Can You Get an EIN With an ITIN?

Why people think an ITIN is not enough

Two reasons. Some banks and some online guides say the IRS EIN application “requires an SSN”, which is a simplification of the real rule: it requires a valid taxpayer identification number. And the ITIN itself carries a reputation as a second-class number because it does not authorise work in the United States. Neither matters to Form SS-4. The IRS wants to identify the responsible party, and an ITIN identifies them.

What goes where

• Line 7b. Your ITIN, formatted as nine digits like an SSN. It always begins with 9.
• Line 9a, sole proprietor. The sole proprietor box asks for the owner’s SSN; the ITIN goes there instead.
• Line 9a, LLC or corporation. The entity box does not need your number; Line 7b already has it.
• Line 8c and the address. The online tool requires the business to be located in the United States. An ITIN holder living abroad with a U.S. business address can use it; one with no U.S. business location applies by fax, mail or the international phone line.

Application methods for ITIN holders

Online

Works. The tool validates the ITIN against IRS records the same way it validates an SSN. If your name on the application does not match the name on your ITIN record exactly, expect reference number 102 or 103; use the name exactly as it appears on your ITIN assignment letter.

Fax

Works, roughly four business days with a return fax number. This is the route when the online tool will not complete or the business has no U.S. location.

Phone

The international line is for applicants outside the United States and can issue the number on the call.

An expired ITIN

ITINs expire if they are not used on a federal return for several consecutive years, and the IRS has retired older number ranges in batches. An expired ITIN may fail validation online. It can be renewed on Form W-7; in the meantime, the fax route for an SS-4 is processed by a person and is more forgiving, though a renewal is still needed before the ITIN can go on a return.

What you cannot do with the EIN

The EIN belongs to the business. It does not change your immigration or work status, does not replace the ITIN on your personal return, and does not let you be paid as an employee. What it does is let the business open accounts, hire, and file as a business, which is what it is for.

Quick answers

Can I get an ITIN and an EIN at the same time?

Not in one application. The ITIN is a personal number from Form W-7, and it takes weeks. If you need the EIN sooner, apply for the EIN by fax with no taxpayer number for the responsible party, which the IRS allows for foreign applicants; how that works.

Do I need an ITIN to be the responsible party for someone else’s LLC?

The responsible party needs an SSN, ITIN or EIN if they have one. A foreign responsible party with none can still apply by fax or phone.

Will the bank accept an EIN obtained with an ITIN?

Yes. The EIN is the same EIN. The bank will separately verify your identity as the signer, and may ask for the ITIN letter and a passport.