> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ken-turner-notes.gitbook.io/foreign-owned-single-member-llc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ken-turner-notes.gitbook.io/foreign-owned-single-member-llc/ein.md).

# EIN

The EIN is the LLC's federal tax number, needed for Form 5472 and for the bank. The IRS never charges a fee for it.

## 3.1 Why a foreign owned SMLLC can't use the online tool

The IRS online EIN tool needs a US principal place of business and a responsible party with an SSN or ITIN. A foreign owned single member LLC usually fails both tests, so the IRS sends you to phone, fax or mail.

## 3.2 The three SS-4 routes

Per the [IRS Form SS-4 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4):

1. **Phone:** 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern. Only international applicants can use this line, and the caller must be authorized to receive the EIN.
2. **Fax:** 304-707-9471 from outside the US. With a return fax number on the form, the EIN generally comes back within 4 business days.
3. **Mail:** Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Expect approximately 4 weeks. The IRS warns that high inventory levels may delay processing.

## 3.3 Three lines that matter on the SS-4

* **Line 7b:** if the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN and is not eligible for one, enter "foreign" or N/A. You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN.
* **Responsible party:** the person who ultimately owns or controls the LLC. For a foreign owned single member LLC, that is normally you.
* **One form only:** file one SS-4. A business entity should have only one EIN.

> **Tip:** If a return falls due before the EIN arrives, the IRS lets you write "Applied For" and the application date in the EIN space.

## 3.4 If you would rather hand it off

CORPBOLT includes the EIN on its Launch plan with standard IRS processing, which takes 6-8 weeks on average. Rush EIN gets it done within 5 business days; it is sold as an add-on and comes included on Concierge.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://ken-turner-notes.gitbook.io/foreign-owned-single-member-llc/ein.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.