How to Get an EIN for your US Company from India: Step-by-Step Guide 

You're either already operating or aiming to set up a US company while you're based out of India, and the next step is completing your EIN application. One of the first administrative requirements that you'll have to take care of is applying for EIN registration. Simply put, an EIN is the business equivalent of a Social Security Number. You'll need it to file your taxes, open a US bank account, hire employees, and ensure your business is compliant. You don't have to be in the US to apply for one. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to do it.

What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need It?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to identify any business entity. While you don't need one if you don't have employees, the vast majority of businesses in the US (particularly LLCs and Corporations):

• Filing federal taxes
• Opening a US business bank account
• Applying for business licenses
• Working with US-based clients or payment processors

For non-US residents, the EIN is often the gateway to operating smoothly within the US financial and legal system.

Step 1: Ensure Your Company Is Registered in the US

To get an EIN, your business has to be registered in the United States. These conditions generally refer to:

• Is launching an LLC or Corporation in a US state (Most often: Delaware, Wyoming,  or California)
• Getting your formation papers (Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, etc)

You’ll need these details when filling out your EIN application.

Step 2: Understand Eligibility as a Non-Resident

If you're an Indian resident and you don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), yes, you can apply for an EIN. But you won't be able to use an online application to do so; you'll have to put in the application by fax or mail.

Step 3: Fill Out Form SS-4

The application form is called an SS-4. We advise the following regarding certain sections of this form:

• Line 1–2: Enter your company’s legal name and trade name (if any)
• Line 7a–7b: Responsible party details (usually you, the owner)
• Line 8a: Indicate whether your business is an LLC
• Line 9a: Choose your entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• Line 10: Reason for applying (usually “Started a new business”)
• Line 11: Date your business started
• Line 12: Closing month of accounting year (commonly December)

For non-US applicants, leave the SSN/ITIN field blank or write “Foreign.”

Step 4: Submit the Application

You have two main submission options:

Option A: Fax (Recommended)

FAX the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS at:

011-44-161-232-1220-(if calling from abroad)

Processing will normally be around 4-7 working days.

Option B: Mail

Send your form to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
USA

Mail applications can take several weeks, so fax is generally faster.

Step 5: Wait for Your EIN Confirmation

After processing, the IRS will issue a CP 575 confirmation letter. It will provide your EIN and is an important document for opening bank accounts and compliance.

If you used a fax, you will receive the EIN by mail back fax if you wrote your fax number.

Step 6: Use Your EIN Effectively

After receiving your EIN, you can:

• US business bank account (may need to prove beyond doubt).
• Create payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
• U.S. Tax filings.
• Create credit for your business.

Keep your EIN confirmation letter safe; it’s one of your company’s most important documents. Get your EIN Confirmation fast and stress-free with CompanyVista’s experts. We handle the process so you can focus on growing your US business from India.

Common Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

1. No SSN or ITIN
This is usual when you are not a resident. Make sure your Form SS-4 is complete.

2. Delays in Processing
Fax is faster than mail. Check your form carefully so you don't have mistakes that will hold up the process.

3. Banking Issues
Some US banks are physical. Look into a better fintech option, or an already-remote account by a different bank.

Pro Tips

• Use a US mailing address (sent through a registered agent or virtual office) as a middle point in engagement.
• Make sure you double-check everything before hitting the Submit button.
• See if you need professional assistance if you're not sure.

Conclusion

Obtaining an EIN in India may appear a bit intimidating initially, but it is not that difficult to get an EIN once you are on the path. Equipped with the required documentation and a lot of patience to get through the process, you can get your US company's operation up and running from anywhere in the world. This is one of the most important milestones, and you can do it from India. 

Ready to expand your business worldwide? Start your global business journey with CompanyVista today.