State Guide
EIN in Michigan (MI)
How to get an EIN for your Michigan business. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax with ein.so for $49. No SSN needed.
Getting an EIN in Michigan follows the same federal IRS process used in every state. The EIN is a federal number, not state-specific. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 and enter a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the path for non-residents. 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). The IRS itself charges $0.
Michigan is the home of Detroit, the auto industry, and a large manufacturing and tech base around Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Founders form Michigan LLCs to sell products online, run consulting practices, and operate e-commerce brands. Non-US residents also register Michigan LLCs to access US payment rails and the dollar economy. Every Michigan business that hires staff, opens a bank account, or files federal taxes needs an EIN. This guide explains the federal SS-4 process, how it ties to your Michigan Secretary of State filing, and how non-residents apply without an SSN.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Michigan (MI) |
| State tax authority | Michigan Department of Treasury |
| LLC formation authority | Michigan Secretary of State (LARA) |
| Federal EIN source | IRS (same in all 50 states) |
| EIN format | XX-XXXXXXX (9 digits) |
| IRS EIN fee | $0 |
| ein.so fee | $49 Standard / $97 Express |
| IRS EIN fax number | 855-215-1627 |
Michigan
Is a Michigan EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
No. A Michigan EIN is identical to a federal EIN because the IRS issues every EIN at the federal level. The same 9-digit number works in all 50 states. Michigan does not issue its own EIN. Your state tax registration is separate.
The EIN and the Michigan state tax registration serve two different governments. Confusing them is the most common mistake new owners make. The table below shows the split.
| Item | Federal EIN | Michigan State Tax Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | IRS | Michigan Department of Treasury |
| Purpose | Federal tax, banking, hiring | Sales tax, withholding, state filings |
| Form used | Form SS-4 | Michigan Treasury registration |
| Cost | $0 (IRS) | Confirm on michigan.gov |
| Required for non-residents | Yes | Depends on Michigan activity |
Your federal EIN does not replace Michigan state registration. A retail or product business selling to Michigan customers usually registers for state sales tax separately. See state tax ID for how the two numbers work together.
Use Cases
Why Does a Michigan Business Need an EIN?
A Michigan business needs an EIN because no US bank, payment processor, or federal tax form will work without one. The EIN is the federal tax ID that links your Michigan LLC to the US financial system. It is required before you can open an account or hire.
Both US residents and non-residents register Michigan LLCs for the same core reasons. Here are the most common situations ein.so sees.
Opening a US Bank Account
E-commerce and Amazon
Hiring Employees in Michigan
Consulting and Freelance Income
How to Apply
How Do You Get an EIN in Michigan?
You get a Michigan EIN by filing IRS Form SS-4. US residents with an SSN can apply online at irs.gov for instant assignment. Non-residents file by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS issues most correct EINs within 4-7 business days.
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | $0 | Yes |
| Fax | 4-7 days | $0 / $49 | No |
| Phone | Same day | $0 | Varies |
| 4-6 weeks | $0 | No |
The process is federal and identical regardless of state. See how to get an EIN for full instructions and EIN processing time for current timelines.
Form Your Michigan LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
Non-Residents
How Do Non-Residents Get a Michigan EIN Without an SSN?
Non-residents get a Michigan EIN by faxing Form SS-4 with a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS does not require an SSN or ITIN for foreign responsible parties. The online tool blocks applicants without an SSN, so fax is the path. ein.so handles the full filing.
The fax method works for every non-resident regardless of country. The table below maps the key SS-4 fields for a foreign-owned Michigan LLC.
| SS-4 Field | Non-Resident Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your Michigan LLC name |
| Line 4 (Address) | Your foreign 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., "e-commerce," "consulting," "software" |
The most common rejection cause is a foreign address that does not match the IRS layout. ein.so reformats international addresses to an IRS-accepted style so your application is not silently rejected. See EIN without SSN and EIN for non-residents for the complete non-resident path.
Need a US tax ID for a tax return, not just a business?
- An EIN identifies a business entity like your Michigan LLC.
- An ITIN identifies an individual for personal US tax filing.
- ein.so offers ITIN service at $197 Standard / $297 Express.
- Most non-resident LLC owners need the EIN first; an ITIN is added only when a personal filing requires it.
Compliance
What Tax and Compliance Steps Follow a Michigan EIN?
After getting a Michigan EIN, a foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. You also register with the Michigan Department of Treasury and file a BOI report with FinCEN.
These obligations split across federal and Michigan state authorities. Track each one to avoid penalties.
Federal: Form 5472 + 1120
Federal: BOI Report to FinCEN
Michigan: State Tax Registration
Michigan: Annual Filings
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Confirm all tax specifics with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters. Your EIN is the starting point for both federal and Michigan compliance. See EIN cost for the full fee breakdown.
Banking
How Do You Use a Michigan EIN for US Banking?
You use a Michigan EIN to open a US business bank account and connect payment processors. Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident Michigan LLC owners who hold an EIN and a passport. You receive US account and routing numbers within a few business days.
A US bank account, an EIN, and a Michigan LLC together give you full access to the dollar economy. The EIN is required at the first step of every account opening.
US Business Bank Account
Stripe and PayPal
Payroll for Employees
Accounting and Invoicing
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in Michigan
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- Register with Michigan Treasury — for sales tax and withholding if your activity requires it
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Review the EIN cost and EIN processing time before you apply
Apply without an SSN: EIN without SSN | EIN for non-residents | How to get an EIN.
Other states: Virginia | North Carolina | New Jersey | Massachusetts. Browse all: EIN by State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Michigan EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS on Form SS-4. It is the same 9-digit number (XX-XXXXXXX) regardless of which state you operate in. Michigan does not issue its own version of an EIN. A Michigan LLC and a Texas LLC follow the identical federal EIN process.
How do I get an EIN in Michigan as a non-resident?
Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS at 855-215-1627. Enter your passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents cannot use it. ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN for a Michigan LLC?
No. You do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. Your passport number goes on Form SS-4 Line 7b as identification. The IRS issues EINs to foreign responsible parties without a US tax number. See ein.so's EIN without SSN guide for the full fax process that bypasses the SSN-only online tool.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in Michigan?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. Michigan LLC formation requires a separate state filing fee paid to the Michigan Secretary of State (confirm the current amount on michigan.gov). ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express to prepare and fax Form SS-4 for non-residents who cannot use the online tool.
Does Michigan require its own state tax registration?
Yes. Michigan businesses register separately with the Michigan Department of Treasury for state taxes such as sales tax and withholding. This state registration is different from your federal EIN. You may need both. Your EIN handles federal tax reporting; the state registration handles Michigan state obligations.
How long does an EIN take for a Michigan business?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days ($49) and Express takes 2-3 business days ($97). US residents with an SSN can use the IRS online tool for instant assignment. The fax method that non-residents use takes 4-7 business days when the SS-4 is error-free.
Can I get an EIN before forming my Michigan LLC?
Form your Michigan LLC first. Register the LLC with the Michigan Secretary of State, then apply for the EIN using the LLC's exact legal name on Form SS-4 Line 1. Applying before formation risks a name mismatch that causes IRS rejection. ein.so files the SS-4 once your LLC exists.
Does a foreign-owned Michigan LLC have to file Form 5472?
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 is $25,000. This is a federal information return tied to your EIN, not a Michigan rule. Confirm your filing duties with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters.
Can a non-US resident open a US bank account with a Michigan LLC EIN?
Yes. Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident Michigan LLC owners who hold an EIN and a valid passport. You receive US account and routing numbers for ACH and domestic wires. The EIN is required before any US bank or processor will open a business account in your LLC's name.
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