Question 1

Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?

Accepted Answer

No. Non-resident founders can get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN by filing IRS Form SS-4 by fax with a third-party designee (Anonymousllc.co handles this - Namira is our processing partner). US residents with an SSN apply online and receive the EIN immediately. The misconception that 'EIN requires SSN' is by far the most common reason non-resident founders incorrectly believe they can't get one. They absolutely can - the fax workflow exists exactly for this case, and it has been the standard non-resident path for decades.

Question 2

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

US residents with an SSN or ITIN: same-day, EIN issued immediately via the online IRS portal (we file for you). Non-residents without an SSN/ITIN: the fax channel to the IRS Cincinnati office publishes a 4-6 week estimate, and the IRS Taxpayer Advocate has reported actual backlogs stretching to 6-10 weeks during 2023-2025 - plan 8-12 weeks to be safe. There is no expedite option for the fax channel. We monitor and update you weekly via WhatsApp regardless of how long the IRS takes.

Question 3

Is the EIN service the same for residents and non-residents?

Accepted Answer

Same flat $99 price, same outcome (an IRS-issued EIN for your LLC). The application method differs (online vs fax) and turnaround differs (days vs weeks), but the deliverable is identical: a 9-digit EIN plus the IRS confirmation letter (CP 575).

Question 4

What does the EIN cost include?

Accepted Answer

Preparing IRS Form SS-4 with you as responsible party and our team as third-party designee, filing via the appropriate channel (online for SSN holders, fax for non-residents), monitoring IRS acknowledgement, handling any IRS callback or clarification request, and delivering the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) once issued. Re-filing if the IRS rejects (rare, included). Total $99 - no other fees, no upsells.

Question 5

Can I get an EIN before my LLC is formed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is better to form the LLC first so the EIN ties to the formed entity. If urgency demands it (e.g., you need an EIN to register for a payment processor before formation completes), EIN can be obtained for a sole proprietorship and later reassigned - but reassignment adds complexity. Better path: form the LLC and EIN together via our formation services ($397 Wyoming all-in already includes EIN).

Question 6

Do I need an EIN if I am a single-member LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes if you want a business bank account, hire employees, or elect S-corp tax treatment. The IRS classifies single-member LLCs as disregarded entities by default (no separate tax return - income flows to your personal Schedule C), but every US bank requires an EIN to open a business account. Stripe, PayPal, and most payment processors also require an EIN. Even if your LLC has no employees and you file no separate tax return, you almost certainly need an EIN for banking.

Question 7

What if my LLC is in a non-anonymous state?

Accepted Answer

EIN service is state-agnostic. We obtain an EIN for an LLC formed in any US state - California, Texas, New York, Florida, anywhere. No formation required to use this service - bring your existing LLC. We just need the LLC name, state of formation, formation date, and responsible-party information.

Question 8

Who is the 'responsible party' on Form SS-4?

Accepted Answer

The IRS requires every EIN application to name one 'responsible party' - the natural person who controls, manages, or directs the entity and its funds. For single-member LLCs, this is you. For multi-member LLCs, it's one of the members (the managing member). The responsible party's name and tax ID (SSN, ITIN, or 'Foreign' for non-residents without either) go on the SS-4. The IRS keeps this on file but does NOT publish it. State records remain anonymous; the IRS knows you. This is the EIN counterpart to bank KYC - federal identification, not public disclosure.

Question 9

What if my EIN application gets rejected?

Accepted Answer

Rare but possible. Common rejection causes: (1) duplicate EIN already issued for the same entity, (2) responsible party name mismatch with another IRS record, (3) SS-4 incomplete or inconsistent with state records. We handle re-filing at no extra charge as part of the $99. Most rejections resolve within 1-2 weeks of correction.

Question 10

How will I receive the CP 575 confirmation letter?

Accepted Answer

The IRS mails the CP 575 to the responsible party address on Form SS-4. For non-residents using our service, we have the CP 575 mailed to our office, scan it the same business day, and deliver via WhatsApp + email. The original is mailed to you on request (international postage may apply for some countries). Keep the CP 575 forever - banks ask for it every time you open a new account, and replacement copies from the IRS take weeks.

Question 11

Can I expedite a non-resident EIN?

Accepted Answer

No - the IRS does not offer an expedite mechanism for the fax channel, and no service provider (including us) can speed up IRS processing. If you need the EIN faster and you have an SSN, ITIN, or a US co-owner with an SSN, we can use the online portal instead for same-day issuance. Mention urgency on intake so we can flag whether that path is available to you.

EIN for any US LLC - $99 flat

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