Before we delve into the process of getting an EIN, let's understand exactly what an EIN is and why it's important for your US business.

What is EIN?

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit identification number assigned by the IRS to identify a business. The EIN is similar to a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals. 

Companies use EINs for tax reporting, opening bank accounts and business accounts in payment systems, going through tax interviews when registering accounts on various marketplaces, and other tasks.

Why do you need an EIN?

An EIN is necessary for your company in the U.S. for several reasons:

Opening a bank account for a legal entity: Most banks require an EIN to open a bank account in a company's name. An EIN enables banks to identify your company and link it to your financial transactions.

The same applies to opening business accounts with Wise, Payoneer as well as accounts with Stripe or Business PayPal.

Pass the tax interview: Without an EIN, you won't be able to pass the tax interview when you sign up for Amazon, Etsy, or Walmart accounts.

Working with suppliers: Most suppliers will require a company with an EIN. 

Employee Recruitment: If you plan to hire employees in the U.S., you will need an EIN to pay payroll-related taxes.

Tax Reporting: An EIN is required for filing tax returns and reporting taxes. Without an EIN, you will not be able to properly file tax forms and comply with IRS requirements. For a corporation, you can file a report with an EIN, but for an LLC, you need an ITIN.

Now that we understand the importance of an EIN, let's look at the process of obtaining one.

How do I get an EIN for a company in the USA?

You can get an EIN only after registering a new company in the United States. 

There are several ways to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for a company in the United States, depending on your status and the availability of your U.S. Social Security Number (SS#).

First method 

For those who have a U.S. Social Security number, the SS#:

Online via IRS: If you already have a U.S. Social Security Number (SS#), you can apply for an EIN online through the official IRS website. You will need to fill out the appropriate onlineform with information about your company, including its name, address, type of organization, and contact information for the person responsible for obtaining the document. After the application is processed, you will be assigned an EIN, which can be obtained online within 15 minutes.

Second method

For non-U.S. residents who do not have a U.S. Social Security number - SS#:

Mail or fax the application: If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SS#), you need to download Form SS-4 from the official IRS website. Correctly fill out this form with all the necessary information about your company and contact person. Attach the required documents and send the completed form by mail or fax to the specified IRS address. Processing of the application may take some time, usually about 2-3 weeks.

Third method

Seek professional help:If you find it difficult to complete Form SS-4 on your own or have additional questions, you can seek help from a professional, such as our company, or any accountant and lawyer specializing in USA tax law and incorporation. And if you contact us, our team will help you fill out the application correctly and provide professional support in the EIN process.

In addition, our company offers a full range of services related to company registration in the USA. Our experienced specialists will take care of all the necessary steps to register your company on a "turnkey" basis, from filling out and submitting the EIN application, to executing the necessary documents and providing legal support.

What documents do I need to obtain an EIN?

Before you start the process of obtaining an EIN, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents. Here is a list of the basic documents you will need:

1. EIN Application (SS-4):

The EIN application, also known as Form SS-4, is the main document you need to submit. In this form, you will provide information about your company, its legal status, organizational structure, and other details. As mentioned above, Form SS-4 can be downloaded from the official website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States.

2. Documents confirming identity:

You will need the following documents to verify your identity and the identity of those responsible for your company:

• Name, surname, and nationality data.
• Copy of driver's license (for U.S. residents). 
• Copy of passport (for non-US residents).

3. Certificate of incorporation of the company in the United States:

You will also need a certificate of incorporation for your company. This can be an official certificate of incorporation issued by the State Registration Authority. This is a document that confirms your legal existence.

4. Information about organizational structure of the company:

The IRS asks for the type of business the company is in.

5. Information about the company's activities:

IRS may request additional information,supporting your activities, especially if you have already started doing business in the U.S..

Important points

It is important to remember that an EIN has no expiration date and does not need to be renewed. However, if you change your address or company name, you must update your information with the IRS to avoid potential problems. Form 8822-B is used to update the information.

Also, for non-U.S. residents, there is a mandatory requirement to file an information report with the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year by April 15, even if there has been no activity in the company.

If you have any questions or difficulty completing the forms, our experts are always available to assist you with obtaining EINs or other tax forms and filing changes.

Conclusion

Obtaining an EIN for your company in the United States is an important step toward a successful business. This tax number allows you to conduct your business in accordance with US law and tax regulations. By following these step-by-step instructions and applying these methods of obtaining an EIN, you will be able to easily register a bank account, pass a tax interview and perform other necessary business operations.

Don't forget that if you have any questions or difficulties, you can always contact our experts for assistance in obtaining an EIN or completing other tax procedures.