Process
How to Apply for EIN by Fax Guide
Apply for an EIN by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627. 4-7 business day processing. The fax method works without an SSN. ein.so handles it for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
You apply for an EIN by fax by completing IRS Form SS-4 and faxing it to 855-215-1627. The IRS returns your EIN in 4-7 business days. Fax is the primary method for non-US residents, because the IRS online tool requires an SSN they do not have. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS charges $0. ein.so prepares the SS-4, faxes it, and emails your EIN for $49 (Standard, 4-7 business days) or $97 (Express, 2-3 business days).
Fax is the fastest IRS-accepted EIN method for applicants without a Social Security Number. Mail takes 4-6 weeks. Phone forces an international call during US business hours. The online tool is blocked without an SSN. Fax sits in the middle: it accepts a passport number, works from any country, and returns the EIN in 4-7 business days. This guide covers the fax process step by step, the SS-4 fields that matter, common rejection causes, and what to do after your EIN arrives.
| Factor | Fax detail |
|---|---|
| IRS fax number | 855-215-1627 |
| Form required | Form SS-4 |
| Processing time | 4-7 business days |
| IRS fee | $0 |
| SSN required | No (passport on Line 7b) |
| ein.so Standard | $49 (4-7 business days) |
| ein.so Express | $97 (2-3 business days) |
Why Fax
Why Do Non-Residents Apply for an EIN by Fax?
Non-residents apply for an EIN by fax because the IRS online EIN tool requires a Social Security Number that foreign founders do not hold. Fax accepts a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b, works from any country, and returns the EIN in 4-7 business days.
The fax method solves the single biggest obstacle for international applicants: identity. The IRS online assistant validates a US SSN or ITIN in real time and rejects anyone without one. Fax and mail do not run that check. They accept a passport number as the responsible party identification. See the full EIN without SSN guide for the rules.
No SSN or ITIN Needed
Works From Any Country
Faster Than Mail
Free at the IRS
Step-by-Step
How Do You Apply for an EIN by Fax?
You apply for an EIN by fax in six steps: download Form SS-4, complete all fields, write a cover page, fax to 855-215-1627, wait 4-7 business days, and save the EIN the IRS faxes back. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b.
Download Form SS-4
Complete Every Required Field
Write a Cover Page
Fax to 855-215-1627
Wait 4-7 Business Days
Save Your EIN
ein.so compresses these six steps into one form. You provide your LLC details and passport number, and ein.so writes the SS-4, builds the cover page, faxes the IRS, and emails your EIN. See the complete how to get an EIN walkthrough for context.
SS-4 Fields
Which Form SS-4 Fields Matter Most for a Fax Application?
The fields that matter most for a fax application are Line 1 (entity name), Line 4 (address), Line 7a and 7b (responsible party and identification), Line 10 (reason), and Line 16 (principal activity). Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b.
The IRS reads the faxed form exactly as written. A blank Line 7b is the top rejection cause for non-residents. A mismatched entity type is the second. The table below maps each critical field to its correct entry for a foreign-owned LLC.
| SS-4 Field | Correct entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name, spelled as on formation docs |
| Line 4 (Mailing address) | Your foreign address (street, postal code, city, country) |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as printed on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number (no SSN required) |
| Line 8a (LLC) | Check "Yes" and enter the number of members |
| Line 10 (Reason) | "Started new business" for most applicants |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "software," "e-commerce," "consulting" |
The most common international rejection is address formatting. Foreign postal formats do not map cleanly to the SS-4 layout, and the IRS rejects malformed addresses. ein.so reformats your address to an IRS-accepted style. Read the EIN for non-residents overview for more field-level guidance.
Comparison
How Does Fax Compare to Other EIN Methods?
Fax delivers the EIN in 4-7 business days without an SSN, which makes it the best method for non-residents. Online is instant but requires an SSN. Phone is same-day but means an international call. Mail is the slowest at 4-6 weeks.
| Method | Speed | SSN required | IRS cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | Yes | $0 | US residents with an SSN |
| Fax | 4-7 days | No | $0 | Non-residents |
| Phone | Same day | No | $0 | Callers comfortable with US hours |
| 4-6 weeks | No | $0 | Last resort only | |
| ein.so Standard | 4-7 days | No | $49 | Hands-off filing |
| ein.so Express | 2-3 days | No | $97 | Urgent banking deadlines |
Every IRS method costs $0 in government fees. The difference is speed, eligibility, and effort. Non-residents cannot use the online tool, so the real choice is fax versus mail. Fax wins on every measure except needing a fax service. See EIN processing time for a deeper timeline breakdown and EIN cost for the full fee picture.
Rejections
Why Do Fax EIN Applications Get Rejected?
Fax EIN applications get rejected for four main reasons: a missing Line 7b identification, a wrong entity type, a malformed foreign address, and a missing return fax number. The IRS faxes back a notice explaining the specific error so you can correct and re-send.
A rejection is not a denial. The IRS describes the problem, you fix that one field, and you re-fax once. Submitting duplicate forms before the first is processed creates conflicting records and slows everything down. The table below lists the top causes and how to prevent each.
| Rejection cause | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Blank Line 7b | Enter your passport number as the responsible party ID |
| Wrong entity type on Line 8a/9a | Match your LLC or corporation formation documents |
| Malformed foreign address on Line 4 | Reformat to street, postal code, city, country order |
| No return fax number on cover page | List a working return fax number the IRS can reach |
| Duplicate fax submissions | Fax once, then wait the full 4-7 business days |
| Outdated SS-4 revision | Download the current form from irs.gov |
ein.so reviews each SS-4 against these checks before transmitting, which removes the most common rejection causes. If the IRS does request a correction, ein.so handles the follow-up at no extra charge within the same order.
After Approval
What Do You Do After the Fax EIN Arrives?
After the fax EIN arrives, you open a US bank account, file your FinCEN BOI report, connect payment processors, and schedule your annual Form 5472 filing. A foreign-owned single-member LLC that skips Form 5472 faces a $25,000 penalty.
Open a US Bank Account
File Your BOI Report
File Form 5472 Annually
Connect Payments and Sell
ein.so handles the EIN application only and does not provide tax advice. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters to confirm your Form 5472, BOI, and treaty obligations. Your EIN is the foundation; the filings above keep your US entity compliant.
Next Steps
Get Your EIN by Fax
- Apply through ein.so — we prepare Form SS-4, fax 855-215-1627, and email your EIN
- Read the SS-4 form guide — line-by-line entries for non-residents
- Open a US bank account — Mercury and Relay accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
Related guides: EIN without SSN | EIN for non-residents | How to get an EIN | EIN cost | EIN processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an EIN by fax?
Complete IRS Form SS-4, attach a cover page with your return fax number, and fax both pages to 855-215-1627. The IRS processes correctly filed forms in 4-7 business days and faxes your EIN assignment letter back. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b. ein.so handles the entire fax process for $49.
Is applying for an EIN by fax free?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN whether you apply by fax, mail, phone, or online. Your only direct cost is the fax transmission itself, which an online fax service may bill per page. ein.so charges $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express) to prepare, file, and return your EIN by email.
Can non-residents apply for an EIN by fax?
Yes. Non-US residents fax Form SS-4 to the same number, 855-215-1627, and use a passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so fax is the standard path for foreign founders. ein.so files the SS-4 for applicants in 150-plus countries.
What is the IRS fax number for an EIN?
The IRS EIN fax number for both domestic and international applicants is 855-215-1627. This line operates 24 hours a day. The IRS reviews faxes during business hours and returns the EIN by fax in 4-7 business days. Always include a cover page listing your return fax number.
How long does a fax EIN application take?
Fax processing takes 4-7 business days from the date the IRS receives an error-free Form SS-4. Mail takes 4-6 weeks. The IRS faxes your EIN back to the return number on your cover page. ein.so Express delivery returns your EIN in 2-3 business days for $97.
What happens if my EIN fax is rejected?
The IRS faxes a rejection notice explaining the error, such as a missing Line 7b or an invalid entity type. Fix the specific issue and re-fax the corrected SS-4 once. Do not submit duplicate forms, which delays processing. ein.so reviews each SS-4 before filing to prevent rejections.
Do I need an SSN to fax Form SS-4?
No. Faxing Form SS-4 does not require an SSN or ITIN. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b as the responsible party identification. The SSN requirement applies only to the IRS online EIN tool. The fax and mail methods accept foreign identification, which is why ein.so uses fax.
Can I fax Form SS-4 without owning a physical fax machine?
Yes. An online fax service sends Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 from a computer or phone, and most return a digital confirmation. You do not need a physical fax machine or a US phone line. ein.so includes the fax transmission, the cover page, and IRS follow-up in the $49 fee.
What does a foreign-owned LLC do after the fax EIN arrives?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year; the penalty for non-filing is $25,000. The LLC also files a BOI report with FinCEN and uses the EIN to open a US bank account. Confirm tax specifics with a CPA, because ein.so does not give tax advice.
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