An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit Federal Tax ID issued by the IRS that identifies a US business for tax, banking, and payment processing purposes. Non-residents who form a US LLC need an EIN to open a US bank account, accept payments through Stripe or PayPal, and file required tax returns — even if the LLC has no employees.
What Does an EIN Actually Do?
An EIN functions similarly to a Social Security Number, but for a business instead of an individual. Despite the name "Employer Identification Number," an LLC does not need to have any employees to require one — the EIN is used to identify the business to the IRS, banks, and payment platforms regardless of staffing.
Why Non-Residents Specifically Need an EIN
Non-residents from Pakistan, India, and UAE typically do not have a US Social Security Number (SSN). An EIN allows these business owners to operate a US LLC fully without ever needing an SSN. Without an EIN, a non-resident cannot open a US business bank account or pass verification on most payment platforms.
What an EIN Is Required For
- Opening a US business bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business all require an EIN before account approval
- Accepting payments via Stripe and PayPal — both platforms require an EIN during business verification
- Filing US federal tax returns — required annually if the LLC generates US-sourced income
- Working with US clients — US companies paying contractors over $600/year need a valid EIN to issue Form 1099
- Applying for business credit or loans — most US lenders require an EIN as a baseline requirement
How LLCforPakistan.com Handles EIN Registration
LLCforPakistan.com includes EIN registration free with every US LLC formation package, regardless of which state is chosen. Other formation services typically charge $50 to $100 separately for this step, since applying directly with the IRS as a non-resident without an SSN requires submitting Form SS-4 by fax or mail rather than through the standard online system available to US citizens.
How Long Does EIN Registration Take?
For non-residents without an SSN, EIN applications must be submitted by fax or mail rather than the IRS's instant online system, which is restricted to SSN holders. Through LLCforPakistan.com, EIN registration typically takes 1 to 2 weeks after LLC approval, compared to several weeks longer when applicants attempt the process independently without guidance.
EIN vs ITIN: Don't Confuse the Two
An EIN identifies a business, while an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) identifies an individual person for tax purposes. A non-resident LLC owner typically needs an EIN for the business itself, and may separately need a personal ITIN if required to file an individual US tax return. LLCforPakistan.com offers both services and can advise which one — or both — apply to your specific situation.