What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need It?
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is like a Social Security number but for your business. It’s issued by the IRS and used to identify your company for tax purposes. Whether you’re a solo business owner or have a team of employees, most US businesses need one.
So, why do you need an EIN?
Here are the main reasons:
- Open a US business bank account
US banks will require your EIN before letting you open a business checking account.
- Register your LLC or corporation
If you’re forming an LLC or corporation in the US, you’ll often need to include your EIN in the paperwork. But most of the time, when people form an LLC or a corporation, they usually apply for an EIN at the same time or as part of the business registration process. You don’t need an EIN in order to form an LLC; it’s usually together.
- File federal and state taxes
The IRS uses your EIN to track your tax filings. You’ll also need it when applying for state-level tax IDs.
- Hire employees legally
If you plan to hire staff, an EIN is required to manage payroll and employee tax withholdings.
- Apply for business licenses
Some local and state licenses will ask for your EIN as part of the application.
For non-resident business owners, having an EIN is especially important. It allows you to operate in the US system, sign up for services like a US-based Stripe account or other payment provider, and access tools that require US business credentials.
Official IRS Processing Times (As of 2025)
The IRS offers multiple ways to apply for an EIN, but not all of them are equal when it comes to speed. In 2025, the processing time really depends on how and where you apply.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest timelines:
Online (For US Residents Only)
- Processing Time: Instant
- Who Can Use It: Only those with a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
If you’re a US resident with an SSN or ITIN, the online application is by far the fastest option.
Fax (Form SS-4)
- Processing Time: 4 to 6 weeks
- Who Can Use It: Foreign entities and non-residents
You fill out Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS. If all goes well, the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C) is faxed back to you.
Mail (Form SS-4)
- Processing Time: 6–8 weeks (or longer)
- Who Can Use It: Anyone
Mailing your form is the slowest method. If you’re outside the US, delays are common due to international shipping and IRS backlog.
Phone (International Applicants Only)
- Processing Time: Immediate (but getting through takes time)
- Who Can Use It: Non-US applicants only
You can call the IRS at +1-267-941-1099 (non-toll-free) to apply by phone. It may take hours to get through, and the agent will assign you an EIN during the call.
Keep in mind that this is for businesses registered in other countries not people in other countries who want to or have registered in the US. Like if you’re registered as a business in the UK, then you can phone in.
As of now, EIN wait times in 2025 are slower than pre-pandemic levels, especially for fax and mail. Backlogs still affect many non-US applicants, so patience and accuracy are key.
EIN Tracker and What We’re Seeing (From EINwaittime.com)
While the IRS gives estimated timelines, real-world experiences often vary. That’s why we built EINwaittime.com, a free community tool that tracks EIN processing times based on actual submissions from business owners around the world.
Why We Built It
Foreign founders and small business owners kept asking the same question: How long is the wait right now? With no public data available from the IRS, we decided to crowdsource the answer. EINwaittime.com collects voluntary reports from real users to give others a clearer view of what to expect.
Who It’s For
This tool is designed for:
- Non-US residents applying for an EIN via fax
- Founders who’ve already submitted Form SS-4
- Business owners who are waiting for IRS confirmation
Anyone preparing their documents and planning their timeline
What We’re Seeing Right Now (Live Data Snapshot)
Here’s a recent sample of what users are reporting on our tracker:
- Average wait time for non-US residents: 12 business days
- Average wait time for US residents applying with SSN: 1 business day
If you’re trying to estimate your own EIN wait times and fax duration, this live data can give you a better idea than IRS estimates alone.
You can visit EINwaittime.com anytime to submit your own experience or check the latest updates.
What Reddit Users Are Saying (2025 Quotes)
Sometimes, the most helpful insights come straight from the people who’ve been through it. We’ve gone through the latest Reddit threads from 2025 to find real stories from foreign business owners and solo entrepreneurs who applied for their EINs through the IRS.
Here’s what they had to say:
“Usually within the same day”
- “Ive gotten mulitple EINs, usually within same day. Must be out an of the country issue.” – a Reddit user on a thread at r/tax
“SS4 takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks”
- “I’ve heard SS4 takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks. I would try calling the IRS. I’ve heard that helps but at bare minimum will give you an estimated timeline.” – another Reddit user on the same thread at r/tax
“It can take up to 45 business days”
- “It’s definitely not unusual for EINs to take several weeks when applying from outside the U.S., especially by fax. The IRS generally states it can take up to 45 business days for international applicants, though timing can stretch depending on their current backlog.” – a Reddit user on a thread at r/smallbusiness
“Asked for EIN on 10th of February and got the EIN 13th of March”
- “I know of somebody who asked for EIN on 10th of February and got the EIN 13th of March.
EDIT: I remember that this person didn’t receive the IRS fax, ended up arriving to the state agent’s who autoscanned the correspondance. It was for a German guy living in Germany so international owner as well.” – another Reddit user on the same thread at r/smallbusiness
These real-life experiences show just how varied EIN processing can be. Some get their number within a few weeks, others wait over a month. Factors like location, timing, and even luck with IRS fax backlogs can all play a role.
Tips to Speed Up Your EIN Application
While you can’t directly control how fast the IRS processes your application, there are ways to reduce delays and avoid common mistakes, especially if you’re applying from outside the US.
Here are some simple but effective tips:
Double-Check Your SS-4 Form
Before sending it off, make sure:
- The form is filled out completely and clearly (typed if possible).
- You’ve listed the correct foreign address or US registered agent address.
- Line 7a and 7b (responsible party name and ITIN/SSN) are correctly marked — for non-residents with no SSN or ITIN, just write “Foreign” in 7b.
Any missing or unclear info could send your form to the bottom of the pile.
Use Fax Instead of Mail
If you’re applying from abroad, fax is usually faster than mail. Mailing your form to the IRS can take weeks just to arrive, and even longer for them to respond. The EIN waiting time mail route can stretch to 45+ days in 2025, depending on your location.
If you don’t have a fax machine, you can use an online fax service (like Fax.Plus or HelloFax) to send your application digitally. But these services come at subscription rates, so be sure to do your research.
Call for a Status Update
After 10–15 business days, it’s okay to call the IRS to check if your EIN has been issued. Use this number: +1-267-941-1099 (International Applicants). Be ready with your:
- Full name or business name
- Fax confirmation (if you sent one)
- Estimated date of submission
Sometimes they’ll even give your EIN over the phone if it’s been processed.
Avoid US Holidays and Peak Season
If possible, avoid applying:
- Late December to early January
- Around April (tax season)
- US public holidays
IRS employees go on vacation, so the IRS tends to receive more EIN requests during these times, which can lead to slower processing.
What If You Lost Your EIN?
Misplaced your EIN? Don’t worry, it happens more often than you’d think, especially if you applied a while ago or never received the confirmation letter. Thankfully, there are simple ways to recover it.
Here’s what you can do:
Search Your Email and Files First
Before reaching out to the IRS, try checking:
- Your email inbox for IRS communication or PDF files
- Any saved copies of your Form SS-4
- Documents you used to open a bank account or apply for a service
Sometimes your EIN might be listed on older forms, receipts, or third-party filings.
Call the IRS (Even from Outside the US)
If you really can’t find your EIN, call the IRS at +1-267-941-1099 (the number for international applicants). Tell them you lost your EIN and need a copy of your EIN verification letter (147C).
The IRS will ask a few questions to confirm your identity and business info. They can’t email the letter, but they will fax it to you or your representative.
No Fax Machine? Try an Online Fax Tool
Since the IRS doesn’t email 147C letters, the fastest way to receive yours is via fax. If you don’t have a fax machine:
- Use a digital service like Fax.Plus, eFax, or HelloFax, but it comes with subscription rates
- Make sure you give the correct fax number when speaking with the IRS agent
You’ll usually receive the 147C letter the same day if the request is made early.
Final Thoughts
Getting an EIN is a big step toward launching your US business, whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a non-resident owner. But figuring out how long it takes can be frustrating, especially with delays, unclear IRS updates, and outdated info online.
That’s why EINwaittime.com exists. We track real EIN timelines from real applicants, so you can get up-to-date expectations, helpful tips, and support from others on the same journey. Whether you’re faxing your form, applying by mail, or checking for updates, we’re here to help you stay informed and ready.
Visit EINwaittime.com to check the latest trends, share your own experience, or get started with your EIN application confidently.