Guides
Getting an EIN without an SSN
Yes: a US LLC owned by someone who lives abroad can get an EIN without an SSN or an ITIN. It is not issued instantly in that case and usually takes 1–3 weeks. With Dottie the EIN is included in the $99 formation; for an LLC that already exists, it costs $79.
Key facts
- The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the 9-digit federal tax ID of your company.
- Non-residents can get it without an SSN or an ITIN.
- Without an SSN or ITIN it is not issued instantly: usually 1–3 weeks.
- Included in Dottie's $99 LLC formation. EIN only, for an existing LLC: $79.
- You sign the application (Form SS-4) on your phone; Dottie prepares and sends it.
What an EIN is
The EIN is a 9-digit number the IRS assigns to a business, in the format 12-3456789. It identifies your LLC for federal tax purposes, the same way a tax ID identifies a company in other countries. It belongs to the company, not to you, and it does not expire.
An EIN is not an ITIN. The ITIN is a personal tax number for individuals; the EIN is for the company. Your LLC can have an EIN even if you never get an ITIN.
What you need it for
- Opening a business bank account in the US.
- Signing up for payment platforms and marketplaces that pay a US company.
- Filing the LLC's yearly federal forms, such as Form 5472.
- Issuing invoices and tax forms as a US company.
How Dottie gets your EIN
- Dottie Prepares the SS-4 (the EIN application) with your LLC's details. 1 business day
- You Review and sign it in the app, on your phone. A couple of minutes
- Dottie Sends it to the IRS. Same or next business day
- The IRS Assigns the EIN. Dottie adds it to your company in the app as soon as it arrives. Usually 1–3 weeks
The IRS also mails an official EIN confirmation letter to the LLC's address. If Dottie is your registered agent, we receive it and upload it to your folder in the app.
What it costs
| Case | Price with Dottie |
|---|---|
| New LLC formed with Dottie | Included in the $99 formation |
| LLC that already exists and has no EIN | $79 |
Questions
Can a non-resident get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. An SSN or ITIN is not required to get an EIN for an LLC. Without one, the EIN is not issued instantly and usually takes 1–3 weeks.
How long does it take to get an EIN as a foreigner?
Usually 1–3 weeks after the application is sent to the IRS. With Dottie you can follow each step live in the app.
Is the EIN the same as an ITIN?
No. The EIN identifies the company; the ITIN is a personal tax number. You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN for your LLC, and Dottie does not process ITINs.
I already have an LLC without an EIN. Can Dottie get it?
Yes, for $79. You share your LLC's details in the chat, sign the SS-4 in the app and Dottie sends it to the IRS.
General information, not legal or tax advice. State fees and rules can change; Dottie always quotes the current amount before you pay.