Stripe Payments

EIN for Stripe: Accept US Payments as Non-Resident (2026)

Stripe requires an EIN for US-based payment processing. Learn how to set up Stripe with your EIN, compare Stripe Atlas, and start accepting payments.

Stripe requires an EIN for all US-based business accounts. Non-US residents can either use Stripe Atlas ($500 for incorporation + EIN) or form their own US LLC and provide an EIN directly. If you already have a US LLC, you just need an EIN -- which ein.so provides for $49. Stripe powers millions of businesses worldwide, and your EIN is the key to processing US payments through the platform.

Stripe is the preferred payment processor for SaaS companies, online marketplaces, subscription businesses, and e-commerce platforms. Its developer-friendly APIs and global reach make it the go-to choice for tech-savvy entrepreneurs. But Stripe's tax compliance requirements mean every US account needs a valid Tax Identification Number.

This guide explains how to set up Stripe with your EIN, compares Stripe Atlas to the DIY approach, covers tax reporting requirements, and walks non-US residents through the complete setup process. For PayPal-specific guidance, see our EIN for PayPal guide.

Requirements

Why Does Stripe Require an EIN?

Stripe processed $1 trillion in total payment volume in 2023, supporting 3.4 million businesses across 46 countries. Stripe is a payment facilitator regulated under US tax law. Like PayPal and other payment processors, Stripe must report payments to the IRS using Form 1099-K for any US account that processes more than $600 in a calendar year. To generate these tax forms, Stripe needs your Tax Identification Number -- an EIN for businesses or an SSN for sole proprietors.

KYC and AML Verification Process

Stripe also uses your TIN for identity verification, Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and anti-money laundering (AML) checks. Stripe rejects approximately 12% of initial applications due to verification failures. During account activation, Stripe validates your business information against IRS and state records. If your EIN and business name do not match IRS records, Stripe cannot activate your account.

For businesses structured as LLCs, corporations, or partnerships, Stripe requires the entity's EIN -- not the owner's SSN. Sole proprietors can use either an SSN or EIN, but using an EIN provides better identity protection and presents a more professional image. Regardless of your structure, an EIN is the recommended approach.

For non-US residents, Stripe is one of the primary ways to accept US payments. Whether you run a SaaS product, an online store, or a digital services business, Stripe with an EIN enables you to process US dollar transactions and receive payouts to your US bank account. See our non-resident EIN guide for the application process.

Comparison

Stripe Atlas vs. DIY: Which Path Is Right for You?

Non-US residents who want to use Stripe have two main paths: Stripe Atlas (an all-in-one incorporation service) or the DIY approach (form your own LLC and get an EIN separately). Here is how they compare:

Feature	Stripe Atlas	DIY + ein.so
Cost	$500	$49-$200 (LLC + EIN)
Includes LLC	Yes (Delaware C-Corp)	Choose your state/entity
EIN included	Yes	$49 Standard / $97 Express
Bank account	Silicon Valley Bank	Mercury, Relay, etc.
Entity flexibility	Delaware C-Corp only	Any state, LLC or Corp
Timeline	1-2 weeks	1-3 weeks

Choose Stripe Atlas if: you want a one-stop solution and do not mind a Delaware C-Corp structure. Atlas is convenient for startups that plan to raise venture capital, since investors prefer C-Corps.

Choose the DIY approach if: you want an LLC (better for tax pass-through), prefer a specific state (Wyoming for privacy, your home state for convenience), want lower costs, or already have an LLC formed. With ein.so handling your EIN for $49, the DIY path saves hundreds of dollars.

Regardless of which path you choose, the end result is the same: a US business entity with an EIN that can process payments through Stripe. If you already have a US LLC, you just need an EIN. Apply for your EIN now.

Account Setup

How Do You Add Your EIN to Stripe?

Adding your EIN to Stripe is part of the account activation process. Here is how it works:

Create Your Stripe Account

Sign up at stripe.com with your email address. Stripe creates your account instantly, but payment processing is not enabled until you complete activation.

Start Account Activation

Click 'Activate your account' in the Stripe dashboard. Stripe walks you through a multi-step form collecting your business information.

Enter Business Details

Select your business type (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor), enter your legal business name exactly as it appears on your EIN confirmation letter, and provide your business address.

Provide Your EIN

Enter your 9-digit EIN when prompted for a Tax Identification Number. Stripe validates this against IRS records. Newly issued EINs may take up to 2 weeks to appear in the IRS database.

Add Bank Account for Payouts

Connect your US bank account to receive Stripe payouts. Enter your routing number and account number. Stripe verifies the account with a small test deposit.

Complete Verification

Stripe may request a photo of your passport or driver's license and your LLC formation documents. Upload these through the dashboard. Verification completes within 1-2 business days.

Stripe Verification Requirements by Country

Country/Region	US Entity Required	EIN Required	US Bank Required	Recommended Path
United States (resident)	No (sole prop OK)	Recommended	Yes	IRS.gov online EIN
Canada	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Wyoming LLC + ein.so
United Kingdom	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Delaware LLC + ein.so
EU Countries	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Wyoming LLC + ein.so
India	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Wyoming LLC + ein.so
Brazil	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Wyoming LLC + ein.so
Nigeria	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes (Mercury/Relay)	Wyoming LLC + ein.so
Australia	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Delaware LLC + ein.so
UAE/Dubai	Yes (LLC or Corp)	Yes	Yes	Wyoming LLC + ein.so
Any (via Stripe Atlas)	Included ($500)	Included	SVB included	Stripe Atlas all-in-one

Tax Reporting

How Does Stripe Handle Tax Reporting With Your EIN?

1099-K Reporting Thresholds and Timelines

Stripe sent over 12 million 1099-K forms in tax year 2023. Stripe reports payment activity to the IRS just like other payment processors. Understanding Stripe's tax reporting helps you stay compliant and avoid IRS notices.

Form 1099-K: Stripe issues a 1099-K to the IRS for any US account that processes more than $600 in a calendar year. Your EIN appears on this form. You can access your 1099-K in the Stripe dashboard under Settings > Documents > Tax Forms. Stripe makes these available by January 31 each year.

Stripe Tax: Stripe also offers Stripe Tax, an automated sales tax calculation and collection tool. If you sell to customers in multiple US states, Stripe Tax handles the complexity of different state tax rates and rules. Your EIN is used when registering with state tax authorities through Stripe.

Connect accounts: If you operate a marketplace using Stripe Connect, your platform's EIN is used on tax forms for the platform. Each connected account (your sellers/vendors) needs their own TIN. Stripe handles 1099 generation for connected accounts automatically.

For Shopify sellers using Stripe as a payment gateway (instead of Shopify Payments), your EIN appears on Stripe's 1099-K, not Shopify's. Make sure you track which platform reports your income to avoid double-counting. See our EIN for Shopify sellers guide for platform-specific details.

Troubleshooting

What If Stripe Cannot Verify Your EIN?

Top 4 Verification Failures and Fixes

Stripe EIN verification failures affect 12% of new accounts and are almost always fixable within 48 hours. Here are the most frequent issues and solutions:

EIN is too new

The IRS takes up to 2 weeks to propagate a new EIN through all its databases. If you just received your EIN, wait 2 weeks before completing Stripe activation. This is the most common verification failure.

Business name mismatch

The legal business name in Stripe must match your EIN confirmation letter exactly. Check for differences in punctuation (LLC vs. L.L.C.), spacing, and capitalization. Even minor differences cause mismatches.

Wrong entity type selected

Make sure you select the correct business type in Stripe (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor). Selecting the wrong type causes Stripe to validate against the wrong IRS records.

EIN entered incorrectly

Verify all 9 digits against your IRS confirmation letter (CP 575). Transposed digits are a common typo. The format should be XX-XXXXXXX.

If you obtained your EIN through ein.so and are having trouble with Stripe verification, contact us via WhatsApp. We provide free support for verification issues and can provide additional documentation if Stripe requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Stripe require an EIN?

Stripe requires a Tax Identification Number for US-based accounts. If you operate as a business entity (LLC or corporation), you must provide an EIN. Sole proprietors can use an SSN, but an EIN is recommended for identity protection. Non-US residents must provide an EIN to process US payments.

Can non-US residents use Stripe?

Yes. Non-US residents can use Stripe through two paths: form a US LLC and provide an EIN directly, or use Stripe Atlas to incorporate and get set up. Either way, you need an EIN. ein.so provides EINs for non-residents for $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express).

What is Stripe Atlas and do I still need an EIN?

Stripe Atlas is an incorporation service that helps non-US entrepreneurs form a US company, get an EIN, and open a bank account. Atlas charges $500 and includes EIN processing. If you already have a US LLC, you do not need Atlas -- you just need an EIN, which ein.so provides for $49.

How do I add my EIN to Stripe?

During Stripe account activation, you will be prompted to enter your business details including your EIN. Go to Settings > Business Details in your Stripe dashboard. Enter your 9-digit EIN and ensure the legal business name matches your EIN confirmation letter. Stripe validates your information with the IRS.

Does Stripe report income to the IRS?

Yes. Stripe issues Form 1099-K to the IRS for US accounts that process more than $600 in payments during a calendar year. Your EIN appears on this form. Stripe cannot generate these tax forms without a valid TIN, which is why they require one during setup.

Can I use the same EIN for Stripe and PayPal?

Yes. Your EIN is tied to your business entity, not to a specific payment processor. You can use the same EIN across Stripe, PayPal, Square, Shopify Payments, and any other platform. There is no need for separate EINs for different payment processors.

How long does it take to get an EIN for Stripe?

US residents with an SSN can get an EIN instantly online. Non-US residents who apply by fax receive their EIN in 4-7 business days. ein.so's Express service ($97) delivers in 7 business days. Once you have your EIN, adding it to Stripe takes just a few minutes.

What if Stripe cannot verify my EIN?

Stripe validates EINs with the IRS database. Verification failures usually happen because the EIN was recently issued (wait 2 weeks for IRS propagation), the business name does not match exactly, or the EIN was entered incorrectly. Check your EIN confirmation letter and try again after 2 weeks if your EIN is new.

Ready to Accept Payments With Stripe?

Get your EIN in days. $49 Standard. $97 Express. No SSN required.

Get My EIN for $49