What Is IRS Form SS-4? How to Apply for an EIN Without an SSN

You’ve just formed a U.S. company as a foreign founder. You go to open a business bank account or set up payroll, and the first thing they ask for is an EIN. You try to apply online at the IRS website, but the system asks for a Social Security Number. You don’t have one. Now what?

TL;DR

• Form SS-4 is the IRS application used to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your U.S. company.
• An EIN is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and work with most U.S. payment platforms.
• Foreign founders without an SSN can’t apply for an EIN online. They must apply by fax or phone.
• The fax method takes about 4 business days. The phone method can get you an EIN the same day if you call the IRS international line.
• You do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. You just need to use the right application method.

What Is IRS Form SS-4?

Form SS-4 is the official IRS application to request an Employer Identification Number. The EIN itself is a nine-digit tax ID assigned to a business entity, similar to how an SSN works for individuals.

Despite the name, you do not need to have employees to get an EIN. Any U.S. LLC, C-Corporation, partnership, or other business entity needs one. It’s the primary way the IRS identifies your business for tax purposes.

You fill out Form SS-4 once. After that, the EIN is permanent. It stays with your company for its entire lifetime, even if you change your address, add members, or restructure.

Why You Need an EIN

An EIN is not optional if you’re running a legitimate U.S. business. Here’s where you'll need it:

Opening a Business Bank Account

Almost every U.S. bank and neobank asks for your EIN during the account application process. Some will not proceed without it.

Filing Federal Taxes

Your company’s tax returns require an EIN. This applies even if your LLC is a pass-through entity that reports income on your personal return.

Hiring Employees Or Paying Contractors

If you issue 1099 forms to contractors or run payroll, an EIN is required.

Working With Payment Platforms

Stripe, Mercury, Brex, and similar services will ask for your EIN when you onboard.

Applying For Business Credit Or Licenses

Lenders and licensing agencies use your EIN to verify your business identity.

The Problem With the Online Application

The IRS has an online EIN application that is fast and convenient. You can complete it in minutes and get your EIN immediately.

But there is a catch: it only works if the responsible party (the person applying on behalf of the company) has a U.S. Social Security Number or ITIN.

Foreign founders who don’t have either of these cannot use the online system. The IRS website will simply not let you proceed. This catches a lot of non-resident founders off guard, especially those who successfully incorporated a U.S. LLC or C-Corp remotely and assumed the EIN process would work the same way.

It doesn’t. But there are two paths that do work.

How to Apply for an EIN Without an SSN

Option 1: Fax (Recommended for Most Founders)

You can submit a completed Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS. This is the most common method for foreign applicants. Here’s how it works:

1. Download Form SS-4 from the IRS website.
2. Fill it out completely. Every field that applies to your company needs to be completed.
3. Fax it to the IRS.
4. Wait approximately 4 business days for the IRS to process your application and fax back your EIN confirmation.

You will receive a letter (CP 575) confirming your EIN. Keep this document. Banks and service providers may ask for it.

Option 2: Phone Call

You can call the IRS directly and apply for an EIN over the phone. Non-U.S. founders without an SSN use the IRS international line at +1-267-941-1099. If you have all your information ready, you can receive your EIN during the same call.

Be ready to provide details about your company: legal name, state of formation, business structure, the name and address of the responsible party, and the reason you’re requesting the EIN. The IRS representative will verify your information and issue the number verbally. They will mail the written confirmation separately.

Can You Use a Third-Party Service?

Yes. Some founders prefer to delegate this step to a registered agent, incorporation service, or attorney who handles EIN applications regularly. Skala also assists with obtaining an EIN as part of the U.S. incorporation package. This can reduce errors and save time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with IRS processes.

If you go this route, make sure the service is submitting Form SS-4 on your behalf (not using a workaround) and that you receive the CP 575 confirmation letter once the EIN is issued. You should always have direct access to your own EIN documentation.

What Comes After the EIN?

Once you have your EIN, the next steps typically include:

• Opening a U.S. business bank account. You’ll need your EIN, your formation documents (Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation), and in some cases, a copy of your operating agreement or bylaws.
• Setting up payment processing. Platforms like Stripe and PayPal will ask for your EIN during verification.
• Filing your first annual tax return. An LLC with no U.S.-source income and no U.S. owners may have limited filing obligations, but this depends on your specific structure. Confirm with a tax advisor — and if you don't have one, Skala can connect you with a vetted tax advisor or attorney.
• Registering for state taxes if required. Some states have their own registration requirements separate from the federal EIN.

Where to Get Form SS-4

Download the current form from the IRS: the Form SS-4 PDF and the official instructions are on the IRS "About Form SS-4" page. Remember the catch above: the online EIN application only works if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN — without one, you file the same SS-4 by fax or phone instead.

How Skala Can Help

Skala obtains your EIN as part of its U.S. incorporation package (LLC, C-Corp, or PBC) — submitting Form SS-4 for you and handing back the CP 575 so you keep your own documentation. Formation also includes a registered agent and a U.S. mailing address, the pieces banks and platforms ask for right after the EIN.

You'll also find a library of free, lawyer-drafted legal templates — NDAs, contractor and employment agreements, and more — on the platform (registration required).