What is an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is the nine-digit number the IRS assigns to a business for US tax filing and reporting, written in the form 12-3456789. It is free from the IRS. Example: a Peruvian founder forms a Delaware LLC to sell to US customers. Once the state filing is done, she calls the IRS international line, answers the Form SS-4 questions and receives the EIN, which the LLC then uses on its tax filings and account applications.
- An EIN is a nine-digit IRS number for businesses, trusts and other entities, written as 12-3456789.
- The IRS charges no fee; it warns against websites that charge for an EIN.
- The online application is for entities with a principal place of business in the US whose responsible party has an SSN or ITIN.
- Applicants with no US principal place of business can call 267-941-1099, fax Form SS-4 to 304-707-9471, or apply by mail.
- A change of responsible party must be reported on Form 8822-B within 60 days.
How to get an EIN
Apply on Form SS-4, or answer the same questions online or by phone. The IRS says to form a corporation or LLC with the state first, because an application made before the entity exists may be delayed.
| Route | Who can use it | When the EIN arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Online | US principal place of business; responsible party has an SSN or ITIN; Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Eastern; one EIN per responsible party per day | Immediately if approved |
| Phone, 267-941-1099 (not toll free) | Applicants with no legal residence, principal place of business or office in the US; 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday to Friday | During the call |
| Fax, 304-707-9471 from outside the US | Any applicant | Generally within 4 business days |
| Any applicant | About 4 weeks |
Sources: IRS, Get an EIN; IRS, Instructions for Form SS-4. As published on 29 October 2026.
Where a business meets it
- Forming a US company, which needs an EIN for its tax returns and information returns.
- Opening a US bank account for that company.
- Completing Form W-9 for US customers that file information returns.
- Hiring employees, paying sales and excise taxes or operating a partnership or corporation, which the IRS lists among the reasons to get an EIN.
Common mistakes
- Paying a third party. The IRS issues EINs free and warns against websites that charge.
- Applying before the company exists. File with the state first.
- Using the online tool from abroad. It requires a US principal place of business; international applicants use phone, fax or mail.
- Not updating the responsible party. Report changes on Form 8822-B within 60 days.
Related terms and how Helm handles it
A company outside the US documents itself to US payers with Form W-8BEN-E rather than an EIN. Helm gives a company registered outside the US USD account details in its own name, with a routing and account number that receives ACH, Fedwire and SWIFT, without a US subsidiary. See opening a US business account as a non-resident and global accounts.
Open a Helm account
USD, EUR and GBP accounts in your company's name, with a named account manager.
Open accountQuestions
What is an EIN number used for?
It identifies a business for US federal tax purposes: tax returns, information returns, payroll and opening accounts. It is the business equivalent of a Social Security number for an individual.
How much does an EIN cost?
Nothing. The IRS issues EINs free and warns that you never have to pay a fee for one, so avoid websites that charge.
Can a foreign person get an EIN?
Yes. Applicants with no US residence or principal place of business can call 267-941-1099 or fax Form SS-4 to 304-707-9471 from outside the US, or apply by mail. The online tool is limited to US-based applicants.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online and phone applications get the number at once. Fax applications are generally answered within 4 business days, and mail applications take about 4 weeks.
References
This guide is general information for businesses, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and timings were checked against the sources listed on the review date and may change.