Guide · EIN
EIN guide.
The federal tax identifier every U.S. entity needs. What it is, how to obtain it — including without an SSN — and how to prove it to a bank.
01 · What it is
The federal identifier for U.S. entities.
The Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit identifier issued by the IRS to U.S. entities. It functions as the entity-level equivalent of an SSN and is required for U.S. banking, payment processor onboarding, tax filings, and virtually every downstream registration.
02 · How to apply
Two paths, only one for non-residents.
If the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN, apply via the IRS online EIN assistant. The EIN is issued at end of the session and confirmation is displayed immediately.
If the responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN — the standard non-resident case — submit Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS International EIN team. The EIN is issued by return fax, typically within two to six weeks.
03 · CP 575
The original confirmation letter.
CP 575 is the IRS notice issued once, by mail, when the EIN is assigned. It confirms the entity's legal name, EIN, and responsible party. Banks and payment processors expect to see it at first onboarding.
The IRS does not re-issue CP 575. If it is lost or undelivered, the replacement is a 147C letter.
04 · 147C
The verification letter for replacement.
147C is the IRS-issued EIN verification letter requested by phone with the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. It carries the same evidentiary weight as CP 575 for bank account opening and processor underwriting.
For non-residents, delivery is by mail to the address on file or by fax to a U.S. fax number. A U.S. fax-to-email service resolves the delivery constraint.
05 · Common mistakes
Where founders quietly lose weeks.
Submitting Form SS-4 by mail rather than fax. Turnaround for mailed applications is measured in months, not weeks.
Using a formation-provider EIN confirmation email in place of an IRS-issued letter. It is not the same document and is routinely rejected by banks.
Letting the responsible-party record drift. When the original responsible party is no longer reachable, 147C requests stall until Form 8822-B is processed.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?
No. Non-resident responsible parties obtain an EIN without an SSN by submitting Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS International EIN team.
Is an EIN the same as an ITIN?
No. An EIN identifies a U.S. entity; an ITIN identifies an individual for U.S. tax purposes. Non-resident founders often need an EIN and do not need an ITIN unless personally filing a U.S. tax return.
How long does an EIN take?
Online for SSN/ITIN holders: same session. Fax for non-residents: two to six weeks depending on IRS workload.
Operational coordination, engaged.
Brightincorp coordinates the operational sequence covered in this guide as part of every engagement — so the work is done, not merely described.