State Guide
EIN in West Virginia (WV)
How to get an EIN for your West Virginia business. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS — identical in every state. Non-residents apply with a passport, no SSN. $49 Standard, $97 Express.
Getting an EIN in West Virginia uses the same federal IRS process as every other state. The EIN is a federal number, not state-specific. Non-residents apply by faxing Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 with a passport number on Line 7b — no SSN required. The IRS online tool needs an SSN, so the fax route is your path. ein.so prepares and files it for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. It carries the format XX-XXXXXXX. A West Virginia LLC uses the exact same kind of EIN as an LLC in California, Texas, or Wyoming. West Virginia does not issue its own EIN. What West Virginia does control is LLC formation through the Secretary of State and state-level tax registration through the State Tax Department. This guide explains how a non-resident forms a West Virginia LLC, gets the federal EIN without an SSN, and stays compliant afterward.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| EIN source | IRS (federal, same in all states) |
| EIN format | XX-XXXXXXX (9 digits) |
| EIN cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 (ein.so Standard) |
| IRS EIN fax | 855-215-1627 |
| SSN required? | No — passport on Line 7b |
| State tax authority | West Virginia State Tax Department |
| LLC formation | West Virginia Secretary of State |
State vs Federal
How Does a West Virginia EIN Differ From a State Tax ID?
A West Virginia EIN does not differ from a federal EIN — they are the same number. The EIN comes from the IRS and works nationwide. A West Virginia state tax ID is a separate registration from the West Virginia State Tax Department for state-level taxes.
Many business owners confuse the two. The federal EIN identifies your business to the IRS for federal tax filings, banking, and payroll. The West Virginia state tax registration identifies your business to the state for any applicable state taxes. Your EIN does not replace state registration, and your state registration does not replace the EIN.
| ID Type | Issued By | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | IRS | Federal taxes, Form SS-4, banking, Form 5472 |
| WV State Tax ID | WV State Tax Department | State-level tax obligations |
| LLC registration | WV Secretary of State | Legal entity formation, annual reports |
A non-resident-owned West Virginia LLC always needs the federal EIN. Whether you also need the state tax registration depends on your activities in West Virginia. Confirm your exact obligations with a CPA. See our state tax ID page for more detail.
Non-Resident Path
How Do Non-Residents Get an EIN for a West Virginia LLC?
Non-residents get an EIN for a West Virginia LLC by faxing IRS Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 with a passport number on Line 7b. No SSN or ITIN is needed. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the only path for most foreign founders.
The federal SS-4 process is stable and identical in every state. Your West Virginia address or registered agent address goes on the form, but the IRS treats the application the same way it treats one from any state.
Form Your West Virginia LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
For the full walkthrough, see how to get an EIN, EIN without SSN, and EIN for non-residents.
Application Methods
What Are the Ways to Apply for an EIN in West Virginia?
There are four ways to apply for an EIN in West Virginia, and all four use the IRS — the state is not involved. US persons with an SSN can apply online instantly. Non-residents without an SSN apply by fax, which takes 4-7 business days.
| Method | Speed | SSN Needed? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | Yes | $0 |
| Fax | 4-7 days | No | $0 / $49 (ein.so) |
| Phone | Same call | No (intl. line) | $0 |
| 4-6 weeks | No | $0 |
The online method is fastest but blocked for anyone without an SSN. That rules out most non-residents. The fax method is the standard route for foreign founders, and it is the channel ein.so uses. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN through every method. ein.so's fee covers preparing an error-free SS-4 and managing the IRS fax exchange so your application is not silently rejected. Compare options on EIN cost and EIN processing time.
Why West Virginia
Why Would a Non-Resident Form an LLC in West Virginia?
A non-resident forms a West Virginia LLC to hold a US business entity, open a US bank account, and access US payment processors. The EIN is the federal tax ID that links that West Virginia LLC to the US financial system.
West Virginia LLCs are formed through the Secretary of State, and the EIN process is identical to every other state. Common reasons founders attach an EIN to a West Virginia LLC include:
US Bank Account Access
Payment Processors
E-commerce and Marketplaces
Freelancers and Consultants
The choice of state for formation is separate from the EIN process. Whichever state you pick, the IRS issues the EIN the same way. See EIN for non-residents for the full picture.
Tax & Compliance
What Tax Filings Does a Foreign-Owned West Virginia LLC Face?
A foreign-owned single-member West Virginia LLC files Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 with the IRS each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. The LLC also files West Virginia annual reports and may owe state taxes depending on its activity.
The EIN is the starting point for all of this compliance. Without it, you cannot file the federal information returns or register for state taxes.
Federal: Form 5472 + 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
West Virginia State Filings
State Tax Registration
Tax specifics need a CPA
- ein.so files Form SS-4 to obtain your EIN and does not provide tax advice.
- The $25,000 Form 5472 penalty applies to foreign-owned single-member US LLCs that fail to file.
- West Virginia state tax rates and brackets change — confirm current numbers before filing.
See EIN without SSN and EIN for non-residents for related compliance steps.
Costs
How Much Does an EIN Cost in West Virginia?
The EIN costs $0 from the IRS in West Virginia, the same as every state. The IRS never charges for an EIN. ein.so charges $49 for Standard filing assistance for non-residents and $97 for Express. The West Virginia LLC formation fee is paid separately to the Secretary of State.
The reason non-residents use a paid service is access and accuracy, not the EIN price. The IRS online tool is blocked without an SSN, and a malformed SS-4 gets silently rejected, costing weeks. ein.so prepares an error-free form and manages the IRS fax exchange.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EIN from IRS | $0 | Free through every IRS method |
| ein.so Standard EIN | $49 | 4-7 business days |
| ein.so Express EIN | $97 | 2-3 business days |
| ein.so ITIN Standard | $197 | If you need an ITIN too |
| ein.so ITIN Express | $297 | Faster ITIN handling |
| WV LLC formation | State fee | Paid to WV Secretary of State |
The EIN and the ITIN are different. The EIN identifies your business; the ITIN identifies you as an individual. Most non-resident LLC owners need only the EIN. See EIN cost for a full breakdown.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in West Virginia
- Open a US bank account — Mercury and Relay accept many non-resident LLC owners remotely
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- Register state taxes — check with the West Virginia State Tax Department on a state tax ID
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Confirm your route — read how to get an EIN, EIN without SSN, and EIN processing time
Other states: New Mexico | Montana | Rhode Island | South Dakota. Browse all on EIN by State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a West 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. West Virginia does not issue its own version of an EIN. A West Virginia LLC uses the exact same EIN as an LLC formed in any other state.
How do I get an EIN for a West Virginia LLC as a non-resident?
Non-residents submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627. You enter your passport number on Line 7b. No SSN or ITIN is needed. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax route is your path. ein.so prepares and faxes the SS-4 for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN in West Virginia?
No. You do not need a Social Security Number to get an EIN for a West Virginia business. Non-residents use a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b instead. The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN, which is why non-residents must file by fax. See our EIN without SSN guide.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in West Virginia?
The EIN itself is free from the IRS ($0). The IRS never charges for an EIN. ein.so charges $49 for Standard filing assistance for non-residents and $97 for Express. Forming the West Virginia LLC with the Secretary of State carries a separate state filing fee paid to the state.
Does West Virginia have a state tax ID separate from the EIN?
Yes. West Virginia issues a state tax registration through the West Virginia State Tax Department. This is separate from your federal EIN. Many businesses operating in West Virginia need both: the federal EIN for IRS filings and the state registration for state-level taxes. Confirm your exact obligations with a CPA.
How long does it take to get an EIN for a West Virginia business?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days ($49) and Express takes 2-3 business days ($97). The DIY fax method takes 4-7 business days if Form SS-4 is error-free. International applicants who cannot use the online tool depend on the fax channel. See our EIN processing time guide.
Can a non-resident form a West Virginia LLC and get an EIN remotely?
Yes. A non-resident forms a West Virginia LLC online through a registered agent with a West Virginia address, then applies for the EIN by fax. No US visit is required. The entire process — LLC formation and EIN — happens remotely. ein.so handles the SS-4 filing for $49.
What does a foreign-owned West Virginia LLC have to file each year?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 with the IRS each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. The West Virginia LLC also files state annual reports with the Secretary of State. Confirm tax specifics with a CPA; ein.so does not give tax advice.
What is the West Virginia state income tax rate?
West Virginia levies a state personal income tax with rates roughly in the 3% to 6.5% range as of 2026. This is separate from federal taxes filed under your EIN. State rates and brackets change, so confirm current figures with the West Virginia State Tax Department or a CPA before filing.
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