In this article, we’re going to answer “How long does it take to get an EIN?”
But, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to check out all of our other free resources for US LLC banking.
These free resources range from articles explaining account opening requirements, including how to request an EIN verification letter 147c to step-by-step guides for opening business bank accounts remotely.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- How Long Does It Take To Get an EIN?
- How Do I Get an Employer Identification Number?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
How Long Does It Take To Get an EIN?
It can take up to four weeks to get an EIN if you choose to apply by mail. However, US persons can get an EIN immediately if they apply online. Alternatively, US persons can also apply by fax, which can take four days to process. That said, foreign applicants must apply over the phone by contacting the IRS and speaking with an agent, which also results in the EIN being issued immediately.
How Do I Get an Employer Identification Number?
The process to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as the 147c Form from the IRS, is 100% free and provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, the exact process you will use to get an EIN depends on whether you are a US person or a non-US person. We’ll explore both paths below.
Get an Employer Identification Number as a US Person
If you are a US person you have the option to apply for an EIN or an EIN reference number 101 online through the IRS website, by faxing the IRS directly, or by mailing the IRS your completed documents. The online application process results in an immediate EIN being issued. If you apply by fax it can take four days to receive confirmation while applications via mail receive a response after a four-week processing period.
Get an Employer Identification Number as a Foreigner
If you are a non-US person, you only have one option to receive an EIN, which is to call the IRS directly and complete the process with an agent. For what it’s worth, this sounds much more intimidating than it is. IRS agents who handle the processing of EINs for foreigners are professional and follow a very specific process. So, if this is the only option available to you, you will be in good hands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking into how long it takes to get an EIN. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can You Get an EIN Instantly?
You can get an EIN instantly if you are a US person and apply for the EIN online. However, international persons must apply for an EIN over the phone by contacting the IRS directly.
Is Getting an EIN Number Difficult?
No, getting an EIN number is not difficult. Instead, it is a straightforward process that requires providing the necessary information about the company and the beneficial owner (or member). For US persons, the process is even easier because it can be completed online.
How Long Does It Take To Get an EIN Verification Letter?
You can receive an EIN verification letter immediately by selecting fax as the preferred delivery method. The fax is then immediately sent to you so it does not take you any time at all to receive the letter.
Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
If so, you can get access to GlobalBanks USA (our dedicated US banking service) in just a few clicks.
GlobalBanks USA is a 100% personal account opening solution. It provides direct access to our team of US banking experts.
When you join, you receive…
+ Expert suggestions on where to open US bank accounts.
+ Step-by-step support to navigate opening US bank accounts.
+ Direct introductions to helpful and responsive bankers.
+ Plus, detailed guides to maximizing the value you get from your new US bank account.
And “yes!” GlobalBanks USA helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.
In fact, GlobalBanks USA even helps non-resident US LLCs and foreign & offshore entities.
To learn more about GlobalBanks USA, visit the product page to see how our team can help you successfully open US bank accounts!
