I'm a non-US resident planning to form a single-member LLC in Wyoming. I've read conflicting things about whether I can get an EIN without a Social Security Number. Some sources say file Form SS-4 by fax, others say it's impossible. Can anyone clarify the actual process? I don't want to pay a service if I can avoid it.
LLC
Can a foreign owner get an EIN for a US LLC?
Yes, you can. I did it last year. You need to fill out Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS international number. There's a section for foreign applicants without an SSN. Wait about 4-6 weeks for the fax back.
Wait, 4-6 weeks? I heard you can call them and get it in 10 minutes if you're lucky. But hold times are brutal.
Yeah, calling is an option but I tried three times and got disconnected. Fax was more reliable for me. Just make sure you write 'foreign' in The right box.
Is there any downside to just using a service like one of those online incorporation sites?They charge like $200 but handle everything. I'm not confident I'll fill the form correctly.
That's my concern too. I don't mind paying a bit for convenience, but I want to understand the process in case I need to do it again.
I used a service. It was fine but they just faxed the form for me. You can do the same. No magic involved. Save your money.
One thing to note: if you don't have an SSN or ITIN, the SS-4 instructions say to write 'Foreign' in the SSN field. But some IRS agents might still ask for an ITIN. I've heard of people getting rejected because they left it blank. Make sure you follow the form instructions exactly.
Also, don't forget that even with an EIN, you might have to file a pro forma 5472 and 1120 if you're a foreign-owned single-member LLC. That's a whol other headache.
So the EIN is just the start. What about opening a US bank account? That's the next hurdle.
Mercury or Wise are popular for non-residents.But that's a separate topic. For EIN, fax is fine. I used a free fax service online.