How to Get an EIN for a US Company from India
If you’ve recently registered U.S. LLC or Corporation from India, congratulations! You’ve completed one of the biggest steps toward expanding your business globally. However, your company setup isn’t complete yet.
The next important step is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
An EIN is your company’s federal tax identification number. It is commonly required to open a U.S. business bank account, file taxes, work with payment processors, and complete various business registrations. Many Indian entrepreneurs worry that they cannot get an EIN because they don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) or have never visited the United States. Fortunately, that’s a common misconception.
The IRS allows eligible foreign-owned businesses to apply for an EIN, and many Indian founders successfully obtain one every year without an SSN or ITIN.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get an EIN for a US company from India, who needs one, whether you can apply without an SSN, and the key requirements before starting the application process.
Quick Summary
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Can Indian citizens get an EIN? | ✅ Yes, if they have an active US entity |
| Do I need an SSN? | ❌ Not necessarily. Many foreign founders apply without one. |
| Do I need an ITIN first? | ❌ Not in every case. It depends on your tax situation. |
| Can I apply from India? | ✅ Yes. You don't need to travel to the U.S. |
| Is there an IRS fee? | ✅ No. The IRS does not charge a fee to issue an EIN. |
| Which form is used? | IRS Form SS-4 |
What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses in the United States. Think of it as the business equivalent of a Social Security Number (SSN). While an SSN identifies an individual, an EIN identifies a business for federal tax and compliance purposes.
An EIN follows this format:
XX-XXXXXXX
Although it’s called an Employer Identification Number, you do not need employees to obtain one. Many businesses with no employees still require an EIN for banking, tax reporting, and other business activities.
Why Indian Entrepreneurs Need an EIN
Thousands of Indian entrepreneurs form U.S. companies every year to sell products, provide services, or expand internationally.
However, your incorporation documents only prove that your company legally exists. An EIN allows your business to interact with the IRS and many financial institutions.
Many founders apply for an EIN because they plan to:
- File US federal tax returns
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- Apply for payment processors
- Hire employees in the future
- Register for certain state taxes
- Apply for business licenses
- Build business credit
- Separate personal and business finances
Whether you’re running a SaaS startup, e-commerce business, IT consultancy, digital agency, or professional service firm, obtaining an EIN is often an essential part of your business setup.
Can You Get an EIN for a U.S. Company from India?
Yes. Indian citizens can apply for an EIN without traveling to the United States.
This is one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask after incorporating their business.
If you’ve legally formed a U.S. company, you can generally apply for an EIN even if you:
- Live in India
- Are not a U.S. citizen
- Have never visited the United States
- Don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)
The IRS has procedures that allow eligible foreign-owned businesses to obtain an EIN.
Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes, many foreign entrepreneurs can obtain an EIN without having a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
This is one of the biggest misconceptions among first-time founders.
Many people believe they must first obtain an SSN or ITIN before applying for an EIN. In reality, these are different identification numbers issued for different purposes.
What's the Difference?
| Identification Number | Issued To | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | Businesses | Identifies a business for tax and compliance purposes. |
| SSN | Eligible U.S. individuals | Personal identification for employment and taxes. |
| ITIN | Certain individuals who don't qualify for an SSN | Personal tax identification for specific IRS filing requirements. |
Simply put:
- Your business gets an EIN.
- Individuals may have an SSN or ITIN depending on their circumstances.
For many foreign-owned businesses, not having an SSN does not automatically prevent you from obtaining an EIN.
Whether you’ll need an ITIN later depends on your personal tax obligations and business structure, not simply on the EIN application itself.
Key Takeaways
- An EIN is a federal tax identification number issued by the IRS for businesses.
- Most Indian entrepreneurs apply for an EIN after incorporating a U.S. company.
- You can usually apply from India without visiting the United States.
- Many foreign founders obtain an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
- An EIN is commonly needed for banking, taxes, payment processing, and business compliance.
- The IRS does not charge a fee to issue an EIN.
How to Apply for an EIN for Your U.S. Company from India
Now that you understand what an EIN is and why it’s important, let’s look at the actual application process.
Whether you’ve formed a U.S. LLC, Corporation, or another business entity, following the correct steps can help you avoid delays and receive your EIN as smoothly as possible.
Who Needs an EIN?
Not every business is legally required to obtain an EIN immediately. However, most U.S. companies owned by Indian entrepreneurs will need one because banks, payment providers, and tax authorities commonly request it.
You’ll likely need an EIN if you:
- Have formed an LLC or Corporation in the United States
- Want to open a U.S. business bank account
- Need to file federal tax returns
- Plan to hire employees in the future
- Want to use payment processors like Stripe or PayPal
- Need to apply for certain business licenses or tax registrations
- Want to build business credit under your company name
Good to Know: Even if your business has no employees, you may still need an EIN for banking and tax purposes.
Documents Required to Apply for an EIN From India
Before starting your EIN application, gather the necessary information. Having everything ready makes the process faster and reduces the chance of mistakes.
✅ U.S. company formation documents
✅ Legal business name
✅ State of incorporation
✅ Date of incorporation
✅ Business entity type (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.)
✅ Responsible Party information
✅ Business mailing address
✅ General description of your business activities
✅ Reason for applying
Expert Tip: Your business name and formation date should exactly match your incorporation documents. Even small differences can delay your application.
Step-by-Step Process to Get an EIN from India
Step 1: Incorporate Your U.S. Company
You should register company in USA either LLC or C Corp. If you’re unsure how to register company in USA from India, read our complete step-by-step guide.
Most Indian entrepreneurs choose states like:
- Delaware
- Wyoming
- New Mexico
- Florida
- Texas
You should also compare the best state to register company in USA for foreigner, as your choice of state can affect annual fees, privacy, taxes, and compliance requirements.
Once your company is approved, you’ll receive the incorporation documents needed for your EIN application.
Step 2: Complete IRS Form SS-4
The IRS issues EINs through Form SS-4.
The form asks for information such as:
- Business name
- Mailing address
- Business structure
- Responsible Party
- Business activity
- Number of expected employees
- Reason for applying
Take your time when completing the form. Incorrect information is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed.
Step 3: Choose an Application Method
The IRS offers multiple ways to apply for an EIN.
| Method | Available for Most Foreign Applicants | Typical Processing Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Yes (only if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN) | Immediate (if eligible) |
| Fax | Yes | Usually 10 to 15 business days |
| Not recommended due to long processing time | Usually 6 to 7 weeks | |
| Telephone | Foreign applicants calling from outside the U.S. (authorized to answer Form SS-4 questions). | Processed during the call |
Our Recommendation: For Indian owners without an SSN or ITIN, we recommend applying by fax, as it is generally the fastest and most reliable option.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Before submitting Form SS-4, review every detail carefully.
Check:
- Company name
- Responsible Party
- Mailing address
- Business structure
- Incorporation date
A careful review now can prevent unnecessary delays later.
Step 5: Receive Your EIN Confirmation
If your application is approved, the IRS assigns your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and issues an EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575).
Keep your CP 575 in a safe place, as you may need it for:
- Opening a U.S. business bank account
- Working with accountants
- Registering for tax purposes
- Verifying your business with financial institutions
This is the official name of the initial EIN assignment letter issued by the IRS.
Note: Apply as early as possible to avoid delays in opening bank accounts or setting up business services.
Real-Life Example: How a Bengaluru Entrepreneur Got an EIN for Their Amazon FBA Business
One of our clients from Bengaluru, India, wanted to start selling electronic products on Amazon US through the Amazon FBA program. Since they had no experience with U.S. business registration or marketplace requirements, they wanted a single partner to handle the entire process.
We helped them to open LLC in the USA for Amazon FBA, obtain their Employer Identification Number (EIN), and complete the setup of their Amazon Seller Central USA account. Once the EIN was issued, we also guided them through the next steps required to prepare their business for selling in the U.S. market.
By managing the entire process under one roof, the client didn’t have to coordinate with multiple service providers or figure out different requirements on their own. This allowed them to focus on sourcing products and growing their business while we handled the paperwork and compliance.
This is a common approach for many Indian entrepreneurs who want a simple and streamlined way to start selling on Amazon US without dealing with multiple agencies or service providers.
Common Mistakes That Delay EIN Applications for Indian Founders
1. Applying Before Your Company Is Formed
The IRS won’t issue an EIN until your LLC or Corporation is officially registered with the state.
2. Using the Wrong Company Name
The business name on Form SS-4 must exactly match your formation documents.
Example: Your LLC is registered as ABC Global Ventures LLC, but you write ABC Global Venture LLC on Form SS-4. Even this small difference can delay processing.
3. Selecting the Wrong Entity Type
Choosing the wrong business entity can create unnecessary IRS issues.
Example: Your company is a Single-Member LLC, but you accidentally select Corporation on Form SS-4.
4. Incorrect Responsible Party Information
The Responsible Party should be the person who owns or controls the business.
Example: Your father or consultant signs as the Responsible Party, even though you are the actual owner of the LLC.
5. Incomplete or Incorrect Form SS-4
Missing information or errors may require the IRS to request clarification.
Example: You leave the business start date blank or enter the wrong country of incorporation.
6. Applying Multiple Times
Submitting more than one EIN application for the same company can create duplicate records and delays.
Example: You fax Form SS-4 on Monday, don’t receive a response by Wednesday, and fax it again. The IRS now has two applications for the same company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common question about how to get EIN for US company from India
Can I Get an EIN for My US Company While Living in India?
Yes. Your physical location doesn't affect eligibility - the IRS issues EINs to Indian owners the same way it does to US residents, as long as you have a valid US business entity.
Is an EIN the same as a Tax ID?
In many business situations, people use the terms interchangeably.
However, "Tax ID" is a broader term that can refer to several different identification numbers issued by the IRS. An EIN is one type of federal tax identification number used for businesses.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN from India?
It depends on your application method - some Indian founders hear back within 10 to 14 days, others wait several weeks, mainly based on whether you go through fax or mail and how the IRS is running at the time.
Do I Need a US Registered Agent to Get an EIN?
Not for the EIN application itself. A registered agent is usually required for your LLC's state formation, but the IRS doesn't ask for one just to issue you an EIN.
Can I Use My Passport Instead of an ITIN for EIN Application?
Yes. Your passport works fine as proof of identity on Form SS-4 - you don't need an ITIN at all to complete the application.
Is US Global Startup Worth It for Getting an EIN from India?
It depends on your comfort level with the process - a good provider saves you time and avoids costly filing mistakes.
Can I Get an EIN for Multiple US LLCs from India?
Yes. Each LLC is a separate legal entity, so you'll need to file a distinct Form SS-4 and get a unique EIN for every business you set up.
Can one EIN be used for multiple businesses?
No. Each eligible business generally requires its own EIN.
Do Indian Companies Operating in the US Need an EIN?
Yes. If your Indian company registers a US branch, subsidiary, or entity to operate there, that US entity needs its own EIN, separate from any tax ID your Indian company already has.
How to Verify Your EIN When You Live in India?
You can call the IRS's Business & Specialty Tax Line from India, or check the confirmation letter (Form CP 575) the IRS mails or faxes you after approval - either one confirms your EIN is valid and active.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an EIN for a US Company from India?
Getting the EIN directly from the IRS costs nothing. If you'd rather not deal with the paperwork yourself, we handle the entire process for you at a flat $69, all-inclusive.
Should I File for an EIN Before or After Registering My LLC?
After. Your LLC needs to be officially registered first, since the IRS requires your entity's name and formation details before it can issue an EIN.
A Few Final Words From Experience
If you’re planning to get an EIN for a U.S. company from India, applying early and keeping your business records organized will help you build a strong foundation for long-term success.
If you’d rather not risk delays over a small paperwork error, we’re happy to handle the whole thing for you – quick, correct, and done right the first time.
