID yet, how can i get it? I want to apply that bank account to withdraw from Amazoon website. thanks in advance
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, April 11, 2018I'm sorry, sir, but due to U.S. Treasury restrictions, we cannot assist anyone from your country.
Rosen Takov said: Tuesday, March 13, 2018Hello, I have a US company registered in Delaware, which has no tax number. The company has no activity at the moment, but I have submitted documents for opening a bank account in Europe. Do I need such a tax number as I will not do any business in US.
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, March 13, 2018If you will be opening a bank account in Europe with a Delaware company, you will be required, at some point, to file an FBAR, and in order to do that, you will need an EIN for your Delaware company (regardless of whether your company does business in the United States).
MJ said: Sunday, February 25, 2018I'm live in the Philippines and I would like to start my own online business in the US. But I dont have a US address in order for me to apply for an EIN number. Any tips on how I should proceed?
HBS Staff replied: Monday, February 26, 2018You do not need a U.S address to apply for an EIN for a U.S company; an international address can be used on the SS-4 form as the mailing and physical address for the company.
sheena said: Wednesday, January 31, 2018i need a federal Id nunber for this school harris health system
HBS Staff replied: Monday, February 5, 2018Feel free to call our office for EIN assistance: 1-800-345-2677.