An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the US tax ID for your LLC — the equivalent of a CNPJ in Brazil. You need it to open a business bank account, accept payments via Stripe or PayPal, file annual tax returns, and complete compliance filings like the BOI Report. The problem: the IRS online EIN application requires a valid SSN or ITIN, which most foreign nationals don't have. This guide shows you exactly how to get an EIN without an SSN.
What is an EIN and why does your LLC need one?
An EIN is a 9-digit number in the format XX-XXXXXXX, issued by the IRS to identify a business entity. Even if your LLC is owned entirely by a foreign national living outside the US, you still need an EIN for:
- Business banking — Mercury, Relay, Wise Business all require an EIN
- Payment processors — Stripe, PayPal Business, Amazon seller accounts
- Annual IRS filings — Form 5472 + Form 1120 pro forma for foreign-owned single-member LLCs
- BOI Report — FinCEN's Beneficial Ownership Information filing requires the EIN
- Hiring employees — if you ever bring on US-based staff
Three ways to get an EIN as a foreign national
Phone (Fastest)
Same day — 30–60 min call
Call the IRS International EIN line: 267-941-1099 (Mon–Fri, 6am–11pm ET). The representative will ask questions from your SS-4 and issue your EIN on the call.
Fax
4–7 business days
Fax your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. The fax number varies by state. The IRS will fax your EIN confirmation back to the same number within 4–7 business days.
Mail
4–8 weeks
Mail a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS processing center in Cincinnati, OH. Slowest option but works if you have time and don't have fax access.
Form SS-4 is the EIN application. Several fields are specifically relevant for foreign nationals:
1
Line 1: Legal name of entityEnter the exact name of your LLC as registered in the state — including "LLC" at the end.
2
Line 7a: Responsible party name + 7b: SSN/ITIN/EINEnter your full legal name in 7a. In 7b, write "Foreign" if you have no SSN or ITIN. Do not leave it blank.
3
Line 8a–8b: LLC detailsCheck "Yes" for LLC, enter "1" for number of members (single-member LLC), and select your state of formation.
4
Line 9a: Type of entitySelect "Sole proprietor" for a single-member LLC treated as a disregarded entity, OR "LLC" and select the applicable tax treatment.
5
Line 10: Reason for applyingSelect "Started a new business" for a new LLC, or "Banking purpose" if you already have the LLC and need the EIN primarily to open a bank account.
Important: On line 7b, writing "Foreign" instead of an SSN/ITIN is the correct approach for non-resident foreign nationals. This is explicitly covered in IRS instructions for Form SS-4. Some applicants mistakenly leave this blank, which causes delays.
Common mistakes that delay your EIN
- Using the online portal — the IRS online EIN application rejects foreign applicants without SSN/ITIN. Always use phone, fax, or mail.
- Leaving line 7b blank — always write "Foreign" if you have no US tax ID
- LLC name mismatch — the name on the SS-4 must exactly match the state registration documents
- Wrong state address — use your LLC's registered agent address in the US, not your personal address in Brazil
- Applying before LLC is registered — get your state registration (Articles of Organization) first, then apply for EIN
Brazil Solutions handles the EIN application as part of our LLC formation service ($350 + state fee). We complete the SS-4 correctly and obtain your EIN via the IRS international phone line, typically within 1–3 business days of your LLC being formed.
We'll handle your EIN application — fast and correctly.
Brazil Solutions forms your LLC and obtains your EIN as a package. Portuguese and English support. 100% remote.
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