How to Get an EIN for Your US LLC as an Indian Non-Resident (2026)

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's tax ID, issued by the IRS. It's the single most important number your company will have — you can't open a US bank account, activate Stripe or PayPal, hire contractors, or file taxes without it.

The problem: the IRS's online EIN application requires an SSN or ITIN, which most Indian founders don't have. That single restriction is what turns a 10-minute process for US residents into a multi-week process for everyone else. Here's how to navigate it in 2026.

EIN vs ITIN — Don't Confuse the Two

This is the most common point of confusion we see:

• EIN — belongs to your LLC. Required for bank accounts, payment processors, and business tax filings. Every LLC needs one.
• ITIN — belongs to you personally. Only needed if you must file a personal US tax return, claim tax treaty benefits, or in some cases open certain payment accounts under your own name.

You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. Most non-resident founders only ever need the EIN.

Step 1: Complete Form SS-4

Form SS-4 is the official EIN application. As a foreign founder with no SSN or ITIN, the fields that trip people up are:

• Line 7b (SSN/ITIN of responsible party) — write "Foreign" instead of leaving it blank
• Responsible party — must be a named individual (you), not the LLC itself
• Business activity description — be specific; vague descriptions cause processing delays
• Signature — the form must be signed by the responsible party; unsigned applications are automatically rejected

Step 2: Submit by Fax or Mail — Not Online

Common Reasons Applications Get Delayed or Rejected

• Missing signature on Form SS-4
• Leaving Line 7b blank instead of writing "Foreign"
• Business name on SS-4 not matching the Articles of Organization exactly
• Vague or missing business activity description
• Using a third party as responsible party instead of an actual owner

What Happens After You Get Your EIN

The IRS will mail you a confirmation letter (CP575) or, if you request it, a 147C letter that serves the same purpose. Keep this document safe — banks and payment processors will ask for it. Once you have it in hand, you're ready to move on to opening a US business bank account.