An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the nine-digit tax ID assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to every US business entity. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your company. You need an EIN to open a US bank account, file taxes, apply for business credit, and verify your entity with payment processors like Stripe. For US residents with a Social Security Number, getting an EIN is as simple as filling out a five-minute online form. For Pakistani founders without an SSN, the process is different — but entirely doable.
**Why You Can't Use the Online EIN Application**
The IRS online EIN application (available at irs.gov) is fast and instant, but it is only available to applicants who have a US Taxpayer Identification Number — either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most Pakistani founders have neither. As a result, you must apply using a different method: IRS Form SS-4, submitted by fax or mail to the IRS Cincinnati or Philadelphia Service Centers.
**What is Form SS-4?**
IRS Form SS-4 is the Application for Employer Identification Number. It's a one-page document that asks for basic information about your business: the legal name of the LLC, the mailing address, the responsible party (which will be you as the non-resident member), your foreign tax ID number (your Pakistani CNIC number is acceptable), the reason you need an EIN, and the type of entity. The form is available as a free PDF download from irs.gov. It must be completed accurately — errors cause significant delays.
**The Fax Method (Faster)**
The fastest method for non-resident applicants is to fax your completed SS-4 form to the IRS. The fax number for international applicants (without a US address) is +1-855-215-1627. After faxing, the IRS typically processes the application within 4–5 business days and sends the EIN assignment letter back via fax. This requires that you either have access to a fax machine or use an online fax service (eFax, HelloFax, or FaxZero all work). You will also need to include a cover sheet with your name and contact information. Once you receive the EIN assignment letter (CP575 or 147C), your EIN is active and ready to use.
**The Mail Method (Slower)**
Alternatively, you can mail your SS-4 form to the IRS. International applicants mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999, USA. Mail processing times are significantly longer — typically 4–6 weeks. This method is suitable only if you have time and do not have access to a fax service. We generally do not recommend mail for clients who want to open their bank account quickly.
**Common Mistakes to Avoid**
The most common mistake Pakistani founders make is leaving the "Responsible Party" section incomplete or incorrect. The IRS requires a real person's name and identification number in this section — not a company name. Use your own full name exactly as it appears on your Pakistani passport and use your CNIC number as your foreign tax ID. Another common mistake is providing an address that doesn't match the LLC formation documents. Consistency across all documents is critical to avoid processing delays or rejection.
**What Happens After You Get Your EIN**
Once you receive your EIN assignment letter, keep it in a secure digital location — you will need to share it repeatedly with banks, payment processors, and accountants. Some banks (like Mercury) accept a photo or PDF of the EIN letter directly during the online application. Your EIN never expires and cannot be revoked once issued, though the IRS can deactivate it if you fail to file taxes for an extended period.
**How Formazia Handles This**
The EIN application process is time-consuming and error-prone for founders unfamiliar with IRS paperwork. Formazia prepares and submits your SS-4 form as part of every formation package. We fill out the form accurately, send it via fax to the IRS on your behalf, and forward your EIN assignment letter to you as soon as we receive it. This typically takes 5–10 business days from the date of your LLC formation, so you can move on to banking without delay.
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Formazia handles everything — from LLC formation to EIN, bank account, and annual compliance.