Reference Guide
IRS Fax Number Guide
The IRS fax number for EIN applications (Form SS-4) is 855-215-1627. Faxing takes 4-7 business days. This is the method non-US residents without an SSN use. ein.so files it for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
The IRS operates several fax numbers, and each one serves a specific form. Sending a form to the wrong number delays or voids your request. For an EIN, only 855-215-1627 works. This page lists every active IRS fax number, explains how to fax the SS-4 from outside the United States, and shows how non-residents without an SSN use the fax route. ein.so files for non-US residents at a flat price and delivers the EIN by email.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| EIN fax number (Form SS-4) | 855-215-1627 |
| IRS fee for an EIN | $0 |
| Standard fax processing | 4-7 business days |
| SSN or ITIN required to fax | No (use passport on Line 7b) |
| IRS online tool requirement | SSN required |
| ein.so Standard / Express | $49 (4-7 days) / $97 (2-3 days) |
EIN Fax
What Is the IRS Fax Number for an EIN (Form SS-4)?
The IRS fax number for an EIN application is 855-215-1627. This single line accepts Form SS-4 from every applicant worldwide. The IRS EIN Operation center in Cincinnati, Ohio processes faxed applications within 4-7 business days and faxes the EIN back to your return number.
This number is dedicated to EIN applications. Do not send other tax forms to it. The IRS routes each form type to a separate fax line, listed in the directory below.
Complete IRS Fax Directory
| Form | Purpose | Fax Number |
|---|---|---|
| Form SS-4 | EIN Application | 855-215-1627 |
| Form 2553 | S-Corp Election | 855-214-7520 |
| Form 2848 | Power of Attorney | 855-214-7519 |
| Form 8822-B | Change of Address | 855-214-7520 |
| Form 8832 | Entity Classification | 855-214-7520 |
For EIN-specific details, see IRS fax number for EIN. For the full fax workflow, see EIN by fax. Confirm any form-specific fax number against the current IRS instructions before sending, since the IRS updates fax routing periodically.
Tips for Faxing the IRS
- Fax during US business hours for fastest pickup
- Include a cover page with your return fax number
- Sign Form SS-4 on Line 7; an unsigned form gets rejected
- Keep your transmission confirmation as proof of sending
- Fax the form once; sending twice creates duplicate EINs
- Use a reliable fax service or ein.so for $49
For non-residents who cannot use the IRS online tool, faxing the SS-4 is the recommended method. Learn more about EIN for non-residents and review how to get an EIN for every method.
Comparison
How Does Faxing the IRS Compare to Other EIN Methods?
Faxing Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 takes 4-7 business days and needs no SSN, which makes it the standard route for non-residents. The IRS online tool is faster but requires an SSN. Mail is the slowest method at 4-6 weeks.
Each method sends the same Form SS-4 to the same IRS EIN Operation. The difference is the channel, the speed, and whether an SSN is required.
| Method | Speed | SSN Required? | IRS Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | Yes | $0 |
| Fax | 4-7 days | No | $0 |
| Phone | Same day | No | $0 |
| 4-6 weeks | No | $0 | |
| ein.so | 4-7 days | No | $49 |
The IRS online application closes to anyone without an SSN, so most non-residents land on fax. The international phone line issues an EIN the same day, but it forces a costly international call during US business hours and long holds. Faxing lets you submit on your own schedule and keep a paper trail. See the EIN processing time breakdown for each channel and the EIN cost page for a full price comparison.
Step-by-Step
How Do You Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS Fax Number?
Fax your completed and signed Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 with a cover page that lists your return fax number. The IRS reads the form, assigns an EIN, and faxes the assignment back within 4-7 business days. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN.
Complete Form SS-4
Add a Cover Page
Fax to 855-215-1627
Receive Your EIN
The most common rejection cause for non-residents is a missing signature or a malformed international address. The IRS rejects forms silently in many cases, so an error means a 4-7 day wait followed by nothing. ein.so reviews every field and reformats foreign addresses to an IRS-accepted style before sending. Review how to get an EIN for the complete workflow.
Non-Residents
Can Non-Residents Use the IRS Fax Number Without an SSN?
Yes. Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN use the IRS fax number 855-215-1627 as their main route to an EIN. Enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN and blocks non-residents, which leaves fax and phone as the options.
The fax method works for founders in any country. You do not need to visit the United States, hold a US visa, or obtain an ITIN first.
No SSN or ITIN Needed
Fax From Any Country
EIN for US Banking
Annual US Filing
The fax channel issues the same EIN as any other method. Once the IRS faxes your CP 575 back, your EIN is permanent and never expires. ein.so files Form SS-4 for non-US residents and does not provide tax advice; confirm tax specifics with a CPA familiar with non-resident matters.
International
How Do You Fax the IRS From Outside the US?
International applicants use the same EIN fax number, 855-215-1627, from any country. Online fax services send the SS-4 directly from a computer with no fax machine. Hotels and office supply stores also offer fax services if you prefer a physical send.
Online Fax Services
Hotel and Business Centers
Office Supply Stores
ein.so Files It For You
When you fax from abroad, dial the full number with the US country code if your provider requires it. Time your send to fall within US business hours for faster pickup at the EIN Operation center. For country-specific instructions, browse the EIN for non-residents hub and the Form SS-4 guide.
Troubleshooting
What If the IRS Does Not Fax Back Your EIN?
If 7 business days pass with no reply, the IRS likely rejected the fax for a missing signature, a bad address, or an unreadable transmission. Do not refax the same form, which risks duplicate EINs. Confirm the errors first, then resend a corrected SS-4.
Common Reasons the IRS Rejects a Faxed SS-4
- Missing or unsigned Line 7 (the IRS requires a signature)
- Malformed international address the IRS cannot parse
- Wrong fax number, so the form never reached EIN Operation
- Illegible scan or low-resolution PDF the operator cannot read
- No return fax number on the cover page, so the IRS cannot reply
Most rejections are silent. The IRS files the form away and faxes back nothing, so a long wait with no answer usually means an error rather than a slow queue. Keep your transmission confirmation; it proves the send date if you need to follow up.
Before You Refax, Check These
- Was Line 7 signed and dated? An unsigned SS-4 is voided.
- Did your cover page list a correct, active return fax number?
- Was the passport number on Line 7b entered cleanly?
- Did you wait the full 4-7 business days before assuming failure?
ein.so removes this guesswork. We review every SS-4 field, reformat foreign addresses, confirm the signature, and track the IRS response. If the IRS needs a correction, we handle the resubmission. See EIN processing time for realistic timelines and how to get an EIN for the full process.
Next Steps
What to Do After You Fax the IRS for Your EIN
- Open a US bank account — Mercury and Relay accept non-resident LLC owners with an EIN and passport
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned single-member LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Confirm you used the right method — review EIN without SSN and EIN for non-residents
- Compare costs and timing — see EIN cost and EIN processing time
Need an ITIN instead of or alongside an EIN? ein.so files ITIN applications for $197 Standard and $297 Express. The federal EIN/SS-4 process is stable, but tax specifics vary by situation; confirm with a CPA. ein.so does not provide tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRS fax number for EIN?
The IRS fax number for EIN applications (Form SS-4) is 855-215-1627. This is the single fax line for EIN applications. Every applicant uses this same number, whether US-based or international. The IRS EIN Operation in Cincinnati, Ohio processes faxed forms and returns your EIN within 4-7 business days.
How long does the IRS fax EIN process take?
The IRS processes a faxed Form SS-4 within 4-7 business days. The IRS faxes your EIN assignment back to the return fax number on your cover page. ein.so delivers Standard in 4-7 business days for $49 and Express in 2-3 business days for $97. The IRS charges $0 either way.
Can I fax Form SS-4 to the IRS from outside the US?
Yes. The fax number 855-215-1627 accepts transmissions from international fax lines and online fax services. Non-residents who lack an SSN cannot use the IRS online tool, so faxing the SS-4 is their main path. Use an online fax service like eFax, or let ein.so fax it for $49.
Is faxing the IRS for an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS charges $0 for an EIN by any method, including fax. Your only cost is the fax service fee if you use an online provider, or a flat $49 Standard fee if ein.so files for you. Avoid any site that charges an IRS fee; the IRS never bills for an EIN.
What do I include with my SS-4 fax to the IRS?
Include your completed and signed Form SS-4 plus a cover page with your return fax number. The IRS needs no payment, no passport copy, and no supporting documents to issue an EIN. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b. A signature on Line 7 is mandatory or the IRS rejects the fax.
Does the IRS fax number work for non-residents without an SSN?
Yes. The 855-215-1627 fax line is the standard route for non-residents without an SSN or ITIN. Enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS online application requires an SSN and blocks non-residents, which is why faxing is the recommended method.
What happens if I fax Form SS-4 twice?
Faxing the same Form SS-4 twice can create duplicate EINs or processing delays. Send your SS-4 once and wait the full 4-7 business days before assuming a problem. Keep your fax transmission confirmation as proof. If 7 business days pass with no reply, follow up rather than refaxing the same form.
Is the IRS fax number different from the IRS phone EIN line?
Yes. The fax number for Form SS-4 is 855-215-1627. The IRS international EIN phone line is a separate number staffed during US business hours. Phone applications can issue an EIN same day, but international callers face costly calls and hold times. Faxing avoids the call and works on your schedule.
Can ein.so fax my Form SS-4 to the IRS for me?
Yes. ein.so prepares your Form SS-4, faxes it to 855-215-1627, and emails your EIN once the IRS assigns it. Standard costs $49 with 4-7 business day delivery. Express costs $97 with 2-3 business day delivery. You avoid buying a fax service and avoid common errors that cause IRS rejections.
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