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
Erich said: Monday, January 29, 2018Hi there I need a itin fro the irs I am a south african individual Need tbis urgently to register for a seller on amazon Can you please help with this Regards Erich
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, January 30, 2018Unfortunately, we cannot assist with ITINs. You have to contact the IRS directly.
Mark said: Saturday, December 23, 2017I am in Canada and I would like to open an LLC in the USA to apply for amazon seller. Do i need EIN, Tax ID and SSN?
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, December 27, 2017We are happy to assist you in forming your Delaware company and obtaining the Federal Tax ID Number, which is also known as an EIN. Think of the Federal Tax ID Number as the Social Security Number for your business; it will help you to operate lawful business activities in the U.S., open a U.S. bank account and hire U.S. employees. We do not require you to have a U.S. Social Security Number in order to obtain a Federal Tax ID Number. You can call us at 1-800-345-CORP or live chat with us from our homepage.
Danny Greeme said: Wednesday, November 15, 2017This was some really great information.
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, November 15, 2017Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading our blog!
Luzviminda Ruaro said: Monday, August 14, 2017Hi I am a Filipino Citizen permanently residing in the Philippines. I am now in San Jose California visiting my sister and would be going back to the Philippines on August 18, 2017, I am interested in joining amazon's Affiliate Program an online advertising and marketing program, however, I don't have the required TIN or SSS Number. Can you apply and EIN or ITIN for me and how much would it cost me? Thank you and I look forward to your prompt reply. Luzviminda Ruaro Mobile No. +1408-477 5037
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, August 15, 2017
In order to obtain a Tax Id Number from the IRS, for your corporation or LLC, an SSN or ITIN is not a requirement. If the member or officer of the company does not have an ITIN/SSN and a U.S. address, the application must be faxed into the IRS and processing times can take 10-15 business days.
If you have not formed a company and need an ITIN, here is a fantastic article on how to obtain one.
SAIF AHMED KHIZAR said: Thursday, April 27, 2017Hello, writing this to inquire about setting up a U.S Tax Preparation firm. i am from India and want to register my firm in the U.S. I would like to know more details related to this. I am an indian Citizen needing for an EIN, EFIN, FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER
HBS Staff replied: Friday, April 28, 2017Most of our information for non-U.S. residents is on this page:
https://www.delawareinc.com/before-forming-your-company/Delaware-company-formations-for-non-residents/
Feel free to call us at 1-800-645-7400 for further assistance and to start the process of getting your EIN.