Getting a US EIN from Morocco

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax number issued by the IRS, the US federal tax authority. Think of it as your US company’s “ID number”.

Without an EIN you usually cannot open a US business bank account or activate services like Stripe, PayPal, Mercury or Wise Business. It is the step right after forming your LLC.

Yes. As a non-resident with no SSN or ITIN, you can still get an EIN for your LLC. The IRS online application requires an SSN/ITIN, but non-residents use the paper SS-4 form instead.

You do not need to travel to the US or have a US partner. The company’s “responsible party” can be you, with your Moroccan passport.

1) Form your LLC first (Wyoming or New Mexico) — the EIN is requested in the company’s name.

2) Complete the IRS SS-4 form with the company and responsible-party details.

3) Send the SS-4 to the IRS by fax or mail (the online route is closed to applicants without an SSN/ITIN).

4) Receive your EIN on the IRS CP 575 letter. A Third Party Designee can handle it for you.

5) Then use the EIN for your banking and payment applications.

The SSN is a personal number for US residents and citizens.

The ITIN is an individual tax number for people not eligible for an SSN — useful for some personal filings, but not what your company needs.

The EIN is for the business. For an LLC, the EIN is what you need.

Timelines vary: by fax an EIN can arrive within a few business days to a few weeks; by mail it takes longer. Busy IRS periods add delays.

Common mistake: assuming an SSN is required — it is not, for a non-resident LLC.

Another: assuming the EIN guarantees Stripe or a bank account. The EIN is necessary, but each platform keeps its own approval criteria.