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EIN Comparisons Guide
Compare EIN with every other tax identification number, and compare EIN filing services side by side. Understand which one you need.
Last updated: June 2, 2026
Use this hub to compare the EIN against every other tax ID and to compare the services that file it. The EIN costs $0 from the IRS, while ein.so charges $49 to prepare and fax Form SS-4 for non-residents who have no SSN. An EIN identifies a US business. An ITIN, SSN, UTR, VAT, ABN, or PAN identifies something else. This page explains the differences, then links to a detailed comparison for each one. Standard processing costs $49 (4-7 business days). Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number the IRS assigns to a business in the format XX-XXXXXXX. People confuse it with at least a dozen other identifiers. Some are US tax IDs (ITIN, SSN, TIN). Some are foreign business numbers (VAT, ABN, UTR, PAN, CRN, GST). Some are not tax IDs at all (DUNS is a credit identifier). This hub disambiguates each one and links to a focused comparison page. It also compares EIN filing services so you do not overpay for a number the IRS issues for free.
| Identifier | Who issues it | Who it identifies | Works for a US business? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | IRS | A US business | Yes |
| ITIN | IRS | An individual without an SSN | No (personal only) |
| SSN | Social Security Administration | A US individual | No (personal only) |
| TIN | IRS (umbrella term) | Any taxpayer | EIN is the business TIN |
| VAT / ABN / UTR / PAN | Foreign governments | A foreign person or business | No |
Overview
What Comparisons Does This EIN Hub Cover?
This hub covers three comparison groups: US tax IDs, international tax IDs, and EIN filing services. Each link below opens a dedicated page that explains one specific difference in depth. Start with the group that matches your question.
US Tax ID Comparisons
- EIN vs ITIN — Business tax ID vs individual tax ID
- EIN vs SSN — Business identifier vs personal identifier
- EIN vs Tax ID — EIN is one type of Tax ID
- EIN vs TIN — TIN is the IRS umbrella term
- EIN vs Federal Tax ID — Same thing, different names
- FEIN vs EIN — Federal EIN vs EIN
International Tax ID Comparisons
- EIN vs ABN — US EIN vs Australian Business Number
- EIN vs CRN — US EIN vs Canadian Registration Number
- EIN vs DUNS — Tax ID vs business credit identifier
- EIN vs GST — US EIN vs Goods and Services Tax number
- EIN vs PAN — US EIN vs Indian Permanent Account Number
- EIN vs UTR — US EIN vs UK Unique Taxpayer Reference
- EIN vs VAT — US EIN vs EU VAT number
Service Comparisons
- ein.so vs LegalZoom
- ein.so vs Northwest
- ein.so vs Incfile
- ein.so vs ZenBusiness
- ein.so vs GovDocFiling
- ein.so vs Harbor Compliance
- ein.so vs EIN-ITIN
- Best EIN Service
Quick Links
- What is an EIN? — Parent guide
- Apply for EIN — $49
EIN vs Personal IDs
What Is the Difference Between an EIN, an ITIN, and an SSN?
An EIN identifies a business, while an ITIN and an SSN identify individuals. The IRS issues an EIN to a company. The IRS issues an ITIN to a person who needs a tax ID but has no SSN. The Social Security Administration issues an SSN to a US person.
Non-residents mix these up because the words "tax ID" cover all three. The distinction matters for your application. You attach an EIN to your US LLC for banking and tax filing. You attach an ITIN to yourself for personal filings, such as claiming a treaty benefit. Many non-residents need both numbers for different reasons.
| Feature | EIN | ITIN | SSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identifies | A business | An individual | A US individual |
| Issued by | IRS | IRS | Social Security Admin |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX | 9XX-XX-XXXX | XXX-XX-XXXX |
| Needs SSN to apply? | No | No | N/A |
| ein.so price | $49 / $97 | $197 / $297 | Not offered |
The EIN is the number a US LLC needs first. A foreign owner applies for the EIN with a passport, not an SSN. Read the full EIN vs ITIN and EIN vs SSN breakdowns, then start your EIN application.
EIN vs Umbrella Terms
How Does an EIN Relate to TIN and Federal Tax ID?
TIN is the umbrella term, and an EIN is the TIN that the IRS assigns to a business. "Federal Tax ID" is a plain-English name for the same EIN. These are not competing numbers. They describe the same 9-digit business identifier from different angles.
The IRS uses "Taxpayer Identification Number" (TIN) as a category. Inside that category sit several specific numbers: the EIN for businesses, the SSN for individuals, and the ITIN for individuals without an SSN. When a US bank or platform asks for your "federal tax ID" or "business TIN," it wants your EIN.
TIN Is the Category
Federal Tax ID = EIN
FEIN = EIN
One Number, Many Names
EIN vs Foreign IDs
Does a Foreign Business Number Replace a US EIN?
No. A foreign business number never replaces a US EIN. A UK UTR, Australian ABN, Indian PAN, Canadian CRN, or EU VAT number identifies you to a foreign tax authority. None of them have standing with the IRS or with US banks and platforms.
If you form a US LLC, you need a US EIN even when you already hold a foreign business ID. The two systems do not connect. Your VAT number proves nothing to a US bank. Your EIN proves nothing to the French DGFiP. You keep both, and you use each in its own country.
| Foreign ID | Country | US EIN still required? |
|---|---|---|
| VAT number | European Union | Yes |
| ABN | Australia | Yes |
| UTR | United Kingdom | Yes |
| PAN | India | Yes |
| CRN / BN | Canada | Yes |
| GST number | Various | Yes |
Compare each one directly: EIN vs VAT, EIN vs ABN, EIN vs UTR, EIN vs PAN, EIN vs CRN, and EIN vs GST. One more note: EIN vs DUNS compares a tax ID to a business credit identifier, which is not a tax number at all.
Choosing a Service
How Do You Choose Between EIN Filing Services?
Choose an EIN service by comparing four things: price, focus, non-resident support, and turnaround. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN, so any service fee pays only for form preparation, fax submission, and delivery. ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express.
General formation companies bundle the EIN into larger packages. They serve US residents who can often use the free online tool themselves. ein.so focuses only on EINs for non-residents and builds passport-based SS-4 filing into every order. Use the checklist below before you pay.
Check the Real Price
Confirm Non-Resident Support
Compare Turnaround
Read the Head-to-Head Pages
How to Apply
How Does a Non-Resident Apply for an EIN After Comparing Options?
A non-resident applies by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627 with a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool stays blocked without an SSN, so the fax method is the route. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days.
Confirm You Need an EIN, Not an ITIN
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4 Correctly
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
See the complete EIN application process and the EIN for non-residents guide for country-specific notes.
After Your EIN
What Do You Do With an EIN After You Get It?
You use the EIN to open a US bank account, accept US payments, and file required US returns. The EIN is the federal tax ID that connects your foreign-owned LLC to the US financial and tax systems. It unlocks banking, payment processing, and platform onboarding.
A US business bank account needs the EIN, the formation documents, and a passport. Mercury and Relay approve many non-resident LLC owners remotely. Tax compliance starts with the EIN too. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN.
Annual filings carry real penalties
- Foreign-owned single-member LLCs file Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 every year. Missing it costs $25,000.
- Most US LLCs must file a BOI report with FinCEN. Review the BOI filing rules.
- ein.so files the EIN and does not give tax advice. Confirm your filings with a US CPA.
Use your EIN to open a bank account, then connect payment rails and sell on US platforms. The EIN never expires, so one filing serves the life of the business.
Apply
What Does an EIN Cost Through ein.so?
An EIN costs $0 from the IRS, and ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express for full filing assistance. The fee covers SS-4 preparation, fax submission to the IRS, and EIN delivery by email. Non-resident support is built into every plan.
| Plan | Price | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $49 | 4-7 business days |
| Express | $97 | 2-3 business days |
For context, ein.so also files ITINs at $197 standard / $297 express for individuals who need a personal tax ID alongside the business EIN. See the full EIN cost breakdown.
Next Steps
Where Do You Go From This Comparison Hub?
- Compare your specific ID — EIN vs ITIN, EIN vs SSN, EIN vs TIN, or EIN vs VAT
- Compare services — read the best EIN service summary and the ein.so vs LegalZoom page
- Learn the process — how to get an EIN and the SS-4 form guide
- Apply without an SSN — see EIN without SSN and EIN for non-residents
- Plan compliance — file Form 5472 and your BOI report after approval
Check details before you file: EIN cost | EIN processing time | EIN for a bank account | What is an EIN?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an EIN as a non-resident?
Non-residents get an EIN by faxing IRS Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627. The IRS online tool is blocked because it requires an SSN. You enter your passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. ein.so prepares the form, faxes it, and emails your EIN for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 (2-3 business days).
How much does an EIN cost?
The EIN itself costs $0 from the IRS. The IRS never charges a fee to assign an EIN. ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express for filing assistance: SS-4 preparation, fax submission, and email delivery. See the full breakdown on the EIN cost page. Any site charging hundreds of dollars for the EIN alone is overpriced.
Can non-residents get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Non-residents do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. The IRS accepts a foreign passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The online EIN tool requires an SSN, so non-residents must use the fax method (855-215-1627). ein.so handles the entire fax process remotely for $49.
What is the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN identifies a business; an ITIN identifies an individual. The IRS issues an EIN to a company for tax filing, banking, and hiring. The IRS issues an ITIN to a person who needs a tax ID but cannot get an SSN. Many non-residents need both: an EIN for the LLC and an ITIN for personal filing. ein.so files ITINs at $197 standard / $297 express.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Processing time depends on the method. The IRS online tool is instant but needs an SSN. Fax submission takes 4-7 business days. Mail takes 4-6 weeks. ein.so delivers in 4-7 business days (Standard, $49) or 2-3 business days (Express, $97). See the EIN processing time page for a full method-by-method comparison.
Is the IRS online EIN tool free, and why can't I use it?
The IRS online EIN tool is free and instant, but it requires a Social Security Number or ITIN to authenticate the responsible party. Non-residents without an SSN cannot complete it. The fax method (Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627) accepts a passport number instead. That is the path ein.so files for non-residents at $49.
Do foreign-owned US LLCs have annual filing requirements after getting an EIN?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing Form 5472 is $25,000. Most US LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. The EIN is the starting point; confirm your specific tax obligations with a CPA. ein.so does not give tax advice.
How does ein.so compare to LegalZoom, Northwest, and Incfile for EINs?
ein.so focuses only on EINs for non-residents at $49 Standard or $97 Express, with passport-based SS-4 filing built in. General formation companies like LegalZoom, Northwest, and Incfile bundle the EIN into broader packages and often add it as a paid extra. Compare each service on its dedicated page before you buy.
What is the EIN equivalent in other countries?
There is no single global equivalent. The UK uses a UTR, Australia uses an ABN, India uses a PAN, Canada uses a CRN/BN, and the EU uses VAT numbers. None of these work for a US business entity. A US company needs a US EIN regardless of what foreign IDs the owner already holds.
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