i wanted to start a us llc . i am not living in us , i opted to use some professional services , i received this email saying :
how can this be possible ? is this a legit EIN ? how they can do it while everyone says getting EIN will take weeks ?
do you think during this COVID time i can get EIN number as fast as 24 hours really ?
My answer will:
1️⃣ Give you a straight answer on how EINs work for non-U.S. residents
2️⃣ Explain how some services appear to get EINs fast — and why that can be a problem
3️⃣ Point out what others said that’s technically correct but not explained clearly enough
✅ TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
❌ No, you cannot get a legitimate EIN in 24 hours as a non-U.S. resident without a U.S. SSN or ITIN, unless someone else applies on your behalf using their own information — which is risky and possibly illegal.
✅ If you’re applying as a non-resident with no SSN, the only proper way is by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS, and as of COVID/post-COVID delays, it takes about 6–10 weeks, sometimes more.
If someone says they can get you an EIN instantly, they may be:
Using a nominee’s SSN (against IRS rules)
Reusing a previously issued EIN (not valid for you)
Or submitting the form electronically with a U.S. person’s details, not yours
🧠 Full Explanation
📝 1. What Is an EIN and How Can Non-U.S. Residents Get One?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a tax ID issued by the IRS to identify businesses — like an SSN but for companies.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident, and don’t have an SSN or ITIN:
You must submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail
You cannot apply online as a foreigner
IRS agents manually review your application
✅ Before COVID, this took 1–2 weeks by fax
❌ During and after COVID, it takes 6–10 weeks, sometimes longer
🚨 2. So How Can Some Companies Say “24 Hours”?
Some paid services claim to offer fast EINs by:
Using a U.S. employee or nominee’s SSN to file it electronically (against IRS policy)
Listing themselves as the responsible party, then changing it later
Submitting false information to speed things up
⚠️ These EINs might work temporarily to open accounts — but if the IRS audits the business, it could be:
Shut down
Fined
Marked with compliance red flags
It’s like building a business on shaky paperwork- Don't Do It!
✅ 3. The Safe and Legal Way
If you’re a non-resident:
Fill out Form SS-4 (with yourself as the responsible party)
Fax it to the IRS at +1 855-215-1627 (for international applicants)
Wait for your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575)
You can authorize someone (like a U.S. CPA or attorney) to act on your behalf — but they must still list you, not themselves, as the responsible party.
✅ That’s legal
❌ Nominee or fake SSN shortcuts are not
🔍 What the Other Answer Got Right (and Missed)
✅ They correctly pointed out the nominee issue and COVID delays
❌ didn’t explain how services create the illusion of speed
❌ didn’t walk through a safe alternative or what to look out for
🧭 Final Word
✅ No, a non-U.S. resident can’t get a real EIN in 24 hours
✅ Be cautious of services promising speed — they may put your business at risk
✅ If you want your EIN done right, fax Form SS-4 yourself or work with a CPA who files it under your name, not theirs
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