What Is an EIN and How to Get One Without an SSN

The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. Despite the word 'Employer' in its name, virtually every company needs one — including companies with no employees.

What requires an EIN?

All of the following require an EIN:

• Opening a U.S. business bank account (Mercury, Wise, Payoneer)
• Creating Stripe and PayPal Business accounts
• Registering as a corporate seller on Amazon, Etsy, or Walmart
• Filing annual returns with the IRS
• Signing formal agreements with suppliers and wholesalers

Applying without an SSN

U.S. residents obtain an EIN online in minutes, but the online system requires an SSN or ITIN. Foreign founders instead complete Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS by fax or mail, entering 'Foreign' in the SSN field for the responsible party.

Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks by fax and up to 4 weeks by mail. Errors on the form restart the clock — which is why having the application prepared by someone experienced saves real time. An EIN application is included in all of our formation packages.