What is a US EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number), also called a Federal Tax ID, is the IRS identifier for business entities — the US equivalent of a company registration number. Format: XX-XXXXXXX.
When Do You Need an EIN?
You need an EIN if you:
- ▸Form a US LLC, corporation, or partnership
- ▸Want to open a US business bank account
- ▸Hire US employees
- ▸Need to file US business tax returns (1065, 1120, 1120-S)
- ▸Apply for state business licenses
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN
| Number | Issued to | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SSN | US citizens/residents | Personal tax & employment |
| ITIN | Foreign individuals | Personal tax filing only |
| EIN | Business entities | Business tax, banking, payroll |
A foreign entrepreneur can get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
How to Get an EIN from France
Option 1: Online (SSN or ITIN required)
Fast (instant) but only available if the Responsible Party has a US SSN or ITIN. Not available to most French entrepreneurs.
Option 2: International Phone Call (Recommended)
Call the IRS at +1 (267) 941-1099
- ▸Hours: Mon–Fri 6am–11pm Eastern Time
- ▸Have Form SS-4 fully completed before calling
- ▸You receive the EIN verbally during the call
- ▸Written confirmation (CP575) arrives in 4–6 weeks
Option 3: Fax
Fax SS-4 to +1 (855) 215-1627 → EIN in ~4 business days.
Option 4: Mail
Allow 4–6 weeks (not recommended for urgent situations).
Form SS-4 Key Fields
- ▸Legal name of your entity
- ▸Type of entity (LLC, corporation, partnership…)
- ▸State of incorporation
- ▸Responsible Party (the controlling individual — can be a foreign person without SSN)
- ▸Reason for applying
- ▸Principal activity
Practical Example: French Developer with a Delaware LLC
Thomas (Paris) forms a Delaware LLC to invoice US clients. No SSN.
- ▸LLC formed via registered agent (~$150/year)
- ▸SS-4 prepared
- ▸Calls IRS — EIN received in 45 minutes
- ▸Opens Mercury Bank account online
- ▸Bills US clients in USD, reports French income normally
Common Mistakes
- ▸Trying to apply online without an SSN → will fail
- ▸Not having SS-4 ready before calling IRS
- ▸Forgetting to write down the EIN during the call
- ▸Confusing the LLC's EIN with a personal ITIN
FAQ
Does an EIN expire? No. Unlike an ITIN, an EIN is permanent.
Do I need an EIN for a single-member LLC? Not always for federal tax, but yes for US banking and if you have employees.
Can I get an EIN if my LLC is in Wyoming but I live in France? Yes — the state of incorporation doesn't affect the EIN process.
Contact Hayot Expertise
Our specialists prepare your SS-4, assist with the IRS call, and coordinate with your LLC formation and US bank account opening.
📞 Contact us to get your US EIN quickly — no stress, no language barrier.
Article written by Hayot Expertise
Chartered Accountant, registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
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