Guide
How to Get a Tax ID Number (2026) Guide
Get a Tax ID: businesses apply for an EIN (Form SS-4), citizens get an SSN (Form SS-5), and non-residents get an ITIN (Form W-7). Complete guide to every US tax identification number.
To get a US Tax ID number, businesses file Form SS-4 for an EIN, US citizens file Form SS-5 for an SSN, and non-residents file Form W-7 for an ITIN. The EIN is the most common US business tax ID. The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. Non-residents apply by fax using a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b, with no SSN required. ein.so files your SS-4 and delivers the EIN by email for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
A Tax Identification Number is the number the IRS uses to track a person or business for federal tax purposes. The United States issues four main types: the EIN for businesses, the SSN for citizens and authorized residents, the ITIN for individuals who cannot get an SSN, and the PTIN for paid tax preparers. The right Tax ID depends on whether you are an individual or a business and whether you are a US citizen or a non-resident. This guide explains every type, the exact IRS form for each, the timeline, and the cost. It then walks non-residents through the EIN process step by step.
The Four Types
What Are the Four Types of US Tax ID Number?
The four US Tax ID types are the EIN, the SSN, the ITIN, and the PTIN. Each serves a different person or purpose. The EIN identifies a business. The SSN identifies a US citizen. The ITIN identifies an individual who is not eligible for an SSN. The PTIN identifies a paid tax preparer.
EIN — Employer Identification Number
SSN — Social Security Number
ITIN — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
PTIN — Preparer Tax Identification Number
Which One
Which Tax ID Number Do You Need?
You need an EIN if you run a US business entity, an SSN if you are a US citizen, and an ITIN if you must file US taxes without SSN eligibility. A non-resident who owns a US LLC needs an EIN for the company. The same non-resident may also need an ITIN for personal US tax filings.
| You Are | Tax ID You Need | Form |
|---|---|---|
| US citizen starting a business | SSN (already held) + EIN | SS-5 + SS-4 |
| Non-resident with a US LLC | EIN | SS-4 |
| Non-resident with US-source personal income | ITIN | W-7 |
| Employer hiring US workers | EIN | SS-4 |
| Paid tax preparer | PTIN | Online |
| Non-resident selling on a US platform | EIN | SS-4 |
Most non-residents who contact ein.so need an EIN, not an SSN or ITIN. The EIN attaches to the US LLC and unlocks banking, payment processors, and federal filings. An ITIN is a separate personal number that you only need if you must file a personal US return or claim a treaty benefit. Confirm your exact personal filing requirement with a CPA. See EIN without SSN and EIN for non-residents.
EIN vs ITIN
What Is the Difference Between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN is a tax ID for a business entity, while an ITIN is a tax ID for an individual person. A non-resident uses an EIN for the US LLC and an ITIN for personal US tax matters. The two numbers do not replace each other. The IRS charges $0 for both.
| Feature | EIN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | A business entity | An individual person |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX | 9XX-XX-XXXX |
| IRS form | SS-4 | W-7 |
| Government fee | $0 | $0 |
| Non-resident timeline | 4-7 business days by fax | 7-11 weeks |
| ein.so service fee | $49 / $97 | $197 / $297 |
| Needed for US bank account | Yes | No |
| Needed for personal US return | No | Often |
A common mistake is applying for an ITIN when you only need an EIN. If your goal is to open a US bank account, accept Stripe payments, or sell on Amazon through a US LLC, the EIN does that work. You file for an ITIN only when you personally owe a US filing, such as a partner in a US partnership or an owner claiming a treaty rate. Confirm with a CPA before paying for an ITIN you do not need. See EIN for a bank account.
Step-by-Step
How Do Non-Residents Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Non-residents get an EIN by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627, using a passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the path for applicants without one. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs in 4-7 business days.
Form Your US LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
SS-4 Field Guide for Non-Residents
| SS-4 Field | Non-Resident Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name |
| Line 4 (Mailing address) | Your foreign home or business address |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number |
| Line 10 (Reason for applying) | Started a new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "e-commerce," "software," "consulting" |
The most common rejection cause is a foreign address that does not map to the SS-4 layout. The IRS silently rejects malformed international addresses without explaining why. ein.so reformats your address to an IRS-accepted style. Read the full SS-4 form guide and the complete EIN application process.
Cost and Timeline
How Much Does a US Tax ID Number Cost?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN and $0 for an ITIN, and the Social Security Administration charges $0 for an SSN. Only the PTIN carries a government fee, at $19.75 per year. ein.so charges a service fee to prepare and file your application correctly, never a government fee.
| Tax ID | Government Fee | ein.so Service Fee | ein.so Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN (Standard) | $0 | $49 | 4-7 business days |
| EIN (Express) | $0 | $97 | 2-3 business days |
| ITIN (Standard) | $0 | $197 | 7-11 weeks (IRS) |
| ITIN (Express) | $0 | $297 | 7-11 weeks (IRS) |
| SSN | $0 | Not offered | 2-4 weeks |
| PTIN | $19.75/year | Not offered | Instant |
The service fee pays for accurate form preparation, IRS fax submission, follow-up, and delivery of the assignment letter by email. A single wrong field on Form SS-4 can delay the EIN by weeks. See EIN cost and EIN processing time for full detail. ein.so does not give tax advice; confirm any tax-specific question with a CPA.
After Your EIN
What Do You Do After Getting Your Tax ID Number?
After getting your EIN, open a US business bank account, set up payment processing, and prepare your annual federal filings. The EIN is the starting point for every US financial task. A foreign-owned single-member LLC must also file Form 5472 each year to avoid a $25,000 penalty.
Open a US Bank Account
Connect Payment Processors
File Form 5472 Annually
File Your BOI Report
Your EIN does not expire and does not need renewal. You use the same EIN for the life of the business. Keep the CP 575 assignment letter, since banks and platforms request it during account verification. See EIN for non-residents for more on running a US company from abroad.
Common Mistakes
What Mistakes Slow Down a US Tax ID Application?
The biggest mistakes that slow a Tax ID application are using the online EIN tool without an SSN, entering a foreign address in the wrong format, and applying for the wrong number entirely. Each error costs days or weeks. ein.so prevents these on the EIN application.
Avoid these Tax ID application errors
- Using the online EIN tool without an SSN. The tool blocks non-residents. Use the fax method to 855-215-1627 instead.
- Formatting a foreign address incorrectly on Form SS-4 Line 4. The IRS rejects malformed international addresses without notice.
- Applying for an ITIN when you only need an EIN for a US LLC. This wastes time and a $197 service fee.
- Leaving Line 7b blank. Non-residents must enter a passport number as the responsible party identification.
- Choosing the wrong reason on Line 10. "Started a new business" fits most new LLC applicants.
The IRS does not always explain why an application fails. A silent rejection on a faxed SS-4 means starting over and waiting another 4-7 business days. Accurate first-time filing is the fastest path. See EIN without SSN for the non-resident method in detail.
Next Steps
Get Your US Tax ID Number Today
- Apply for your EIN — ein.so files Form SS-4 by fax and delivers the EIN by email for $49
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, filed at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Check EIN cost and processing time — confirm the timeline before you apply
Related guides: How to get an EIN | EIN without SSN | EIN for non-residents | SS-4 form guide | Tax ID types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a US tax ID number?
The method depends on the type. Businesses apply for an EIN using Form SS-4. US citizens get an SSN using Form SS-5. Non-residents who need a personal tax ID file Form W-7 for an ITIN. The EIN is the most common tax ID for a US business entity, and the IRS charges $0 to issue one.
What is the easiest US tax ID to get?
An EIN is the fastest US tax ID to get. The IRS online tool issues an EIN instantly to applicants with an SSN. Non-residents without an SSN apply by fax to 855-215-1627 and receive the EIN in 4-7 business days. An SSN takes 2-4 weeks and an ITIN takes 7-11 weeks.
Do I need a tax ID number for my US business?
Yes. Every US business entity needs an EIN to open a bank account, hire employees, or file federal returns. A single-member LLC with no employees can sometimes use the owner's SSN, but non-residents have no SSN. Apply at irs.gov for $0 or let ein.so file Form SS-4 for $49.
Is getting a US tax ID number free?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN and $0 for an ITIN. The Social Security Administration charges $0 for an SSN. ein.so charges a service fee to prepare and fax Form SS-4: $49 Standard (4-7 business days) and $97 Express (2-3 business days). The underlying government fee is always $0.
Can non-residents get a US tax ID number?
Yes. Non-residents get an EIN for a US business using Form SS-4 and an ITIN for personal US tax matters using Form W-7. No SSN or ITIN is required to obtain an EIN. The applicant enters a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS does not require the applicant to live in the United States.
What is the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN is a 9-digit tax ID for a business entity, formatted XX-XXXXXXX. An ITIN is a 9-digit personal tax ID for individuals who are not eligible for an SSN, formatted 9XX-XX-XXXX. A non-resident with a US LLC uses an EIN for the company and may need an ITIN for personal filings. Confirm your need with a CPA.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?
No. The IRS does not require an SSN to issue an EIN. The online EIN tool requires an SSN, so non-residents without one use the fax method instead. The applicant enters a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b as the responsible party's identification. ein.so files this fax application for non-residents for $49.
How long does it take to get a US tax ID number?
An EIN takes 4-7 business days by fax through ein.so Standard, or 2-3 business days with Express. The online tool issues an EIN instantly to SSN holders. An SSN takes 2-4 weeks from the Social Security Administration. An ITIN takes 7-11 weeks from the IRS during peak filing season.
Does a foreign-owned US LLC need more than an EIN?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC needs an EIN to operate and must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 every year. The penalty for failing to file Form 5472 is $25,000. Most US LLCs also file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN. Confirm your filing duties with a CPA.
Can I use my home country tax ID for US business?
No. A foreign tax ID like a French SIREN, an Indian PAN, or a UK UTR has no standing with the IRS. A US business entity needs a US EIN. Your home-country tax ID stays valid in your home country, but US banks, payment processors, and the IRS require a US EIN for the US company.
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