EIN vs ITIN: Key Differences and Application Process

Mar 31, 2024 | EIN, IRS, ITIN, US Tax | 0 comments

TIN - Taxpayer Identification Number

ITIN or EIN Which is required first, Your answer to EIN or ITIN, Yes You are eligible to apply for EIN without ITIN but not vice versa  

  • EIN – Employer Identification Number for LLC or INC 

  • ITIN – Individual Tax Identification Number for Individual taxpayers only.

ITIN Service and CP567 Possible reason for rejection

Can I apply for an ITIN for an LLC without an EIN?

No, To apply for the ITIN as an LLC or LLP or Inc Member then you need a valid LLC with EIN registered first before you can proceed with an ITIN application, Having an EIN for the US Corporation is mandatory to apply for ITIN.

Some agents in the USA who assist with US company formation have been under the wrong opinion the applicant would need an ITIN to apply for EIN which is not the case (watch this video for more details). 

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity. 

EIN can be used as a Federal tax ID to legally identify your USA-based business LLC/LLP/INC. If you are a Sole trader and resident in the USA and already have an SSN, you can use your Social Security Number.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

An individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) is a tax processing number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service, for resident and non-resident aliens, their spouses, and their dependents, if they are not eligible for a Social Security number. The ITIN is a nine-digit number beginning with the number 9, has a range of numbers from 50 to 65, 70 to 88, 90 to 92, and 94 to 99 for the fourth and fifth digits, and is formatted like a Social Security number (like this: 9XX-7X-XXXX). 

For more details on the ITIN and why you need to check this blog.

If you need to apply for EIN for a newly formed US-based LLC our team can assist in getting an EIN for your LLC without ITIN as we have helped so many of our clients to get EIN without ITIN over the past 10 years.

For more details on the step-by-step ITIN application work process by acceptance agents please check this blog.

If you have asked to provide ITIN or to complete Form W8BEN or W-8BEN E or require assistance with the ITIN application process for completion of the application, documents check, certification proving identity, foreign status the original passport via IRS Acceptance Agent. We can be of assistance for a reasonable fee. Our fee covers all the work processes listed on this blog.

Our team specializes in international expatriate U.S. personal tax return services. If you need assistance with ITIN Renewal/US 1040 filing for refund claim/FATCA Compliance work/FBAR FINCEN114 Filing, ITIN/ Form W7 Application/E.I.N./Form W8BENE or Certified Acceptance Agents [C.A.A.] services/1040NR U.S. tax filing for refund claim of excess 1042S / 8288A/ 8805/ W2/ 1099. We are happy to assist our clients in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective way. 

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