Tactical guide
EIN application tips for non-resident founders in 2026
Practical tips for filing IRS Form SS-4 in 2026: avoiding common rejections, fax timing, and what to do if the IRS does not respond.
Use 'Foreign' in the SSN field
Line 7b of Form SS-4 asks for the responsible party's SSN, ITIN, or EIN. Non-residents write the literal word 'Foreign'. Do not write your passport number. Do not leave blank.
This is the single most common DIY rejection. Anchorage successor formation services prepare Form SS-4 correctly to prevent this.
Fax to the right number
The IRS international EIN fax number changes occasionally. As of May 2026, it is +1-855-215-1627. Verify before sending against the official IRS Form SS-4 instructions on irs.gov.
Use an online fax service (eFax, HelloFax, FaxBurner) if you do not have a fax machine. Most have free trial credit sufficient for one IRS fax.
What to do if no response
If the IRS has not responded within 5 business days, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line: +1-267-941-1099 (international). Be prepared to verify the entity (LLC name, EIN if assigned, responsible party identity).
If the EIN was assigned but the CP 575 letter never arrived, request a 147-C verification letter.
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