State Guide
EIN in Washington (WA)
How to get an EIN for your Washington business. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. Non-residents apply with a passport, no SSN needed. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Getting an EIN in Washington follows the same federal IRS process as every other state. The EIN is a federal number, not state-specific. Non-residents submit Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number on Line 7b. No SSN or ITIN is required. The IRS online tool needs an SSN, so the fax method is the path for non-residents. ein.so prepares and files your SS-4 for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 (2-3 business days). The IRS charges $0 for the EIN itself.
Washington (WA) hosts a concentrated technology economy anchored in the Seattle region, plus strong aerospace, cloud, e-commerce, and global trade sectors. Non-US founders form Washington businesses to reach American customers, integrate US payment processors, and present a US business identity. Every US entity needs a federal EIN before it can open a bank account, file US taxes, or hire. This guide explains how non-residents get an EIN for a Washington business without an SSN, how the federal EIN differs from Washington state registration, and what to do after approval.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Washington (WA) |
| State personal income tax | None (B&O tax on gross receipts applies) |
| State tax authority | Washington Department of Revenue |
| Federal EIN | Same in all 50 states (IRS) |
| EIN cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 Standard / $97 Express (ein.so) |
| IRS EIN fax number | 855-215-1627 |
Federal vs State
Is a Washington EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
A Washington EIN is the same as a federal EIN, because the IRS issues one 9-digit EIN that works in every state. Washington does not issue its own EIN. A Washington business uses the identical Form SS-4 process as a business in Texas, Florida, or any other state.
The confusion comes from two separate numbers. The federal EIN handles IRS filings. Washington state registration handles Washington taxes. You may need both.
| Number | Issued by | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) | IRS | Federal taxes, banking, Form SS-4 |
| Washington state registration | Department of Revenue | State B&O tax, state filings |
Your EIN does not replace Washington state registration. The federal EIN is the starting point for the US financial system. See state tax ID for how the two interact, and how to get an EIN for the full federal process.
Use Cases
Why Do Non-Residents Need an EIN for a Washington Business?
Non-residents need an EIN for a Washington business because a US LLC cannot open a bank account, accept US payments, or file US taxes without one. The EIN is the federal tax ID that links a foreign-owned company to the US financial system.
Washington's economy attracts founders in software, cloud services, e-commerce, and global trade. Here are the most common reasons non-residents apply for an EIN through a Washington entity:
SaaS and Tech Startups
E-commerce and Amazon
Freelancers and Consultants
Content Creators and Digital Products
Step-by-Step
How Do Non-Residents Apply for an EIN in Washington?
Non-residents submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627, using a passport number in place of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the path for non-residents. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days.
Form Your Washington LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
EIN Application Methods Compared
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (irs.gov) | Instant | Free | Yes |
| Fax (DIY) | 4-7 business days | Free | No |
| ein.so Standard | 4-7 business days | $49 | No |
| ein.so Express | 2-3 business days | $97 | No |
| Phone | Same day | Free | No (intl callers) |
| 4-6 weeks | Free | No |
The process is identical regardless of state. See how to get an EIN, EIN without SSN, and EIN cost for full detail. ein.so does not charge for the EIN itself; the $49 or $97 covers SS-4 preparation and IRS filing.
Banking & Payments
How Do You Use a Washington EIN for US Banking and Payments?
You use a Washington EIN to open a US business bank account and connect US payment processors, which together give a foreign-owned LLC full access to the dollar economy. Mercury and Relay approve most non-resident LLC owners remotely within a few business days.
US Business Bank Account
Stripe on a US Entity
PayPal Business (US)
Card and Marketplace Payouts
Together, a Washington LLC, an EIN, and a US bank account let you invoice American clients in dollars, accept card payments, and move profits home when you choose. The EIN is the single document every bank and processor asks for first.
Washington Taxes
What Should You Know About Washington and Federal Taxes?
Washington has no state personal income tax, but it applies a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on gross business receipts. This is separate from your federal EIN obligations. The B&O rate depends on your business classification, so confirm your classification and rate with a CPA.
US Filing: Form 5472 + 1120
Washington B&O Tax
No State Income Tax
BOI Report to FinCEN
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters and the Washington Department of Revenue before filing. Your EIN is the starting point for US tax compliance, not the end of it. See EIN without SSN and EIN processing time for related detail.
EIN vs ITIN
Do You Need an EIN or an ITIN for a Washington Business?
Most non-resident business owners need an EIN, not an ITIN, to operate a Washington LLC. The EIN identifies the business to the IRS. An ITIN identifies an individual who has a US tax filing duty but no SSN. Some founders eventually need both.
| Number | Identifies | Issued by | ein.so price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | The business entity | IRS (Form SS-4) | $49 / $97 |
| ITIN | An individual filer | IRS (Form W-7) | $197 / $297 |
You apply for the EIN first, because the bank account, payment processors, and Form 5472 all reference it. An ITIN becomes relevant only when you personally have a US filing obligation. Confirm with a CPA whether your situation requires an ITIN. ein.so offers an ITIN service at $197 (Standard) or $297 (Express) if you need one.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in Washington
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- Register with the Washington Department of Revenue — for B&O tax and state filings (confirm with a CPA)
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs; confirm the current deadline
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Set up payments — connect your EIN to your processor and marketplace accounts
Other states: Nevada | Wyoming | Pennsylvania | Virginia. Browse all: EIN by State. Related: how to get an EIN | EIN without SSN | EIN for non-residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Washington EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS. It is the same 9-digit number regardless of which state you operate in. Washington does not issue its own version of an EIN. A business formed in Washington uses the identical Form SS-4 process as a business in any other US state.
How do I get an EIN in Washington as a non-resident?
Non-residents apply by fax to the IRS at 855-215-1627 using Form SS-4. Enter your passport number on Line 7b. No SSN or ITIN is required. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so it is blocked for non-residents. ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 (2-3 business days).
Does Washington have a state tax registration separate from the EIN?
Yes. Washington issues a separate state business registration through the Department of Revenue. This is distinct from your federal EIN. You may need both: the federal EIN for IRS filings and the state registration for Washington taxes. Confirm your exact Washington obligations with a CPA, since ein.so handles the federal EIN only.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in Washington?
The EIN itself costs $0 from the IRS. ein.so charges $49 (Standard, 4-7 business days) or $97 (Express, 2-3 business days) to prepare and fax Form SS-4 for non-residents. Forming a Washington LLC carries a separate state filing fee paid to the Washington Secretary of State. Confirm the current LLC fee on the state website.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN for a Washington business?
No. You do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. Non-residents use a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS online application requires an SSN, which is why non-residents must use the fax method. ein.so files the SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 on your behalf.
What is the Washington state income tax for my LLC?
Washington has no state personal income tax. Washington applies a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts instead of a corporate income tax. The B&O rate depends on your business classification. Your federal EIN handles IRS filings; Washington B&O is separate. Confirm your B&O classification and rate with a CPA.
Can I open a US bank account with a Washington LLC and EIN?
Yes. Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners using the Articles of Organization, the EIN assignment letter (CP 575), an Operating Agreement, and a passport. You receive US account and routing numbers for ACH and domestic wires. The EIN is required before any US bank will open the account.
What does a foreign-owned Washington LLC file with the IRS each year?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 every year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. This is an information return, not automatically a tax bill. The EIN is the identifier used on these filings. Work with a US CPA, since ein.so does not provide tax advice.
How long does an EIN take for a Washington business?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days for $49 and Express takes 2-3 business days for $97. The DIY fax method to 855-215-1627 takes 4-7 business days when the form is error-free. US residents with an SSN can use the IRS online tool for an instant EIN. Processing time is identical in every state.
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