Fill Out Form SS-4 Online
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN). Complete your company details, responsible party info, and generate the official IRS AcroForm PDF ready for faxing or mailing.
Business Legal Entity Information
Enter the exact legal name of the entity as registered with the Secretary of State or formation documents.
Must match the formation certificate filed with state authorities.
What Is IRS Form SS-4 and Why Do You Need It?
Form SS-4 is the official application issued by the Internal Revenue Service to obtain a permanent 9-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number.
An EIN is mandatory for corporations, partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and employers. Even for single-member LLCs with no employees, U.S. banks (e.g. Mercury, Relay, Chase) and merchant providers (Stripe, Shopify Payments, PayPal) require an EIN before activating payouts or corporate cards.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen living outside the United States who registered a Delaware or Wyoming LLC, you cannot use the IRS automated online portal (which strictly requires a U.S. SSN). Follow this proven 3-step route:
On Line 7b (SSN/ITIN), enter Foreign. IRS internal processing guidelines explicitly permit this for international owners who do not possess a Social Security Number.
Export the filled vector PDF using our generator, sign the applicant signature line by hand or with an e-signature tool, and note your return fax number.
Transmit your completed form to the IRS international fax number +1 (304) 707-9471. The IRS will review and fax back your official CP 575 notice.
Where to Submit Your Completed Form SS-4
Fax is the most reliable method for both domestic and foreign applicants:
- • U.S. Domestic Fax: 855-641-6935
- • International / Foreign Fax: +1-304-707-9471
If faxing is unavailable, you can mail the physical form to:
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Top 3 Mistakes When Completing Form SS-4
Line 7a requires a real living human individual who owns or controls the business. Entering another company name causes immediate rejection.
Single-member LLCs are disregarded for federal income tax. Check Line 8a "Yes" and Line 9a "Other: Single-Member LLC" to avoid incorrect partnership tax schedules.
If you fax your application without a return fax number, the IRS cannot fax back your EIN confirmation letter, delaying receipt by several weeks via postal mail.
This tool utilizes the official IRS PDF template for Form SS-4, matching the active authoritative standard released by the Internal Revenue Service. Review the IRS About Form SS-4 portal and official IRS instructions for official legal guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form SS-4 & EIN Applications
Can non-U.S. residents without an SSN apply for an EIN using Form SS-4?
Yes. If the responsible party is a foreign individual who does not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN, enter "Foreign" on Line 7b. Non-U.S. residents cannot use the IRS online portal and must submit their completed Form SS-4 via fax or international mail.
Where do I fax Form SS-4 to receive an EIN?
If your business or responsible party has no legal residence or principal place of business in the United States, fax the completed and signed Form SS-4 to the IRS international fax line at +1 (304) 707-9471. If operating within the U.S., fax to +1 (855) 641-6935.
How long does it take for the IRS to issue an EIN via fax?
If you provide a return fax number on Line 18 / signature section, the IRS typically faxes back your official CP 575 EIN confirmation notice within 4 to 7 business days.
What is the difference between an EIN, an SSN, and an ITIN?
An SSN is an individual identification number for U.S. citizens and authorized workers. An ITIN is for foreign individuals who must file U.S. tax returns but cannot get an SSN. An EIN is a federal 9-digit corporate tax ID used by entities (LLCs, corps, partnerships) to open commercial bank accounts and hire employees.
Do single-member LLCs need an EIN?
Yes, in almost all practical cases. Although single-member LLCs are disregarded entities for federal income tax, banks (Mercury, Brex, Chase) and payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal) require a federal EIN to open business accounts.
Is my business information safe using this online tool?
Yes, completely. PdfCompare operates an uncompromising Zero-Cloud architecture. All fields, addresses, and owner information are processed purely inside your local browser memory sandbox. Nothing is transmitted across the internet.
Important Government, Legal & Privacy Disclaimers
Regulatory Compliance • Non-Affiliation • Zero-Cloud Data Custody
PdfCompare is an independent document utility and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or an authorized agent of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the U.S. Department of the Treasury. All blank form templates provided are authentic, unmodified public domain documents sourced directly from official IRS repositories.
The step-by-step interactive wizard, field explanations, and treaty guidelines are provided for general educational and self-help informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, accounting, or tax advice. Completing a form on this site does not create an attorney-client or CPA-client relationship. Consult a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or tax attorney for specific counsel.
PdfCompare is not an electronic filing transmitter (e-file provider) and does not transmit forms to the IRS or state tax authorities. You are solely responsible for reviewing, signing, and delivering completed forms directly to your withholding agent, employer, platform requester, or the IRS per official instructions.
All document population executes strictly within your device's browser memory via WebAssembly and JavaScript. PdfCompare never transmits, collects, logs, or stores your Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), Foreign Tax ID, or personal data on remote cloud servers. Your tax identity remains 100% private and air-gapped on your device.