How to Apply for an EIN Using Form SS-4

Getting an EIN is the very first thing you do after forming your US company. The IRS uses Form SS-4 to process your application. Here's how to fill it out correctly.

What is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number is like a Social Security Number for your business. Banks need it to open your account. The IRS needs it to track your taxes. You can't do much without one.

Who needs to file SS-4?

Every business entity formed in the US needs an EIN. This includes LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits. Even single-member LLCs need one if they have employees or file certain tax returns.

Walking through the form

Line 1 — Legal name of entity. This must match exactly what's on your formation documents. If you formed "Acme Holdings LLC" in Wyoming, write exactly that. Not "Acme Holdings" or "ACME HOLDINGS LLC."

Line 2 — Trade name. Only fill this if your business operates under a different name (DBA). If your LLC is "Acme Holdings LLC" but you do business as "Acme," put "Acme" here.

Line 3 — Executor/Trustee. Leave this blank unless you're filing for an estate or trust.

Lines 4a-4b — Mailing address. Your business mailing address. If you're international, you can use a US registered agent address here.

Lines 5a-5b — Street address. If different from mailing address. If it's the same, write "Same."

Line 7a — Responsible party. This is crucial for foreign founders. The IRS needs a real person's name — not a company name. This person must have an SSN, ITIN, or EIN.

Line 7b — SSN/ITIN/EIN. The responsible party's tax ID number. If you're a foreign founder without an SSN, you'll need an ITIN first, or you can use a US-based responsible party.

Line 9a — Type of entity. Check the box that matches your structure. Most foreign founders forming an LLC will check "Other" and write "Single-member LLC" or "Multi-member LLC."

Line 10 — Reason for applying. "Started new business" for new formations. "Banking purpose" if you already had an EIN but need a new one for banking.

Line 16 — Date business started. The date your entity was formed with the state, not the date you're filling this form.

Common mistakes

• •Name mismatch. The name on SS-4 must match your state formation documents exactly.

• •Wrong responsible party. A company cannot be its own responsible party. It must be a person.

• •Missing ITIN. Foreign founders often skip this. You need a valid SSN or ITIN for the responsible party.

How to submit

You have three options: online (US-based applicants only), by fax (4-business-day turnaround), or by mail (4-6 weeks). International applicants can also call the IRS at 267-941-1099.

Filing with UFF

Use UFF to fill out your SS-4 digitally. Pick the form, fill in the guided fields, and download a perfectly formatted PDF ready to fax or mail.