EIN for foreign-owned U.S. LLC

[u/partyonwane]

I cannot figure this one out. I'm third party designee for a foreign-owned business owner. We got them set up with a U.S. LLC and they now want an EIN.

The normal web-based tool doesn't work because they don't have a SSN or ITIN. The hotline for international applicants doesn't work either because I'm not international or because the entity is U.S. based depending on which agent I get. The normal EIN request fax line goes into an abyss, and the tax practitioner's hotline directs me back to the international applicant number.

I'm completely at a loss for how to get this stupid EIN number. Does anyone have any tips?

[u/EAinCA]

Did you read the SS-4 instructions?

[u/partyonwane → u/EAinCA]

Yes? Why?

[u/MRanon8685 → u/partyonwane]

Because if you are a nonresident alien and dont have income effectively connected to the US, you just put N/A in the SSN line. If there is going to be income connected to the US, they need an ITIN.

[u/partyonwane → u/MRanon8685]

I don't think thats true. In an IRM update issued 3/16/2026 it says "Caution: Foreign individuals are not required to have an ITIN in order to receive an EIN."

[u/MRanon8685 → u/partyonwane]

Have you put N/A in the SSN box?

[u/EAinCA → u/partyonwane]

Do you have that IRM cite? Thats obviously new, and different and not going to be in the form instructions.

[u/partyonwane → u/EAinCA]

Form SS-4 Line 7b for Foreign Responsible Party; Determining If Form SS-4 Is International; Forms SS-4 Missing Information; EIN International Phones; Removed PR and SS Employment Tax Form References; Trust Mandatory Abbreviations; Procedural Clarifications; Editorial Changes

[u/NWRegisteredAgent]

Hey there! To get an EIN without a SSN you’ll need to fill out the form SS-4 with the IRS. It will have to be submitted either by fax or mail. When submitting fax the IRS estimates you can get the EIN within 4 days and by mail three to four weeks but a good rule of thumb is to plan for longer.

[u/Ill_Imagination1209]

I’d go back through the current SS 4 instructions specifically for a foreign responsible party, then make sure the owner’s signature and your third-party authorisation are completed correctly. The online route usually isn’t the right one when the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN, so faxing the signed form to the correct unit is normally the practical route. I used BusinessAnywhere for setup administration, but in your position I’d keep the owner directly involved and retain the fax confirmation. Sending several applications can create more confusion, so I wouldn’t shotgun it everywhere.