Country Guide
EIN for Canadian Entrepreneurs
Get your US EIN from Canada without an SSN. ein.so handles the IRS fax filing for Canadian cross-border sellers, e-commerce businesses, and Shopify merchants. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Canadians can get a US EIN by submitting Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS. No SSN or ITIN is required -- your Canadian passport number is sufficient. While Canadians can technically call the IRS, hold times are long and unreliable. ein.so handles the fax filing for $49 (Standard, 4-7 business days) or $97 (Express, 7 business days).
The Scale of Canada-US Cross-Border Business
Canada-US bilateral trade exceeds $700 billion annually, making it the largest bilateral trade relationship in the world. Canada has a population of 40 million, a GDP of $2.1 trillion CAD, and over 1.2 million small businesses. Hundreds of thousands of Canadian entrepreneurs sell into the US market through e-commerce, SaaS, consulting, and cross-border services. A US EIN is the foundation for all of this -- you need it to open a US bank account, register on US marketplaces, accept US payments, and file US taxes. The CAD/USD exchange rate hovers around 0.74, meaning every US dollar earned is worth approximately $1.35 CAD.
What This Guide Covers for Canadians
The proximity of Canada to the US makes cross-border business natural, but the IRS still treats Canadian applicants the same as any other non-resident when it comes to the EIN application. The online tool requires an SSN you do not have. This guide explains the process and how ein.so makes it seamless for Canadian entrepreneurs. Read our complete guide on EIN for non-US residents for the full process.
| Factor | Canada | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Business Entity | Corporation / Sole Proprietorship | LLC / Corporation |
| Tax ID | BN (Business Number, 9 digits) | EIN (9 digits: XX-XXXXXXX) |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 15% federal + 8-16% provincial | 21% federal corporate rate |
| Banking | CAD accounts; Big Five banks | USD accounts; Mercury, Relay, Chase |
| Currency | CAD (~0.74 per USD) | USD (global reserve currency) |
| Trade Agreement | CUSMA/USMCA member | CUSMA/USMCA member |
Use Cases
Why Do Canadian Entrepreneurs Need a US EIN?
Over 400,000 Canadian businesses export to the United States, and 75% of Canadian exports go to the US market. Geographic proximity, cultural similarity, and CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) trade agreements make cross-border business straightforward. Canada's e-commerce market is worth $58 billion CAD, and many sellers expand to the US for a market 10 times larger. Here are the most common reasons Canadians apply for a US EIN through ein.so:
Primary Use Cases for Canadian EIN Applicants
Cross-Border E-Commerce
Shopify Payments (US)
US Banking and Payment Processing
SaaS and Digital Services
Application Process
How Do Canadians Apply for a US EIN?
Canadian applicants receive their EIN in 4-7 business days via fax, with a 98% first-submission success rate through ein.so. The IRS online tool is not available because it requires an SSN. Here is how each method works for Canadian applicants:
Step-by-Step Fax Filing Process
Form Your US LLC
Prepare Form SS-4
Submit via Fax
Receive Your EIN
Why Fax Beats the Phone Method for Canadians
While Canadians can call the IRS at 267-941-1099 during business hours (6 AM - 11 PM ET), hold times frequently exceed an hour, and you may need to call multiple times. The fax method through ein.so is more reliable and does not require you to spend your morning on hold. For the complete SS-4 walkthrough, see our SS-4 form guide.
| Document | What to Prepare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Passport | Valid, unexpired passport | Passport number goes in foreign ID field; not SIN or driver's license |
| US LLC Documents | Articles of Organization, entity name, state | Wyoming or Delaware most common for Canadians |
| Canadian Address | Full address with postal code (e.g., M5V 2T6) | Canadian format accepted; ein.so optimizes layout |
| Registered Agent | US registered agent name and address | Provides US address for IRS correspondence |
| Business Activity | Brief description of US business | E.g., "e-commerce," "SaaS," "consulting" |
E-Commerce
How Does a US EIN Help Canadian Sellers on Amazon.com vs Amazon.ca?
Amazon.com generates $575 billion in annual revenue compared to Amazon.ca's estimated $16 billion -- a 36:1 ratio. Canadian sellers who expand to Amazon.com report average revenue increases of 300-500%. Here is what you need to know about using your EIN for Amazon selling:
Key Differences Between Amazon.ca and Amazon.com Selling
Tax Interview Completion
FBA Inventory in the US
Unified North American Strategy
Canadian Amazon sellers who expand to the US market with a proper EIN and LLC structure report significantly higher revenue due to the larger customer base. Your EIN is the first step in this expansion. Learn more about EIN for Amazon sellers.
Tax & Currency
What Tax and Currency Considerations Apply to Canadian EIN Holders?
Canada's federal corporate tax rate is 15% (plus 8-16% provincial), compared to the US federal rate of 21%. The Canada-US tax treaty eliminates double taxation for most cross-border business structures. Here are the key considerations for Canadian entrepreneurs with a US EIN:
Treaty Benefits and CRA Reporting
Canada-US Tax Treaty
CAD/USD Currency Management
GST/HST on Cross-Border Sales
CRA Reporting Obligations
ein.so handles the EIN application -- we do not provide tax advice. We recommend working with a Canadian CPA who understands cross-border taxation. Your EIN is the starting point for US tax compliance. For more on the application process, see how to get an EIN and EIN without SSN.
Pricing
How Much Does It Cost for Canadians to Get a US EIN Through ein.so?
Standard: $49 USD | Express: $97 USD
No SSN required. No fax machine needed. Applied from Canada in 3 minutes.
Get My EIN NowOur pricing is in USD and includes SS-4 preparation, fax filing to the IRS, follow-up monitoring, and delivery of your EIN confirmation letter. The EIN itself is free from the IRS -- our fee covers the professional service of handling the application correctly and efficiently. Most Canadian clients choose Standard processing, which delivers the EIN within a week. Express processing is available when you need to move faster -- for example, if you are launching on Amazon and need your EIN to complete the tax interview immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadian citizens get a US EIN?
Yes. Canadian citizens and residents can get a US EIN by submitting Form SS-4 by fax or phone. You do not need a US Social Security Number. Your Canadian passport number serves as your identifying number on the SS-4. ein.so handles the entire process for $49 (Standard, 4-7 business days) or $97 (Express, 7 business days).
Do Canadians need an SSN or ITIN to get a US EIN?
No. Canadian applicants do not need an SSN or ITIN. The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN, which locks out Canadian applicants. The fax method accepts your Canadian passport number as identification. ein.so uses the fax method to file your Form SS-4 with the IRS.
Can I call the IRS from Canada to get an EIN?
Yes, Canadians can call the IRS at 267-941-1099 to apply by phone. Since Canada shares a similar time zone and has no international calling barriers, this is technically possible. However, hold times often exceed 60 minutes, and you must call during IRS business hours (6 AM - 11 PM ET, Monday-Friday). The fax method through ein.so is faster and more reliable.
How long does it take for a Canadian to receive a US EIN?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days ($49) and Express takes 7 business days ($97). By phone, you may receive your EIN the same day if you reach an agent. The DIY fax method takes 4-7 business days if your form is error-free.
Do I need a US LLC to get an EIN as a Canadian?
Not necessarily. You can apply for an EIN as a foreign individual if you have US tax obligations. However, most Canadians apply for an EIN through a US LLC because it provides liability protection, US banking access, and a professional US business presence. The LLC is the most common structure for Canadian cross-border entrepreneurs.
Can I sell on Amazon.com from Canada with a US EIN?
Yes. Many Canadian sellers operate on both Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. Your US EIN allows you to complete the Amazon tax interview and register as a US-based seller through your LLC. This gives you access to Amazon's US FBA warehouses and the much larger US customer base.
What is the difference between a Canadian BN and a US EIN?
A Canadian Business Number (BN) is issued by the CRA for Canadian tax purposes. A US EIN is issued by the IRS for US tax purposes. They serve different countries. If you operate a business in both countries, you need both numbers. Your BN is not accepted for US tax or banking purposes.
Can a Canadian open a US bank account with just an EIN?
Yes. Mercury and Relay accept Canadian LLC owners with an EIN, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, and Canadian passport. No US visit required. Chase and Bank of America require an in-person visit at a US branch. Most Canadians use Mercury for remote account opening.