Are You Thinking of Forming a Company in America?
Have you started your online or business project and need to open a US bank account or activate payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal?
Then you cannot complete this road without an EIN!
In this detailed article, we will explain everything about the EIN: what it is, why it is necessary, and how to get it easily and without complications, even if you live outside the United States!
What Is an EIN?
EIN is short for Employer Identification Number and it is also known as the employer identification number or the federal tax number.
This number is issued by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is used to identify your company, just like a national number or personal ID number, but for companies.
Why Do You Need an EIN?
Let us put it simply: without an EIN, you cannot:
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Open a business bank account in America.
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Use payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal Business, Square, and others.
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Hire employees inside or outside America.
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Pay taxes legally.
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Make official agreements in your company's name.
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Build a business credit profile for your company.
In other words: the EIN is the first real step in forming a US business entity that is officially recognized.
As a resident outside America, can I get an EIN?
The answer is: yes, and very easily!
Even if you do not have a US Social Security number (SSN), an ITIN, or even US residency, you can get an EIN for your company as long as your company is legally registered inside America (for example an LLC, C-Corp, or other).
Types of Companies That Can Apply for an EIN
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Sole Proprietorship
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a limited liability company (LLC)
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Corporation (C-Corporation or S-Corporation)
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General or limited partnership (Partnership)
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Nonprofit organizations
Steps to Get an EIN, Step by Step
1. Register the company first
You cannot get an EIN until your company is actually registered. You must choose a US state and form your company there, and most people choose states like:
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Delaware: for legal flexibility and low costs.
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Wyoming: no income tax on companies.
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New Mexico: preferred for privacy.
After forming the company (whether through a specialist company or a lawyer), you will get the official papers that prove your company exists, such as the Articles of Organization.
2. Choose how to apply for the EIN
You have 3 main options:
A. Apply online (for people inside America only)
If you are inside America and have an SSN or ITIN, you can apply directly through the IRS website and receive the number immediately.
But for foreigners, this method is usually not available.
B. Apply by faxing Form SS-4
This is the best-known method for foreigners, and works like this:
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Fill in Form SS-4 (available on the IRS website)
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Enter the company information, address, type of activity, trade name, owner, and so on.
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Fax the form to the number:
+1 855-641-6935 (for non-residents)
The response usually comes within 1 to 4 weeks.
C. Apply by regular mail (the slowest method)
This is the traditional method, but it takes 4 to 8 weeks. The form is sent to the following mailing address:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: ONE Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
How to fill in Form SS-4?
This is the part that scares most people, but do not worry, filling in the form is easier than you expect. The most important boxes to watch for:
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1. Legal Name of Entity: your company's official name.
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4a and 4b: your company's address. It is preferable to have a US address (it can be virtual).
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7a and 7b: the name and address of the responsible person (the company owner).
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9aEntity Type – Choose “LLC” or “Corporation”.
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10: the reason. Choose “Started a new business”.
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18: the number of employees. Put 0 if you have none.
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Line 11: the month the company started.
How Long Does It Take to Issue an EIN?
✅ If applied for online: immediately
✅ If applied for by fax: within 1 to 4 weeks
✅ If done by regular mail: 4 to 8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EIN the same as an ITIN?
No. An ITIN is an individual identification number for people who are not eligible for an SSN, while an EIN is for companies.
Do I need a lawyer or accounting office to get an EIN?
Possibly, but it is not necessary. If you are comfortable filling in forms and dealing in English, you can do it yourself. But if you want peace of mind and to make sure everything is 100% legal, we offer you the complete service.
So what is the benefit once I get an EIN?
Let us be honest:
You open a US bank account in your company's name
You activate US payment gateways
You register your company on sites like Amazon, Stripe, and PayPal
You build trust and legitimacy for your business
You can build a business credit profile
You separate yourself from your company financially (especially if it is an LLC)
Who Can We Help with This Service?
✅ Arab entrepreneurs
✅ Online business owners (stores, services, apps)
✅ Digital marketers
✅ Freelancers
✅ Anyone planning to enter the US market
Do You Want an EIN for Your US Company?
Do not waste your time with stress, searching, and long waiting...
At Ghayat Ltd. We offer you the service of issuing an EIN for your US company legally and quickly, filling in and submitting the form and following up on the reply until the official copy reaches you.
Without an SSN
Without an ITIN
Even if you do not have US residency
How Can You Contact Us?
Contact us directly on WhatsApp:
0095372851589
We give you a free consultation and do everything on your behalf from A to Z.
Summary
The EIN is the key to entering the world of US business.
Whether you are a marketer, a digital business owner, or even a hobbyist interested in expanding, do not underestimate this number!
Start your journey now with confidence, and let us help you form your US company from the first step.
