Reference
IRS Fax Number for EIN Guide
Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627 to apply for an EIN. Processing takes 4-7 business days. The primary method for non-US residents without an SSN.
Fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 to apply for an EIN. The IRS processes faxed applications in 4-7 business days. This is the primary EIN method for non-US residents, because the IRS online tool requires an SSN. The fax line is toll-free inside the US. ein.so prepares your SS-4, faxes it, and emails your EIN. Standard costs $49. Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
The IRS gives applicants four ways to request an EIN: online, by fax, by phone, and by mail. The fax method matters most to non-US residents. The online tool at IRS.gov demands a Social Security Number on the first screen, so applicants without an SSN cannot use it. Fax keeps the application in writing, runs faster than mail, and needs no live phone call to a US number. This page covers the exact IRS fax number, what to send, how to fill in Form SS-4 as a non-resident, and how the fax method compares to the alternatives.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IRS EIN fax number | 855-215-1627 |
| Form filed | SS-4 |
| Processing time | 4-7 business days |
| IRS cost | $0 |
| SSN required | No |
| ein.so cost | $49 Standard / $97 Express |
The Number
What Is the IRS Fax Number for an EIN?
The IRS fax number for an EIN is 855-215-1627. Every Form SS-4 goes to this single number, regardless of your country, entity type, or formation state. The IRS EIN Operation processes all faxed forms and returns the EIN within 4-7 business days.
This is the only fax number for EIN applications submitted by international and domestic applicants who lack a US principal place of business. The number is toll-free within the United States. From outside the US, an online fax service routes the transmission over the internet, so you avoid international telephone charges entirely.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fax number | 855-215-1627 |
| Hours | Faxes accepted 24/7; processed on business days |
| Form accepted | SS-4 only |
| Return method | Fax-back to your number, or mail |
| Best send times | 7-9 AM ET or 4-6 PM ET |
For the step-by-step transmission walkthrough, see EIN by fax. For the full application overview, see how to get an EIN.
What to Send
What Do You Fax with Form SS-4?
Fax three things to 855-215-1627: a completed Form SS-4, a one-page cover sheet, and nothing else. Do not include payment, a passport copy, or any supporting documents. The IRS rejects faxes that omit required fields or carry an unreadable responsible-party name on Line 7a.
Complete Form SS-4
Add a Cover Page
Send Only the SS-4
Save the Transmission Receipt
A complete, legible SS-4 is the single biggest factor in a fast EIN. One blank required field restarts the 4-7 day clock from zero. ein.so reviews each field before transmission, which removes the most common rejection causes for non-residents.
Non-Residents
How Do Non-Residents Fill Out SS-4 for the Fax Method?
Non-residents complete Form SS-4 with a passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN or ITIN. The IRS accepts a foreign passport number as identification for the responsible party. This single difference is why non-residents fax to 855-215-1627 rather than use the online tool.
Most rejections of non-resident faxes come from two fields: an SSN-style entry where none exists, and a foreign address that does not map to the SS-4 layout. The table below shows the correct entries for a non-resident applicant.
| SS-4 Field | Non-Resident Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC or corporation name |
| Line 4 (Mailing address) | Your foreign address |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number |
| Line 8a (LLC?) | Yes, with member count |
| Line 10 (Reason) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., software, e-commerce, consulting |
| Line 18 (Designee) | ein.so, if you file through us |
You enter a passport number because Line 7b accepts any valid taxpayer identification, and a foreign passport qualifies for the responsible party. See EIN without an SSN for the full breakdown, and EIN for non-residents for country-specific guidance. ein.so reformats foreign addresses to an IRS-accepted style so the application is not silently rejected.
Comparison
How Does the Fax Method Compare to Other EIN Methods?
The fax method takes 4-7 business days, needs no SSN, and needs no live phone call, which makes it the standard path for non-residents. Online is instant but requires an SSN. Phone is same-day but requires a US call. Mail takes 4-6 weeks.
| Method | Speed | SSN Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | Yes | US residents with an SSN |
| Fax (855-215-1627) | 4-7 days | No | Non-residents |
| Phone | Same day | No | Callers able to phone the US |
| 4-6 weeks | No | No deadline pressure |
The fax method wins for non-residents on three counts. It needs no SSN, so it clears the barrier that blocks the online tool. It needs no international phone call during US business hours. It runs far faster than the 4-6 week mail option. For most non-residents, the practical choice is fax or the ein.so Express service. See EIN processing time for a full timing breakdown and EIN cost for fees by method.
Troubleshooting
What Do You Do If the IRS EIN Fax Fails or Is Busy?
Resend the full Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 during off-peak US hours: 7-9 AM ET or 4-6 PM ET. A busy signal or failed transmission means the IRS received nothing, so a partial fax never counts. Always confirm a successful transmission before you count the 4-7 business days.
Busy or Failed Line
No Transmission Confirmation
No EIN After 10 Business Days
Repeated Rejections
Keep your transmission receipt until the EIN assignment letter (CP 575) arrives. The receipt is your only proof of the send date if you need to call the IRS. ein.so tracks transmission and follow-up for every client who files through us.
After Approval
What Comes After You Fax for an EIN?
After the IRS issues your EIN, you open a US business bank account, connect payment processors, and start your annual US filings. The EIN is the federal tax ID that links your entity to the US financial system, so banks and platforms require it before they onboard you.
Open a US Bank Account
File Form 5472 Annually
File Your BOI Report
Need an ITIN Later?
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters for Form 5472, treaty positions, and any state filings. Your EIN is the starting point for US compliance, not the end.
Next Steps
Get Your EIN by Fax
- Complete Form SS-4 correctly — one blank required field restarts the 4-7 day clock
- Apply with no SSN — enter your passport number on Line 7b
- Open a US bank account — Mercury and Relay onboard non-residents remotely
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs, $25,000 penalty for non-filing
- File your BOI report — required for most US LLCs
More resources: How to get an EIN | EIN for non-residents | EIN processing time | EIN cost | EIN by fax
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRS fax number for EIN applications?
The IRS fax number for EIN applications is 855-215-1627. You fax your completed Form SS-4 to this single number regardless of your country or entity type. The IRS EIN Operation processes faxed forms in 4-7 business days. The IRS charges $0. ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Can I fax Form SS-4 to the IRS from another country?
Yes. International applicants fax Form SS-4 to the same number: 855-215-1627. You do not need a physical fax machine. An online fax service sends the PDF over the internet to the IRS line. ein.so handles the full process for non-residents, including SS-4 preparation, the fax transmission, and EIN delivery by email for $49.
Is applying for an EIN by fax free?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN by fax. Your only direct cost is the online fax service, which runs a few dollars per transmission. Most cost comes from getting Form SS-4 correct, since one error restarts the 4-7 day clock. ein.so prepares and files your SS-4 for $49 Standard and $97 Express.
What should I include with my faxed Form SS-4?
Fax three items: a completed Form SS-4 with all required fields, a cover page listing your name, entity name, and return fax number, and nothing else. Do not fax payment, a passport copy, or supporting documents. The IRS rejects faxes with missing fields or an unreadable Line 7a responsible party name.
How long does the IRS take to process a faxed EIN application?
The IRS processes a correctly filed faxed Form SS-4 in 4-7 business days and returns the EIN to your provided fax number or by mail. ein.so Express filing targets 2-3 business days for $97. A single error on Line 7a, 7b, or the entity type restarts the processing clock from zero.
Do non-residents need an SSN or ITIN to fax for an EIN?
No. Non-residents do not need an SSN or ITIN to fax Form SS-4. You enter your passport number on Line 7b instead. The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN, which blocks most non-residents, so the fax method at 855-215-1627 is the standard path. ein.so files this fax-based application remotely for $49.
What if the IRS EIN fax line is busy or returns an error?
Resend during off-peak US hours: 7-9 AM ET or 4-6 PM ET, when the 855-215-1627 line has less traffic. A busy signal or failed transmission means the IRS received nothing, so you must resend the full SS-4. Confirm your fax service reports a successful transmission before you start counting the 4-7 business days.
How do I confirm the IRS received my faxed SS-4?
Your online fax service issues a transmission confirmation showing the date, time, and pages sent to 855-215-1627. Keep this receipt. If no EIN arrives within 10 business days, call the IRS Business and Specialty line at 800-829-4933 during US business hours. ein.so tracks transmission and follows up for clients who file through us.
Can I get an EIN faster than the fax method?
The IRS phone method assigns an EIN to international applicants the same day during US business hours, but it requires a live call to a US number. The fax method takes 4-7 business days and the mail method takes 4-6 weeks. ein.so Express delivers an EIN in 2-3 business days for $97 without any phone call.
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