EIN from Bangladesh: How to Apply Without SSN or ITIN
EIN from Bangladesh is possible without SSN or ITIN. Non-residents of the USA are allowed to request an Employer Identification Number (EIN) via Form SS-4 and submitting it via phone, fax, or mail without going to the USA. You don’t have to visit the USA, and it’s free of charge. Most Bangladeshi businesspersons, freelancers, and online store owners who create a company in the USA need an EIN to open an American bank account, connect Stripe, and pay taxes. This article will discuss the procedure, requirements, mistakes to avoid, and assistance offered by Finset Formation on the topic.
Table of Contents
- What Is an EIN?
- Can Bangladeshi Citizens Obtain an EIN Without SSN or ITIN?
- EIN vs SSN vs ITIN: What Are the Differences?
- Who Needs an EIN in Bangladesh?.
- EIN Requirements and Documents from Bangladesh
- Why Doesn’t the Online Application Process of the IRS Work for You
- The Way to Get an EIN from Bangladesh – Step by Step
- Which Method is Better? Phone, Fax, or Mail?
- How to Complete the SS-4 Form as a Bangladeshi Applicant?
- Time and Money Required – How Long Does it Take and What Does it Cost?
- Mistakes to Avoid – Common Errors
- What Should be Done After Obtaining the EIN?
- Finset Formation Will Help You Get an EIN!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is an EIN?
The Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit tax identification number that is provided by the IRS. In essence, an EIN is a Social Security number for your business. The IRS will use this to identify your firm when filing taxes, and banks and payment platforms will use it to make sure your business is legitimate.
An example of an EIN would be: 12-3456789. It remains with your firm forever, as you neither have to renew it nor does it expire.
If you are Bangladeshi and trying to get your business running in the US, then your EIN is the golden key that will open doors for you. Without it, you won’t be able to open a business bank account at Mercury or Relay, or start using Stripe, or even file taxes.
Can Bangladeshi Citizens Obtain an EIN Without SSN or ITIN?
Indeed, Bangladeshi nationals may apply for the EIN without an SSN or ITIN. The reason is that there is no SSN system in Bangladesh, and the IRS is aware that millions of business owners abroad will never be able to get it.
The IRS addresses this problem in a special manner. Instead of filling in the online application form, the applicant uses Form SS-4 that should be filed by phone, fax, or mail. The box requesting for SSN or ITIN must contain only “Foreign” wording.
There is no necessity in having a US visa, a US address under your own name, or being physically present in the US at the time of filing. It is required to have a correctly registered.
EIN vs SSN vs ITIN: What Are the Differences?
Bangladeshi candidates often get mixed up between the above three numbers because each number represents a different taxpayer.
| Number | Who It Represents | Who Can Receive It? | Necessary For USA LLC Application? |
| EIN | Business entity | All legal entities, even foreign entities | Yes |
| SSN | Individual | United States Citizens and permanent residents that have right to work | No |
| ITIN | Individual | Non-residents that need to file US tax returns but do not have SSN | Not for the EIN application |
The ITIN is necessary if and when one is required to make a tax return of the individual kind, like filing certain treaty claims or claiming any personal income from the US. In the case of a regular foreign-owned single-member LLC, an ITIN may not be necessary just for getting the EIN or opening up a bank account.
Who Needs an EIN in Bangladesh?
An EIN is essential for any Bangladeshi citizen or firm owning a US entity. These include:
- Freelancers and agencies that require international payments via a US company bank account.
- Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and Shopify sellers that require a US company for registration in their systems.
- Start-up entrepreneurs who wish to form companies in Delaware and attract investments from the United States.
- Drop shippers and online store owners who need Stripe and PayPal Business accounts.
- Software developers and SaaS founders selling subscription services to US and European clients.
- Consultants and content producers seeking a professional business entity in the United States.
If you plan to run any of these through a USA LLC, the EIN is a required step.
EIN Requirements and Documents from Bangladesh
IRS doesn’t require you to submit any identity verification documents. They require true information to be filled in Form SS-4. When preparing for application process you should have the following information ready:
- Name of the entity as it is reflected in the formation document of LLC/corporation
- Formation documents, in case of LLC this will be the Articles of Organization
- US mailing address of the company, generally the address of the registered agent/virtual address
- Information of responsible party, including full name as it is reflected in passport and address of Bangladesh
- Type of the entity, such as Single Member LLC, Multi-Member LLC, C-Corporation, etc
- State of the formation of the entity, such as Delaware, Wyoming, New Mexico, etc
- Purpose of the application, in most cases “Started new business“
- Date of commencement of business
- Main activity of the business, such as consulting, ecommerce, software services, etc
The responsible party should be a genuine individual, an owner or the controller of the entity. Otherwise, there could be complications in the future in dealing with banks and the IRS.
Why Doesn’t the Online Application Process of the IRS Work for You
The IRS provides an online EIN application service, but it is only available for individuals who have a valid SSN or ITIN. In case you are a resident of Bangladesh who does not have any of these numbers, your application will be denied online.
It is the primary reason why many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are left frustrated. The online system is described by almost all US-based guides, and hence they assume that obtaining an EIN is impossible. But it is not true. The international applicants use the other channels of the IRS.
The Way to Get an EIN from Bangladesh – Step by Step
Follow these instructions to apply for an EIN without using SSN or ITIN.
Step 1: Organize your US business structure first. You will not be able to obtain an EIN until your business exists. Obtain LLC or corporation registration in Delaware, Wyoming, or New Mexico and await approval of your formation from the state.
Step 2: Obtain a US registered agent and mailing address. Every US business structure must have a registered agent in the state of formation. It is also the address that most applicants use as a company mailing address on the SS-4 form.
Step 3: Download Form SS-4. The form can be obtained free of charge on the IRS website. Print it or complete it as a PDF form.
Step 4: Provide all information in detail. Put down the name of your company, its address, entity type, and responsible person. In the box “SSN/ITIN” (Line 7b), enter “Foreign.”
Step 5: Select how you are going to submit your application. You should apply by phone for getting your EIN fast or fax for having a paper record. If it is the case, you may send it via mail.
Step 6: Submit your application. Inform the IRS agent about the information in your form if you submit your application by phone or just send your signed form along with the cover letter with return fax number.
Step 7: Get your EIN confirmation letter. It will be issued immediately during the phone conversation or sent by fax or mail in a confirmation letter (CP 575 or an EIN assignment notice).
Step 8: Keep your EIN letter safe. Financial institutions and payment processing services will require it.
Which Method is Better? Phone, Fax, or Mail?
There are three methods to file the SS-4 for foreign filers.
| Method | Description | Process | Best For |
| Phone | Contact the IRS international line by phone and answer the SS-4 questions | Same day | Quick results |
| Fax | Send the signed SS-4 via fax to the IRS international facsimile | Approximately 4 business days | Applicants who need a paper record |
| Mail the signed SS-4 to the IRS EIN International Operation in Cincinnati | Approximately 4-6 weeks | If other two fail |
The phone is the quickest way. The contact number for the international taxpayer assistance service is 267-941-1099. This is not a free call, and it operates from Monday to Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST. The caller needs to be authorized to represent the entity.
Faxes are a good alternative if you do not manage to reach the IRS by phone. The international applicant uses the specific fax number indicated in the SS-4 instruction of the IRS. Check the number on the IRS website before faxing. Make sure you include a cover sheet and return fax number so that the IRS sends back the EIN.
Sending by mail is the slowest option. The form is sent to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999, USA. This will take some time due to international mail service.
Calling the IRS From Bangladesh: Time Zone Hint
Bangladesh is 10 to 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the USA. During daylight savings in the USA, IRS will be available between 4:00 pm to 9:00 am in Bangladesh time. During standard time in the USA, IRS will be available from 5:00 pm to 10:00 am Bangladesh time. Lots of Bangladeshi people like to make calls during evening and early morning. In addition, midweek mornings are quiet in the US office hours.
How to Fill up the SS-4 Form as a Bangladeshi Person?
Most of the issues arise due to mistakes made in the SS-4 form. Below are some important lines of the form for an LLC owned by a foreigner:
- Line 1, Legal Name: Enter the legal name of the company in the registration document of your state, without “LLC.
- Line 4, Mailing address: Enter the mailing address of the company, which may be its registered office in the US.
- Line 7a, Responsible party: Enter the full name of the responsible person, who will match the passport.
- Line 7b, SSN, ITIN, or EIN: If you don’t have any of the above mentioned identifiers, write down “Foreign.
- Line 8a to 8c, Entity Information: Verify the status of LLC, number of members, and organization within the US.
- Line 10, Reason for applying: The reason should be “Started new business.”
- Line 11, Business Start Date: It could be the date of forming the company or starting the business.
- Line 16, Primary Activity: Select the activity that describes the nature of your business most closely.
Sign and date the form. An unsigned SS-4 is one of the most common reasons faxes get returned.
Time and Expenses Involved – How Long It Takes and How Much It Costs?
Cost: Obtaining an EIN at the IRS is entirely free. There is no fee required by the IRS for international applicants. Watch out for websites that demand the IRS fee themselves, because the number is absolutely free to obtain. You pay the price only when you employ the services of professionals for filling in the application.
Time:
- Phone: issued during the call
- Fax: about 4 business days
- Mail: about 4 to 6 weeks
How long your process will take also depends on the state’s processing of the LLC application. Delaware and Wyoming generally act quickly, whereas there are some states which may be slower in their processes.
Mistakes to Avoid – Common Errors
Applicants from Bangladesh usually waste time due to certain mistakes. Watch out for those:
- Submitting the application before LLC approval : An already existing business is required by the IRS. Therefore, in case of no confirmation of LLC by the state, your application would be rejected.
- Submission through the web application: You will be rejected if you do not have either SSN or ITIN. Phone, fax, and mail would be the better option.
- Failing to fill out Line 7b: Enter “Foreign” to explain that there is no SSN or ITIN.
- Not matching the name: The business name in your SS-4 should match with the one in state records.
- Sending duplicate applications: Sending the same form repeatedly can result in rejection and delays.
- Naming the responsible person incorrectly: Nominee without actual power can affect the bank’s verification process.
- Missing signature: An unsigned form will be disregarded.
- Pay too much for the service: EIN is free from the IRS; therefore, make sure of the services you pay for.
What Should be Done After Obtaining the EIN?
Getting the EIN is important but still not enough – here is what you need to do next:
- Open a business bank account in the USA: Bangladeshi entrepreneurs choose to open their account using an online bank like Relay, or a Wise Business account. Your bank will ask you for the EIN letter, formation papers, and passport.
- Create your payment gateways: You can connect Stripe, PayPal Business, Payoneer, and other services to your American company when the bank account and EIN are set up.
- Register for the marketplaces: All major marketplaces like Amazon Seller Central, Walmart Marketplace, and Etsy require the EIN during business verification.
- Learn about your tax obligations: The LLC owned by a foreigner should annually file form 5472 and an optional pro forma form 1120 regardless of any income – the non-compliance leads to very severe sanctions, so prepare for it in advance.
- Maintain your registered agent and annual report in the state of formation.
Tax laws keep changing and depend on the individual circumstances, and hence it makes sense to consult an expert US tax professional regarding your situation.
Finset Formation Will Help You Get an EIN!
The process of filing SS-4, dealing with the time difference, IRS phone number, and the paperwork can be done by yourself, but it requires time and the need for many details to be accurate. Finset Formation is a firm based out of Bangladesh, which guides entrepreneurs like you to establish a US business confidently.
How Finset Formation helps you get EIN:
- The process of USA LLC & UK LTD registration: You will be registered in one of the appropriate states, like Delaware, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
- Mailing address and registered agent service: The mailing address that your company requires for the submission of SS-4 is arranged by us.
- SS-4 preparation & filing assistance: Your team will help you to prepare Form SS-4 and file it on behalf of your foreign company through the appropriate channel to the IRS, avoiding all the possible rejections and delays.
- Banking & payment account assistance: Once the EIN is obtained, we can assist you to obtain Mercury, Wise, Payoneer, Stripe, and PayPal accounts suitable for Bangladeshi founders.
- E-commerce launch assistance: Assistance with obtaining accounts on Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify platforms.
Rather than guess about your form being filled out correctly, you will be working with a team who is used to dealing with this kind of paperwork. When you need your USA LLC and EIN established from Bangladesh, then contact Finset Formation now for your business.
Frequently Asked Question :
Yes. You can apply for an EIN by phone, fax or mail using Form SS-4 and mark “Foreign” in the SSN/ITIN section. You do not need any SSN here.
No. An ITIN is not needed in order to apply for an EIN for your LLC. Those are two different numbers and you can apply for one without having the other one.
Yes. There is no charge on EIN issuing by the IRS. In case you use a professional help, you have to pay them.
Over the phone, you receive the EIN during the same call. Using fax, it usually takes four business days, and by mail – four to six weeks
No. Your LLC has to be a legal entity already. Finish the registration process and after that apply for an EIN
In most cases, yes. Online banks like Mercury or Relay Bank support foreign LLC, and they will require your EIN letter, formation documents, and passport.
Yes and no. Each legal entity needs to get its own EIN. And there are some limitations on the number of EIN applications per day for one responsible party.
Firstly, find out why. In most cases, rejections occur because of the name mismatch, lack of signatures or any other information. Simply correct the mistakes and resubmit the application, or consult a professional.
Foreign single member LLCs are generally supposed to submit some information annually like Form 5472 and a pro forma Form 1120. Consult a US tax professional for more advice.
Sure, Finset Formation will help you to form your company in the USA, fill out the SS-4 form and obtain the EIN in Bangladesh.
Conclusion :
Obtaining an EIN in the USA from Bangladesh without SSN and ITIN is entirely possible. There is an IRS process for foreign applicants that is done via Form SS-4, as well as by phone, fax and mail. The key factors are: formation of the entity, using the word “Foreign” on the SSN/ITIN line, submitting correct information, and choosing the fastest way of obtaining.
Once your EIN is ready, you can move forward with your US bank account, payment gateways, and marketplace registrations. If you want expert help at every step, Finset Formation is ready to guide you from company registration to EIN and beyond.
