How to Get a FREE U.S. EIN as a Non-U.S. Resident in 2025 – Quick & Easy!

Last Updated on 3 weeks by Komolafe Bamidele

“I’ve been waiting 4 months for my EIN and still nothing from the IRS.”

This message lands in my inbox almost daily from frustrated entrepreneurs worldwide. 

While the IRS claims 4-6 weeks processing time, the reality for non-US residents in 2025 is a gruelling 3-4 month wait – if your application gets processed at all.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to struggle like many of my clients did before they found me.

 I’m going to share the exact process I’ve refined over a decade of forming LLCS for clients worldwide. 

These are the strategies that work in 2025 to get a FREE U.S. EIN as a Non-U.S. Resident, not outdated methods you’ll find elsewhere.

Why You Actually Need an EIN (And Why It’s Worth the Hassle)

First things first – let me tell you why this little nine-digit number is absolutely worth pursuing.

Just last month, I had a client from Singapore who formed his LLC but tried to skip getting an EIN.

 “I’ll just use my personal account for now,” he told me. Three weeks later, he called me in a panic because:

1. He couldn’t open a US bank account (they all required his EIN)
2. Stripe rejected his application (no EIN = no payment processing)
3. A potential business partner backed out (they questioned his legitimacy)

That EIN isn’t just some tax formality; it’s the key that unlocks everything else for your US business. Without it, your LLC is basically a fancy name on a piece of paper.

Trust me on this, as someone who’s guided hundreds of entrepreneurs, and getting it right the first time will save you months of frustration.

So what are you waiting for? Just get started with Bizee today!

The Brutal Truth About EIN Processing Times

I need to be straight with you about something that most formation services won’t admit: the IRS is incredibly backlogged in 2025.

 I had a client who waited over 3 months trying to get his EIN directly through the IRS website. 

When he finally came to me, he was furious that he’d lost a quarter of the year in potential business.

Here’s the reality I’ve observed working with clients from over 40 countries:

• Standard mail application: 3+ months (yes, really)
• Basic fax application without follow-up: 1-2 months
• Fax application with proper follow-up: 7-10 days
• Using Bizee expedited method: Often within 4-5 days

The difference comes down to knowing exactly how to prepare your application and, crucially, how to follow up effectively.

 The IRS doesn’t make this easy, but after doing this for thousands of clients, I’ve cracked the code.

The SS-4 Form: Where Most Non-US Residents Get Tripped Up

Let me walk you through the form that stands between you and your EIN. 

I’ve seen people make the same mistakes over and over again on this form, and those errors can cost you weeks of delays.

Here’s my line-by-line breakdown based on what actually works in 2025:

Lines 1-6: The Basics That Matter

When filling out the first section, have your LLC formation documents right in front of you. 

The name on line 1 must exactly match your Articles of Organisation, right down to the commas and punctuation.

 I can’t tell you how many applications get delayed because people write “XYZ LLC” when their documents say “XYZ, LLC” (yes, that comma matters to the IRS).

For your address, this is critical: use your actual international address for line 6 (County/State).

 The IRS needs to know you’re a foreign applicant. Don’t try to pretend you’re domestic – it’ll cause problems down the road.

Line 7: The “Foreign” Trick That Works

Line 7a is straightforward – that’s your name as the responsible party. For line 7b, this is the golden ticket for non-US residents: simply write “FOREIGN” in capital letters.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving it blank or writing “N/A” – I’ve seen the IRS reject applications for exactly this reason. 

When you write “FOREIGN,” you’re speaking their language and telling them exactly how to process your application.

Line 9: The Critical Classification Decision

This is where things get tricky. For line 9a, you need to select the right entity classification:

• If you have a single-member LLC: Check “Other” and write “Foreign-owned US disregarded entity“
• If you have a multi-member LLC: Check “Partnership“

Getting this wrong can cause tax headaches for years. I had a client who incorrectly classified his multi-member LLC as a corporation, and it took us months to fix the cascade of tax issues that followed.

The Three Ways to Get Your EIN (From Worst to Best)

After processing EINS for a decade, I’ve narrowed it down to three approaches. 

I’ll be honest about the pros and cons of each:

Method #1: The DIY Fax Method (Free but Frustrating)

This is how I started helping clients years ago. You’ll need:

• A completed SS-4 form
• A copy of your Articles of Organization
• Access to an online fax service (I recommend FaxPlus – about $5 for a month of service)

The trick here is to fax your documents TWICE on the same day. Why? Because the IRS frequently loses faxes, and sending it twice doubles your chances of getting through.

But here’s what separates success from failure: the follow-up call. After exactly 4 business days, call 1-800-829-4933. 

Press 1, then 1 again, and be prepared to wait (sometimes up to an hour).

When you reach an agent, don’t ask “where’s my EIN?” Instead, say: “I faxed my SS-4 form four business days ago and need to verify if it’s been processed.“

 This phrasing gets results because it signals you understand their process.

I’ve used this exact method for hundreds of clients, and while it works, it requires patience and persistence.

Method #2: The International Applicant Direct Line.

This is a method I discovered after years of dealing with the IRS, and it’s changed the game for my international clients.

Instead of faxing, call 267-941-1099 (the IRS International Applicants line). When the agent answers, say these exact words: “I need an EIN for my foreign-owned US LLC.”

The magic here is that for foreign entities, the IRS can often provide EINs over the phone immediately. Many agents will complete the SS-4 with you during the call and give you your EIN on the spot.

But be aware: this line is only staffed during US Eastern Time business hours, and hold times can be significant. I typically call right when they open (7:00 AM Eastern) to minimize wait times.

Method #3: Let a Professional Handle It (My Recommendation)

After a decade of helping entrepreneurs navigate this process, I’ve found that most people’s time is better spent building their business rather than battling with the IRS.

That’s why I’ve partnered with Bizee – they handle the entire EIN application process with the expertise I’ve come to respect. For just $70, they’ll:

• Prepare and submit your application correctly the first time
• Follow up with the IRS on your behalf
• Deliver your EIN typically within 7-10 days
• Provide ongoing support if there are any issues

Let Bizee handle your EIN application and save yourself the headache. I’ve negotiated a special deal that saves my readers more than $250 on their business formation packages.

My Top 5 Pro Tips for Getting Your EIN Faster

After helping countless entrepreneurs through this process, here are my insider tips:

1. Call during “business hours” – The IRS international line is least busy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 7:00-8:00 AM Eastern Time. I’ve seen hold times drop from 60+ minutes to under 10 minutes during these windows.
2. Use a VoIP service with US presence – If calling internationally, use a service like Skype or Google Voice with a US number. I’ve noticed IRS agents are more responsive when they see a US-based call.
3. Create a fax cover sheet with your contact info – Include your phone number and email on a cover sheet with “URGENT: EIN APPLICATION FOR FOREIGN-OWNED LLC” in bold at the top. This small touch helps your application stand out in the pile.
4. Submit during mid-month – Avoid the beginning and end of each month when the IRS is processing high volumes of applications. Mid-month submissions (10th- 20th) typically see faster processing times.
5. Have a backup plan for banking – While waiting for your EIN, research banks that allow you to start the application process while your EIN is pending. Some banks will let you begin the relationship with provisional approval, then finalise once you have your EIN.

What To Do Immediately After Getting Your EIN

Once you have that precious EIN in hand, don’t waste any time. Here’s exactly what I advise my clients to do within the first 48 hours:

1. Make multiple digital copies – Store your EIN confirmation letter in at least three places (email, cloud storage, and local device). I’ve had clients lose their only copy and have to go through the verification process all over again.
2. Apply for your bank account immediately – US banking options for non-resident LLCs are constantly changing and often becoming more restrictive. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of approval under current policies.
3. Register with payment processors – Don’t wait to set up Stripe, PayPal, or other payment systems. Each of these has its own verification process that can take time, so start them in parallel.
4. Establish a relationship with a US tax professional – You’ll need someone who understands non-resident taxation for your annual filings. Good professionals often have waitlists, so secure your spot early.

With Bizee, your EIN is just the beginning. Their packages include everything you need to properly set up your US business presence.

Why I’ve Partnered with Bizee After 10 Years in the Industry

I’ve worked with dozens of formation services over my career, and I’ve never endorsed one until now. Here’s why I specifically recommend Bizee for my international clients:

With Bizee, you can incorporate your business at just $0, plus the state fees, which vary depending on your state. For this price, you get services that other companies charge hundreds for:

• FREE Registered Agent service for the first year ($119-$299 value with other services)
• Unlimited email and phone support (crucial for international entrepreneurs dealing with time zone differences)
• FREE 30-minute Business Tax Consultation (invaluable for understanding your US tax obligations)
• Real-time order tracking (no wondering where your application stands)
• Next Day Processing (many other services take 5-7 business days just to begin)

After seeing countless clients struggle with other services, I’ve found Bizee consistently delivers the best experience for international entrepreneurs.

So what are you waiting for? Just Get started with Bizee today!

Final Thoughts: Is a US Business Really Worth All This?

I’ve guided entrepreneurs from over 40 countries through this process, and I’m often asked if establishing a US business presence is worth the effort. My answer is almost always yes, and here’s why:

The clients who pushed through the EIN process and properly established their US business typically saw:

• 30-50% increases in conversion rates when selling to US customers
• Significantly improved trust signals with international clients
• Access to financial tools and services unavailable in their home countries
• Protection of their personal assets through the LLC structure
• Simplified tax compliance compared to direct foreign selling

One client from India struggled for months with his EIN and almost gave up. Two years later, his US-based business generates over $2M in annual revenue, something he believes would have been impossible without establishing proper US business credentials.

The EIN is your gateway to legitimacy in the US market. It’s worth the effort.

Don’t waste months trying to navigate this process alone. I’ve given you the exact roadmap I’ve used for a decade, but if you want to save time and ensure everything is done correctly, let Bizee handle it for you.

Your future self will thank you for doing it right the first time.