Yes. Sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, trusts and estates can all get an EIN. For a non-US founder, though, an EIN without a US company rarely opens a US business bank account or a Stripe account, because those want a US entity.
The IRS issues EINs to many kinds of taxpayers, including sole proprietors with no company at all. A sole proprietor might want one to hire staff or to avoid giving clients a personal tax number.
A US business bank account and a US Stripe account ask for a US entity: an LLC or corporation formed in a state, with its formation document and its own EIN. An EIN issued to you as a foreign sole proprietor does not give you that. In practice, founders outside the US who want US banking and payments form an LLC first and get the EIN in the LLC's name.
The IRS online application only works for applicants with an SSN or ITIN. Without one, you file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. Applicants with no US address or place of business can also apply by phone on 267-941-1099. Standard processing for non-resident applicants often takes several weeks.
Our guide on how to register your LLC with the IRS covers Form SS-4 line by line.
Get your EIN without an SSN
We prepare and file your SS-4 with the IRS and send you the official EIN letter.
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