EIN for International Businesses Operating in the US

Dec. 15, 2025, 1 p.m.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. Foreign-owned and international businesses often need an EIN to legally operate, pay taxes, hire workers, and open U.S. bank accounts.
EIN for International Businesses

Who Needs an EIN?

International businesses generally must obtain an EIN if they:

  • Operate a U.S. LLC or corporation (even with no U.S. employees)

  • Have U.S.-source income subject to reporting or withholding

  • Hire U.S. employees or contractors (1099 reporting)

  • Open a U.S. business bank account

  • File U.S. tax returns (e.g., Form 1120, 1120-F, 1065)

  • Register for state taxes (sales tax, payroll, franchise tax)

  • Act as a withholding agent for U.S. taxes

  • Key point: You do not need to be physically located in the U.S. to obtain an EIN.

 Business Types That Commonly Need an EIN

  • Foreign-owned single-member LLCs (required, even without employees)

  • Multi-member LLCs

  • C-Corporations and S-Corporations

  • Foreign corporations doing business in the U.S.

  • Non-U.S. partnerships

  • Branches or subsidiaries of foreign companies

 EIN vs ITIN vs SSN (For Non-Residents)

  • EIN → Business tax ID (required for the company)

  • ITIN → Individual tax ID for non-resident owners (optional in many cases)

  • SSN → Not required for foreign owners

You can get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

 How International Businesses Apply for an EIN

Option 1: Apply  online 

https://www.einregister.online/

Option 2: Apply by Phone   (502) 547-2551

 

 Why an EIN Is Critical for International Businesses

An EIN is commonly required to:

  • Open a U.S. business bank account

  • Use U.S. payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Amazon)

  • File required IRS information returns

  • Register for sales tax or payroll taxes

  • Maintain corporate compliance and credibility

 Special Compliance Rules for Foreign-Owned LLCs

Foreign-owned U.S. LLCs must comply with additional IRS rules, including:

  • Form 5472 filing requirements

  • Reporting certain transactions between the U.S. entity and foreign owners

  • Maintaining proper U.S. accounting records

 Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, even if no tax is owed.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  •  Assuming an EIN isn’t needed because there are no employees

  •  Using the owner’s foreign tax number instead of an EIN

  •  Filing Form SS-4 incorrectly (entity type errors are common)

  •  Missing Form 5472 filing obligations

  •  Delaying EIN application and holding up banking or payments

 Quick Summary

Question Answer
Can a foreign business get an EIN?  Yes
Is a U.S. address required?  No
Is an SSN or ITIN required?  No
Is an EIN required to open a U.S. bank account?  Usually
Is an EIN required with no employees?  Often

 

 

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/if-you-no-longer-need-your-ein