State Guide
EIN in Massachusetts (MA)
How to get an EIN for your Massachusetts business or LLC. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. Non-residents apply with a passport, no SSN required. $49 Standard, $97 Express.
Getting an EIN in Massachusetts uses the same federal IRS process as every other state. The EIN is a federal number, not a state-specific one. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN. ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 and delivers your EIN by email. Standard costs $49 (4-7 business days). Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
Massachusetts hosts one of the strongest business ecosystems in the United States. Boston and Cambridge anchor a dense cluster of technology, biotech, education, and finance companies. Founders from outside the US frequently form a US company to reach this market, bill American clients in dollars, and access US payment rails. Every US business entity needs a federal EIN to open a bank account, file taxes, and hire. This guide explains how to get an EIN in Massachusetts, how the federal EIN differs from Massachusetts state registration, and how non-residents apply without an SSN.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Massachusetts (MA) |
| State tax authority | Department of Revenue |
| LLC filing office | Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| Federal EIN issuer | IRS (same in all 50 states) |
| EIN cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 (ein.so Standard) |
| Non-resident method | Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 |
Federal vs State
Is a Massachusetts EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
A Massachusetts EIN is not different from a federal EIN. The EIN is a single federal number issued by the IRS. It uses the format XX-XXXXXXX and works identically in all 50 states. Massachusetts does not issue its own EIN.
Your federal EIN and your Massachusetts state tax registration serve different purposes. Confusing the two is the most common mistake new business owners make. The table below separates them.
| Identifier | Issuer | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | IRS | Federal taxes, banking, payroll, Form SS-4 |
| Massachusetts state registration | Department of Revenue | State sales tax, withholding, state filings |
You may need both. Your EIN does not replace Massachusetts state tax registration, and a state registration does not replace your EIN. The EIN comes first, because the Department of Revenue and most banks ask for your federal EIN during their own signup steps. See ein.so's state tax ID guide and how to get an EIN for the full breakdown.
How to Apply
How Do You Get an EIN in Massachusetts?
You get an EIN in Massachusetts by filing IRS Form SS-4. US residents with an SSN apply online at irs.gov for an instant number. Non-residents without an SSN fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 and receive the EIN in 4-7 business days.
The application method depends on whether you have a Social Security Number. The IRS online tool is the fastest path, but it is locked behind an SSN. Non-residents use fax instead. The table below compares every method.
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (irs.gov) | Instant | Free | Yes |
| Fax (855-215-1627) | 4-7 days | Free / $49 | No |
| Phone (international applicants) | Same call | Free | No |
| 4-6 weeks | Free | No |
The federal process is identical regardless of state. A Massachusetts business uses the same SS-4 form and the same fax number as a business in any other state. See ein.so's EIN processing time guide and EIN cost guide for more detail on timelines and pricing.
Non-Residents
How Do Non-Residents Get an EIN in Massachusetts?
Non-residents get an EIN in Massachusetts by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS with a passport number on Line 7b. No SSN or ITIN is needed. The IRS online tool is blocked without an SSN, so fax is the working path for foreign founders.
Form Your US LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Fax and Receive Your EIN
Form SS-4 Field Guide for Non-Residents
| SS-4 Field | Non-Resident Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name |
| Line 4 (Address) | Your home country address |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number |
| Line 10 (Reason) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "software," "e-commerce," "consulting" |
A common rejection cause is address formatting that the IRS cannot parse. ein.so reformats international addresses to an IRS-accepted style. See the full SS-4 form guide, the EIN without SSN guide, and EIN for non-residents.
Cost
How Much Does an EIN in Massachusetts Cost?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN in Massachusetts. ein.so charges $49 for Standard filing (4-7 business days) or $97 for Express (2-3 business days) for non-residents who cannot use the free online tool. Forming a Massachusetts LLC carries a separate state filing fee.
The EIN itself is always free from the IRS. ein.so charges for preparing and faxing Form SS-4 correctly, which matters most for non-residents who cannot access the instant online tool. The table separates federal, service, and state costs.
| Cost | Amount | Who charges it |
|---|---|---|
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | IRS |
| ein.so Standard filing | $49 | ein.so (4-7 days) |
| ein.so Express filing | $97 | ein.so (2-3 days) |
| Massachusetts LLC filing fee | Confirm on state site | Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| ein.so ITIN service | $197 / $297 | ein.so (if you need an ITIN) |
ein.so does not invent state filing fees. Confirm the current Massachusetts LLC formation fee on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website before you file. For the federal side, see ein.so's EIN cost guide.
After Approval
What Do You Do After Getting an EIN in Massachusetts?
After getting your EIN, you open a US business bank account, file a BOI report with FinCEN, register for Massachusetts state taxes if required, and set up payment processors. The EIN unlocks each of these steps because banks and platforms ask for it first.
Open a US Bank Account
File Your BOI Report
Register for Massachusetts State Tax
File Form 5472 Annually
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters for state and federal tax specifics. Your EIN is the starting point for US compliance, not the end of it.
Forming the Entity
Should You Form an LLC in Massachusetts or Another State?
You should form an LLC in Massachusetts when your business operates inside the state. Non-residents with no physical Massachusetts presence often choose Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico for lower fees and simpler annual filings. The federal EIN is identical no matter which state you pick.
The EIN never changes based on your state of formation. What changes is the state filing office, the state filing fee, and the annual state requirements. The table compares the formation paths most non-residents consider.
| Factor | Massachusetts LLC | Wyoming / Delaware / NM LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Filing office | Secretary of the Commonwealth | State Secretary of State |
| Best for | MA-based operations | Remote non-resident businesses |
| Federal EIN | Same (IRS) | Same (IRS) |
| State income tax | Massachusetts state tax applies | Varies by state |
| Annual state filing | Required | Required (rules vary) |
Confirm the exact Massachusetts filing fee and annual report cost on the official state website, because these change. ein.so does not file state formation documents; it files your federal SS-4 once your entity exists. See how to get an EIN and EIN for non-residents for the federal steps that follow formation.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in Massachusetts
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners with an EIN and passport
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- Register for state tax — with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue if your business owes state tax
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Read the SS-4 form guide — to understand every line before you file
Other state guides: Michigan | New Jersey | Arizona | Colorado. Browse all on EIN by State. Learn the federal basics at how to get an EIN and EIN without SSN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Massachusetts EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS. It is the same 9-digit number (XX-XXXXXXX) regardless of which state you operate in. Massachusetts does not issue its own version of an EIN. You use the same EIN for federal taxes, banking, and payment processors whether your business sits in Boston or another state.
How do I get an EIN in Massachusetts as a non-resident?
Non-residents file IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so it is blocked for non-residents. The fax method takes 4-7 business days when error-free. ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN in Massachusetts?
No. Non-US residents do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. Your passport number serves as identification on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN, which is why non-residents use the fax method. See ein.so's EIN without SSN guide for the full process.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in Massachusetts?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. ein.so charges $49 for Standard filing (4-7 business days) or $97 for Express (2-3 business days) for non-residents who cannot use the online tool. Forming a Massachusetts LLC with the Secretary of the Commonwealth carries a separate state filing fee; confirm the current amount on the state website.
How long does it take to get an EIN in Massachusetts?
By fax, the IRS issues an EIN in 4-7 business days when Form SS-4 is error-free. By mail, processing takes 4-6 weeks. US residents with an SSN can use the online tool for an instant EIN. Through ein.so, Standard takes 4-7 business days and Express takes 2-3 business days.
Does Massachusetts have a separate state tax ID?
Yes. Massachusetts registers businesses for state tax purposes through the Department of Revenue. This state registration is separate from your federal EIN. You may need both: the EIN for federal IRS reporting, and a state registration for Massachusetts sales tax, withholding, or other state obligations. Confirm your specific requirements with a CPA.
Can I form a Massachusetts LLC as a non-resident and get an EIN?
Yes. Non-US residents can form a Massachusetts LLC by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, then apply for an EIN by fax. You do not need to live in or visit the United States. Many non-residents instead choose Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico for lower fees, then get the same federal EIN.
What does a foreign-owned LLC in Massachusetts file each year?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year with the IRS. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. This is a federal information return tied to your EIN, not a Massachusetts state form. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Confirm tax specifics with a CPA.
Can I open a US bank account with a Massachusetts EIN?
Yes. Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners who present an EIN, the LLC formation documents, and a passport. The bank uses your federal EIN, not any state ID, to open the account. You receive US account and routing numbers for ACH transfers and domestic wires.
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