State Guide
EIN in Virginia (VA)
How to get an EIN for your Virginia business or LLC. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS, identical in every state. No SSN required for non-residents. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Getting an EIN in Virginia follows the same federal IRS process used in every state. The EIN is a federal number — not state-specific. US residents with an SSN apply online at irs.gov for an instant EIN. Non-residents file IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number on Line 7b. ein.so prepares and faxes the SS-4, then emails your EIN. Standard costs $49 (4-7 business days). Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
Virginia hosts a deep business economy: federal contractors in Northern Virginia, technology firms near Arlington and Tysons, port logistics in Hampton Roads, and small businesses across Richmond. Both US founders and non-US residents form Virginia LLCs to operate here. Every one of them needs a federal EIN to file taxes, hire staff, and open a bank account. This guide explains the federal SS-4 process, how non-residents get an EIN without an SSN, and how the EIN relates to Virginia's separate state tax registration.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Virginia (VA) |
| State income tax | 2% to 5.75% (confirm current brackets with a CPA) |
| State tax authority | Virginia Department of Taxation |
| LLC registry | Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| Federal EIN issuer | IRS (same in all 50 states) |
| EIN cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 Standard / $97 Express (ein.so) |
| IRS EIN fax line | 855-215-1627 |
Federal vs State
Is a Virginia EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
No. A Virginia EIN and a federal EIN are the same number. The IRS issues one 9-digit EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) that works in all 50 states. Virginia does not issue its own EIN. A Richmond business uses the identical federal EIN format as a business in any other state.
The confusion comes from a separate requirement. Virginia operates its own state tax system through the Virginia Department of Taxation. That registration produces a Virginia state tax account, which is not an EIN.
| Identifier | Issued By | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | IRS | Federal tax filing, banking, hiring |
| Virginia state tax account | Virginia Department of Taxation | State sales tax, employer withholding |
| BOI report | FinCEN | Beneficial ownership disclosure |
Your EIN does not replace Virginia state tax registration. Many businesses need both. See our state tax ID guide for how the two interact. The EIN is the federal foundation; the state account layers on top for Virginia-specific taxes.
How to Apply
How Do You Get an EIN in Virginia?
You get a Virginia EIN by filing IRS Form SS-4. US residents with an SSN apply online at irs.gov and receive the EIN instantly. Non-residents without an SSN fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 and receive the EIN in 4-7 business days. The process is identical in every state.
| Method | Speed | SSN Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | Yes | $0 |
| Fax | 4-7 business days | No | $0 or $49 |
| Phone | Same day | Varies | $0 |
| 4-6 weeks | No | $0 |
Non-residents cannot use the online tool because it requires an SSN. The fax method is the working path. See how to get an EIN and EIN processing time for full timelines.
Steps to Get Your Virginia EIN
Form Your Virginia LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit and Receive Your EIN
Non-Residents
Can a Non-Resident Get a Virginia EIN Without an SSN?
Yes. Non-US residents get a Virginia EIN without an SSN or ITIN. You enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS issues the EIN by fax in 4-7 business days. The online tool stays blocked because it requires an SSN.
Foreign founders form Virginia LLCs for the same reasons US owners do: a credible US business identity, access to US payment rails, and the ability to invoice American clients in dollars. The EIN unlocks all of it.
No SSN or ITIN Required
Fax Is the Only Viable Method
Address Formatting Matters
Works for Any Country
ein.so files the SS-4 for non-residents for $49 Standard or $97 Express. The SS-4 form guide walks through every line if you prefer to understand the form before filing.
Cost & Timeline
How Much Does an EIN in Virginia Cost?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN in Virginia. 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 the Virginia LLC carries a separate state filing fee set by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EIN from IRS | $0 | Free in every state |
| ein.so Standard | $49 | 4-7 business days |
| ein.so Express | $97 | 2-3 business days |
| Virginia LLC filing | State fee | Confirm current fee with the state |
| ITIN (if needed) | $197 / $297 | ein.so Standard / Express |
The IRS never charges for an EIN. ein.so's fee covers preparing an error-free SS-4, faxing it, monitoring the IRS response, and reformatting foreign addresses. See EIN cost for a full breakdown and EIN processing time for delivery windows. The EIN itself remains free; ein.so charges only for the filing service non-residents need.
Banking & Payments
How Do You Use a Virginia EIN for Banking and Payments?
You use a Virginia EIN to open a US business bank account and connect US payment processors. Mercury, Relay, and Wise approve most non-resident Virginia LLC owners remotely within a few business days. The EIN is the federal tax ID banks require before they open a US business account.
US Business Bank Account
Stripe Payment Processing
PayPal Business
Marketplace Tax Interviews
Together, a Virginia LLC, an EIN, and a US bank account give a non-resident full access to the dollar economy. The EIN is the single identifier that links the entity to every financial provider.
Tax & Compliance
What Tax and Compliance Duties Follow a Virginia EIN?
A Virginia EIN triggers federal and state obligations. Foreign-owned single-member US LLCs file Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 with the IRS each year, with a $25,000 penalty for non-filing. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Virginia adds its own state tax registration.
Form 5472 + 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
Virginia State Taxes
Federal Income Tax
ein.so does not provide tax advice
- The $25,000 Form 5472 penalty applies to foreign-owned LLCs that fail to file.
- Virginia state tax registration is separate from your federal EIN.
- Confirm all tax specifics with a US CPA familiar with non-resident filings.
ein.so handles the EIN application only. The EIN is the starting point for compliance. See EIN for non-residents and EIN without SSN for related guidance.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in Virginia
- 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 Virginia — set up your state tax ID with the Department of Taxation
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Review the basics — read how to get an EIN and EIN cost
Other states: Washington | Pennsylvania | North Carolina | Michigan. Browse all on EIN by State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Virginia 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. Virginia does not issue its own version of an EIN. A business in Richmond uses the same federal EIN as a business in Norfolk or any other state.
How do I get an EIN in Virginia?
Apply through the IRS using Form SS-4. US residents with an SSN can apply online at irs.gov for an instant EIN. Non-residents fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 and receive the EIN in 4-7 business days. ein.so files the fax application for non-residents for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Can I get a Virginia EIN without an SSN?
Yes. Non-US residents get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN. You enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b instead. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents use the fax method. ein.so prepares and faxes the SS-4 for you, then emails your EIN assignment letter (CP 575).
Does Virginia have a state tax ID separate from the EIN?
Yes. Virginia issues a separate state tax registration through the Virginia Department of Taxation. This is distinct from your federal EIN. You may need both: the EIN for federal tax filing and the state ID for Virginia sales and withholding taxes. Confirm which registrations apply to your business with a CPA.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in Virginia?
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. Forming the Virginia LLC itself carries a separate Secretary of the Commonwealth filing fee. Confirm the current LLC fee on the state website.
How long does it take to get an EIN in Virginia?
US residents applying online at irs.gov receive the EIN instantly. Non-residents using the fax method receive it in 4-7 business days when the SS-4 is error-free. ein.so Standard processing takes 4-7 business days ($49); Express takes 2-3 business days ($97). Mail applications take 4-6 weeks.
Do I need a Virginia LLC before getting an EIN?
No federal rule requires a Virginia LLC first, but most owners form the entity first so the EIN attaches to a real legal name. You register the LLC with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth, then file Form SS-4 listing the LLC name on Line 1. ein.so files the EIN after your LLC is formed.
Does a foreign-owned Virginia LLC have federal filing duties?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 with the IRS each year. The penalty for failing to file Form 5472 is $25,000. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Confirm your specific obligations with a US CPA familiar with non-resident filings.
Can I open a US bank account with a Virginia LLC and EIN?
Yes. Mercury, Relay, and Wise approve most non-resident Virginia LLC owners remotely using the EIN, Articles of Organization, and a passport. You receive US account and routing numbers for ACH and domestic wires. The EIN is the federal tax ID that banks require before opening a US business account.
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